Talks
Speakers
Events
Topics
Search
Sign in
Search
Home
Talks
Speakers
Events
Topics
Leaderboard
Use
Analytics
Sign in
search talks for
⏎
Suggest modification to this talk
Title
Description
Betsy Haibel Pair programming can be hazardous if you’re from an underrepresented group. Bad pairs will keyboard-hog, ignore your ideas, and talk down to you. In this talk, you’ll learn how to rescue pairing sessions from bad power dynamics – whether you’re a well-intentioned jerk or their long-suffering pair. Betsy Haibel is the founding CTO of Cohere. She writes fiction and nonfiction in English, Ruby, and Javascript – among other languages – and co-organizes Learn Ruby in DC. Her lifelong ambitions? To meet a red panda, and to break down barriers between “developers” and “users.” #ruby #rubyconf #rubyconfau #programming
Date
Summarized using AI?
If this talk's summary was generated by AI, please check this box. A "Summarized using AI" badge will be displayed in the summary tab to indicate that the summary was generated using AI.
Show "Summarized using AI" badge on summary page
Summary
Markdown supported
In the talk 'Pairing with People Who Don't Look Like You,' Betsy Haibel addresses the challenges of pair programming, especially for individuals from underrepresented groups. She highlights the common negative dynamics that arise when individuals with differing backgrounds pair together, focusing on how unconscious bias can adversely affect the collaboration. Key points include: - **Understanding Power Dynamics**: Many pair programming strategies assume shared societal power dynamics, creating hurdles for those with differing experiences. - **Recognizing Negative Behaviors**: Common negative behaviors include keyboard hogging, ineffective listening, and assuming a teaching role without consent. Further, unconscious biases often lead to misjudgements and misunderstandings. - **Creating a Safe Space**: It is essential to create environments that prioritize active listening and consent, where underrepresented individuals can feel safe to express their ideas. - **Self-awareness and Reflection**: Individuals should be mindful of their comfort levels and the dynamics at play during pairing sessions. Self-checking can help manage situations before they escalate. - **Active Recovery Techniques**: Recovery from negative dynamics requires ownership of one's feelings and clear communication about behaviors. Betsy emphasizes the importance of sincere apologies and active listening to foster trust and collaboration. - **Modeling Inclusion**: Individuals, especially those with more privilege, must work to rectify inequities and support colleagues through active participation and empathy. Betsy shares a personal anecdote from Ruby D Camp, where she faced challenges in pairing with a male developer who underestimated her skills. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of recognizing and addressing such dynamics. In conclusion, Betsy advocates for ongoing self-reflection and awareness in programming partnerships to cultivate a more inclusive environment. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities allows for growth and more equitable interactions in the tech community.
Suggest modifications
Cancel
