The single difference between excellent and mediocre developers is this: excellent developers never ask permission to do their job.

If you had to name the chief difference between excellent and mediocre developers, what would you pick?

Would it be the quality of their code? Their expertise with a particular language or framework? Their insistence on testing? Their problem-solving skills?

If I had to pick a single difference between excellent and mediocre developers, it would be this: excellent developers never ask permission to do their job.

Nobody stands over a plumber and tells him to rush fixing a pipe. No competent plumber would stand for it. And neither should we.

Is a project going to take longer than the boss wants? Then, be honest, up front. Excellent developers don’t skimp or cut corners just to make their bosses happy; they explain the situation and offer solutions. They are professionals who are open, honest and straightforward. You should be, too.

Brandon Savage // @brandonsavage