Ok. So, You're Failing

Overview
The post "Ok. So, You're Failing" is a candid personal narrative by Rands about his first full-time QA role at Borland. He describes the excitement of being hired, the early encouragement, and the pivotal moment when his manager sat him down to discuss performance gaps. The story serves as a mirror for technical leaders to recognize early signs of struggle and to foster a culture of open feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Early enthusiasm can mask underlying skill gaps; regular check-ins are essential.
• Constructive criticism, even when uncomfortable, is a catalyst for growth.
• Leaders should create safe spaces for team members to admit struggles.
• Personal accountability and humility accelerate professional development.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers looking to improve performance review conversations.
• New software engineers transitioning from internships to full-time roles.
• Technical leaders interested in fostering a culture of transparency.
• Anyone seeking personal growth after early career setbacks.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• No specific frameworks are referenced, but the narrative aligns with continuous feedback loops and growth-mindset principles.