[hluska]

Part of life is getting to choose how we behave and what actions we model.

In a situation like this, we have a choice. We can be snobby towards junior developers. Or, we can be kind to juniors and push back at the management structures which brought in less than qualified talent.

When we follow the snobby path, we model that that type of toxicity is acceptable for senior developers. We also teach smart juniors that the best way to avoid our considerable wrath is to fly under the radar and avoid asking questions. How does that help anyone? I can point out several situations over my career where less experienced people have asked questions that exposed a gap in my thought processes. And I can point out more situations where relatively basic questions have turned into major teaching opportunities.

Or, we can follow a different path and ‘gripe up’. We can keep open minds about juniors and model kindness and approachability. And, we can tell management about our concerns and seek actual change.

I would rather model leadership than elitism.