Developers as Problem Solvers (?)
These days, developers are often seen as problem solvers.
However, just because they solve problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the ones who can solve everything in a grand, heroic way.
The person who knows the policies best might be the Product Owner or someone in a similar role, but when it comes to how the product interacts with users internally, the developer who is directly building it likely knows best. This is because, in most cases, a lot of trial and error is required to complete a single feature.
A developer inevitably faces problems or even finds them. Developers, rather than being entirely positive, are likely to have a critical perspective. They might think, "Wouldn't it be easier and more efficient to reach the goal by solving this in a different way?" Solving problems through code is a key part of what a developer does. As they repeat this process, they naturally want to solve problems more effectively as their experience grows.
Is a company that motivates developers’ critical perspectives in a way that drives positive outcomes a good company? Or an intelligent one? It makes me think. There are many problems that other roles can solve, but developers might be the best at identifying issues that no one else can see—hidden in the blind spots. And when these problems are solved, the impact can be huge.
There are many reasons a developer might change jobs, but one of them could be when they feel like they won’t have any impact, even if they stay. If a developer is only asked to implement tasks without much involvement, they often get bored. Developers thrive when they are treated as problem solvers and given the freedom to think for themselves. 😅
Instead of saying, “I’ve already decided everything, just implement it this way,” a more respectful approach would be, “Ah, here’s the issue we’re facing, how do you think we should solve it?” Personally, I feel this approach shows more respect for developers. In fact, creating space for initiative is something that can foster a greater sense of achievement in any profession.
In the end, for a company to function well, its members need to be proactive. Organizations where a few managers are telling everyone what to do might struggle to produce impactful results. I believe that the value of labor truly comes into play when an individual feels that they are leading their work rather than just being told what to do. If someone is only doing what they are told, they may be becoming a slave to the work, rather than a contributor.