So true. Not only is it annoying micromanagement, it kills the problem focus, so there goes 15 minutes of reengagement with the problem. Oh but there's a meeting in 30 minutes? Might as well get a snack and read a tech article now instead of finishing the microtask I was working on.
Pivotal also has thing where everyone is expected to pair program all the time. I think I would despise the environment but it’s clearly not for everyone, myself included.
You also need somebody good to pair with. It can be really infuriating to have to deal with someone who can't keep up but on the other hand if you work with someone you respect, it's great.
I was skeptical too, before I joined Pivotal Labs, but I love it. It's worth noting that it's a skill, or rather a collection of skills, that are much easier to learn from an experienced pair.
At the moment I have been on a solo allocation for about 6 months. It has let me go down a lot of rabbit holes, which can be educational. But I miss pairing pretty badly on days when I am working on straight regular development.
Same. I'd be pissed. I mean, if they have time to come by everyone's desk a couple times a day, WTAF are they doing and why are they getting paid for it?
Engineers got their work done despite the micromanage (to be clear, I mean despite and not because. Just in case any PM or manager is reading this and thinks micromanaging is why tasks get done)
Funny thing is, asking twice a day doesn't even make sense for the manager...
Of course, it relieves stress and stuff, but if you're THAT stressed because of the project and need constant reassurance from the engineers, you're clearly in the wrong job.
I had to lead a few engineering teams (wasn't a PM, though) and the only approach that ever worked for me was to check things out in much larger intervals, a week, sometimes even more. Actually treat engineers like adults and be an adult yourself. Let them come to you if they have a problem. Sample the progress in much larger intervals in order to reduce noise.