Everyone talks about “rockstar developers.” And sure you might need some of those but not many.

Usually, you’re looking for the software equivalent of the session or studio musician. The folks who can turn out amazing stuff in varying styles, but can do it all the time, on demand, consistently. They’re not going to have design philosophies, or manifestos, or lofty-sounding stuff in their bios.

They’re going to have code, and a long list of folks who say “this engineer, you want them. Really.”

@ctp @jeff I’ve always said I’m like Crash Davis from Bull Durham. I’ve been to the show but now I help bring along younger developers.

@fahrni @ctp @jeff I’m channeling Holger Czukay out of Can.

In all seriousness “rockstar developer” is a red flag, and I was hoping that the only people who still talked about them were recruiters.

Having consideration to your team’s personality mix, with software and musical groups alike, is absolutely a good plan. Here’s Meredith Belbin.