#31: Beware of a guy in a room
This is really a special case of “Don’t go dark” that’s worth calling out separately.
Once upon a time (actually three times upon a time, but I’m too embarrassed to recite all three cases), the best developer in our group was given the hardest assignment on a particular project. Wilhelm. Everybody agreed that Wilhelm was the best. He was the most experienced, imaginative, technically accomplished, and gifted developer on the team. Nobody questioned his talent or his judgment.
Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His stress was palpable.
When it was time for Wilhelm to begin his work on this most challenging feature, off he went into his office with the aquarium, the eclectic music collection (heavy metal ...
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