Working in a team

[oversteer]

It's taken me a while, but I now realise; I hate working as part of a team.

Give me something to do, then feck off and leave me alone.

Anyone else think the same way? Unfortunately, as a developer, I doubt I could ever admit this in an interview.

[Mich the Tester]

It's taken me a while, but I now realise; I hate working as part of a team.

Give me something to do, then feck off and leave me alone.

Anyone else think the same way? Unfortunately, as a developer, I doubt I could ever admit this in an interview.

Yep, I felt that way for a long time. However, I was asked to manage a team for the first time about 10 years ago and quickly had to find out about group dynamics etc. Having done 10 years of management I'm quite happy to have individualists in my 'team'; it's up to me to ensure that they are given a set of work which fits their strengths. Some people seem to be very very good at one or two specialist tasks and need to be given the space to carry out those tasks; a good manager creates the space to do that.

[ItsQuickerAntiClockwise]

That theory is fine until you start needing help with your work, then you start wishing you were a bit friendly to the permie sitting next to you.

[VectraMan]

Anyone else think the same way? Unfortunately, as a developer, I doubt I could ever admit this in an interview.

I don't think that's true. I think one of my biggest strengths is that I'm happy to get on with it by myself. Maybe not all clients like that, probably the ones with BS methodologies and more PMs and BAs than workers, but if you're dealing with the type of manager who is just looking to get a problem solved, it's a positive.

I used to run a team, and I do miss it at times.

[xoggoth]

Absolutely. Team! Ech. The very concept is hideous.

[xoggoth]

The only downside of working alone can be there is nobody else to blame. Bit worrying if you've done all the coding and testing yourself and then find out the client has supplied the results of it to over 100 companies.

[Mich the Tester]

...if you're dealing with the type of manager who is just looking to get a problem solved, it's a positive.

whs

I need people who can get the job done.

[Paddy]

The last ‘team’ that I worked in (UK) was managed by a guy who wanted drinking buddies. The team were two faced; friendly towards him in his presence but talked behind back. Back stabbing went right through the team with the exception of the contractors who kept their heads down, did the work and invoiced.

In NL I contracted with a great bunch of guys and that was a real team many of the other guys became friends.

[Shimano105]

Nothing to add, just waiting for the Ass Guru to wittily and predictably call you all social misfits. He's a card, that one!

[MaryPoppins]

It's taken me a while, but I now realise; I hate working as part of a team.

Anyone else think the same way?

Yup. I mostly hate all people.