Chapter 21. Spread your workload

 

by John Hill

During my many years of experience as a team lead (albeit only recently in software development), I’ve seen other team leads “flog their workhorses.” In many team environments, there will be members who are less likely to willingly accept tasks they don’t enjoy—the complainers (they kick up a stink)—and those who get their heads down and complete any task that you give them—the reliables. I’ve seen many team leaders, including me in my early years, give the less fun jobs to the reliables, as there’s less chance of resistance and conflict.

In the short term, this strategy may work in your favor, but there are some repercussions:

  • The team as a whole may begin to pass work off to the reliables.
  • The reliables will eventually burn out.
  • The reliables will become frustrated, and you’ll more than likely lose their respect.
  • Internal conflict will arise because the reliables will separate themselves from the complainers.

The solution involves sharing the load equally. If you gave a “boring” task to Member A today, give the next boring task to Member B—regardless of whether they complain. This will build up a culture of equality, with every team member having their share of learning opportunities.

Roy’s analysis