Introduction: When Tech Gets Personal
In the fast-paced, often abstract world of technology, it's easy to lose sight of whether the problems we face are internal or external. You might have fallen into this trap: wondering if you're the problem in a team or if it’s the environment that exacerbates tensions. To answer this question, interviewing a similar team in another company can provide valuable perspectives.
The Cisco Experience: Tumultuous Beginnings
Let's rewind a few years: I was working in a DevOps team at Cisco. It was my first job out of college, and I quickly found myself frequently arguing with a friend who had recommended me for the position. Our debates covered everything from Git branching strategy to the very definition of "done" in a project. After two years of conflicts, I left the job and distanced myself from that friend.
The Insight: Interviewing Another Team
Curiosity led me to interview an infrastructure team at ngrok, a company primarily known for its developer networking tools. After resolving scheduling conflicts, I met the team for a series of in-depth interviews. This experience allowed me to gather 13 pages of notes and discover how other teams approach technical disagreements.
Comparing Team Dynamics
The ngrok team, composed of James, Stacks, Alex, and Sabrina, offered varied perspectives. For instance, James, who has been with them for four years, emphasizes standardization and improving developer experience. His hobbies, like photography and cat fostering, reflect his passion for balance.
Lessons Learned: Standardization as a Solution
One of the key lessons learned was the importance of standardization and open communication. The ngrok team uses standardization strategies to minimize tensions. This includes regular discussions and clear processes that reduce misunderstandings.
Conclusion: Finding Solutions Through Empathy
Interviewing another team not only revealed practical solutions but also helped understand that the problem can be as much in team dynamics as in individuals themselves. Taking a step back and seeing how others work can offer a valuable new perspective.
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