Are Quirky Developers Brilliant or Dangerous?

Mar 17, 2009, 04:02 (1 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Eric Spiegel)

"It isn't that they weren't smart. In every case, these "great" developers were the most talented in the group. Their intellectual abilities and problem solving capabilities were unparalleled.

"There were times when they were the only ones who could solve a problem that could have cost the company millions of dollars. Of course, most of those times were the result of code they designed or influenced in the first place.

"It wouldn't surprise me one bit if they created the impending disaster on purpose, so they could look like a hero.

"And unfortunately, in many IT cultures, hero worship is the norm. The same developer who wasn't quite the team player is now the one who management elevates to the head of the pack."

Complete Story

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