In every team I've been on, there's been at least one person who can't seem to get anything done unless they're wasting someone else's time. They often phrase it as "I just need someone to bounce ideas off of" or "I just need to talk through this with someone," but they usually end up sapping the time and energy of a highly productive worker who's too polite to say no. Sometimes that's me. It's especially bad if I go into the office, but even with WFH I get chat interruptions, etc. How do you keep such people at arm's length? Also, if you are a manager, how do you redirect such a person to make them more self-sufficient?
Sounds like you’re not much of a team player. Have you never needed a second opinion?
That is a fair point. I guess I'm not talking about people who occasionally need help (i.e. once or twice a day) but rather about the people who want to have many extended discussions and don't really make progress outside of those discussions.
If this person has 1 year of exp then it’s expected. Be a mentor and let your manager know you are. Win win for you and the employee that needs help
I think there is a difference between people that say I need someone to bounce ideas off of and someone wanting someone else to just do all the work. I for one miss the days of being able to whiteboard with team. Though I very much am in the don’t want to go back to an office type.
If you are a senior member, you got to spend time to bring them to speed. If you find that the person isn't putting enough efforts, give directions and ask the person to explore in that direction. You don't need to do walk them through complete stuff unless the person is a new recruit. Be kind and humble while doing this. It need to be handled differently if person is from different team. Your shouldn't spend considerable time with them without your manager prioritising it.
Top notch comment! Blind is kinda great
Idk I usually just help them out. I know it is a negative trait in tech / could hinder my career growth, but I really want everyone on my team to succeed and I have no ill will towards anyone. And love to help out. I’ve found that it goes against the culture here at Amazon though.
What you can do is ask your manager how they want to set the team up so that support is distributed or part of your responsibility. E.g. you become the lead on a project or there are office hours once a week or team meetings dedicated to get feedback, so that your expertise becomes more visible and rewarded.
Another option is to send your coworker to your manager for help. I think it’s legit to say at one point that you wish you could help but have no bandwidth as long as it’s done tactfully.
Every team you’ve been on? This sounds like maybe you don’t like to work with other people than there are “leeches” on every team. Team members bounce ideas off each other. Also if you’re seen as someone knowledgeable/skilled in an area then that’s probably why some teammates are coming to you.
If it is on every team that you have been on, it seems you are the problem. Maybe get an independent gig or something and work in a bunker ?
I wouldn’t say needing to talk to someone means you’re a leech.
You're not paid to help them . You're paid to deliver your own projects. Lesser deliveries will end you up having poorer appraisal compared to those who suck your time. Keep this in mind next time you get chat interruptions. Harsh world out there.
Understand that everyone has their learning curve, not everyone is going to be the same. Empowering your teammates without judging them is one of the best things you can do to your team/company.