Crossing the Feedback Chasm - a Conversation with Ken Finnigan
Nov 11, 2024
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Ken Finnigan, a seasoned consultant and software engineer with over 25 years in the industry, dives into the crucial role of feedback in professional development. He discusses how the absence of timely feedback stunts growth and hiring practices, creating a 'feedback chasm.' The conversation touches on the importance of genuine networking, navigating job transfers, and the impact of feedback on team dynamics. Finnigan emphasizes that feedback should be viewed as a strategic investment, essential for personal and organizational success.
The lack of timely feedback in software development can significantly hinder professionals' growth and progression into new roles.
Organizations in the financial industry face unique challenges that require architects to navigate outdated technology while fostering innovation and compliance.
Deep dives
The Role and Evolution of an Architect
The journey to becoming an architect often evolves organically rather than through formal training. A prominent example is the guest's initial foray into architecture during high school, which led to a realization that such roles might not align with his interests. His career began with work on mainframes, progressing naturally through various leadership roles until he assumed architectural positions. This transition illustrates that experience, adaptability, and growth in various engineering roles can pave the way to becoming an architect.
Challenges in the Financial Sector
Working within the financial industry presents unique challenges, often marked by outdated technology and stringent regulations. The guest describes how organizations like banks can lag behind the technology curve, leading to frustrations when transitioning to modern systems. Despite these hurdles, such environments provide valuable foundational experiences essential for understanding core systems and processes. The inherent risk aversion in finance can stifle innovation, requiring architects to navigate governance and compliance effectively.
Understanding the Feedback Chasm
The concept of a feedback chasm highlights the disparity between the feedback received in current roles and the feedback needed for future opportunities. This gap can limit personal and professional growth, as individuals may lack the insights necessary to meet the expectations of potential employers. Most performance evaluations focus on existing job responsibilities rather than preparing candidates for future roles, creating a disconnect during the interview process. Bridging this chasm is crucial for individual advancement in careers as architects or engineers.
Importance of Effective Communication in Interviews
Effective communication is a vital aspect of interviews, both for candidates demonstrating their skills and for interviewers providing constructive feedback. Candidates should prepare to showcase their adaptability and willingness to learn, presenting examples of overcoming technical gaps in previous projects. Providing feedback in a supportive manner encourages growth while ensuring candidates feel valued as potential hires. This two-way interaction fosters a better understanding of expectations and can lead to more successful hiring outcomes.
Michael Stiefel spoke with Ken Finnigan about how the lack of feedback impedes the development of software professionals. Without feedback, the right candidates are not hired, software professionals cannot improve or grow into new roles, or individuals stagnate or regress in their current positions. Feedback must also be delivered at the right time - when it can be effectively used.
Read a transcript of this interview: https://bit.ly/4fjmLto
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