"Legacy Copycat Syndrome." You might not be familiar with this term, yet it's an issue that pervades many technological teams, resulting in quick, unsustainable growth of tech debt. Let's delve into what this syndrome is and how we can effectively combat it.
"Legacy Copycat Syndrome" is a behavior pattern that, while seemingly effortless and time-saving, can lead to detrimental long-term effects. It is the tendency to follow the exact steps or methods that predecessors have taken, without thinking through or understanding why those steps were taken in the first place. This approach might work in some aspects of life, but when applied to a technological team's operations, it can rapidly accumulate technical debt.
Code isn't a simple entity where "copy and paste" is the best strategy. Every change, even a minor one, demands a level of understanding and rethinking.
So, how can we avoid falling into the trap of Legacy Copycat Syndrome?
On an individual level, remember the adage "slow down to be fast." Afford yourself enough thinking space. If you find yourself with limited time, it can push your mind into survival mode, where you're more likely to replicate legacy processes mindlessly. Investing time in critical thinking is an effective strategy to combat this problem.
However, if time constraints are severe, you may have to rely on your daily habits. Therefore, ensure these habits veer away from the copycat mindset. This way, even in time-crunched situations where thinking isn't an option, your actions will be based on good habits, enabling you to steer clear of the copycat approach.
For teams, the strategy is similar but executed differently. Firstly, it's crucial to provide your team with ample time for reflective thinking. Pushing them to deliver without a breather is likely to breed copycat habits, which are not only difficult to spot but also challenging and costly to rectify.
If the team faces inevitable time limitations, you must rely on the habits cultivated previously. Daily practices play a significant role in shaping the team's overall performance and response to pressure. The most effective way to build good team habits is to ensure a consistent culture of thoughtful action and reflection, enabled by providing sufficient time for tasks.
Avoiding the Legacy Copycat Syndrome is challenging but indispensable for a highly effective team. When teams understand the importance of thoughtful action and are given the space to think and work at a manageable pace, the legacy copycat habit can be kept at bay. Remember, it's not just about achieving goals, but about understanding the process and making informed decisions along the way.
A well-thought-out strategy today can save you from a myriad of troubles tomorrow, so don't be a copycat, be an original.
