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Sound familiar? The Rails ecosystem has grown in leaps and bounds, like the Java ecosystem did in its’ early days. So many languages, frameworks, plugins, engines, libraries and tools. So little time to deliver your new project. It’s tempting to hire a rock star who knows absolutely everything to get your new project off the ground. You can also hire "consultants" to help fill in the holes in your team when taking your existing product to the next level. Or maybe just hire a whole bunch of people for cheap, and they’ll get the job done... But did you ever consider the untapped wealth of the team you already have? In this session we’ll explore ways in which the average development team can explore, learn, teach, and grow, until the sum of members of the team is as great as any Consultant or Rockstar. Help us caption & translate this video! http://amara.org/v/FGfs/
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In the video titled 'Rockstars & Consultants, Who needs 'em?' presented by Lori Olson at Aloha RubyConf 2012, the central theme revolves around the necessity of rockstar developers and consultants in the tech industry versus the untapped potential of existing development teams. Olson begins by humorously illustrating the topic with anecdotes about her dogs before delving into the definitions and characteristics of rockstar developers and consultants. Key points discussed include: - **Definition of Roles**: Rockstar developers are portrayed as highly skilled, self-motivated learners who are super productive and often work under high pressure, whereas consultants possess deep knowledge in specific areas that can help organizations solve complex issues. - **Downsides of Hiring**: Olson outlines various risks associated with hiring both groups. For rockstar developers, issues include the risk of burnout, lack of loyalty due to the lure of high pay, and the potential for a culture clash. Consultants may lack commitment to a company's long-term goals and can often bring a different approach that may lead to communication issues. - **Focus on Team Growth**: A significant emphasis is placed on growing and developing internal teams rather than solely relying on external hires. Olson advocates that understanding and investing in existing team members' skills and circumstances can lead to a more effective overall team dynamic. - **Importance of Training and Engagement**: The session stresses the necessity for investment in training and creating a culture of continuous learning within teams. Engaging employees through shared responsibilities and knowledge-sharing sessions fosters personal growth and job satisfaction. - **Sustainability in Development**: Olson concludes by highlighting the importance of maintaining a sustainable work pace to avoid burnout and encourage exploration of new technologies, emphasizing that happy, well-trained employees result in a more competent team. The ultimate takeaway is that by nurturing and investing in current team members' development, companies can create a powerhouse of knowledge and skills that surpasses the temporary gains of hiring rockstars or consultants.
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