Don't be that person

Don't be that person in the company who knows everything and upon whom everyone relies. This individual is a fixture in many organizations, often with years of experience. While their expertise can be invaluable, problems arise when vital company information is solely held in their mind, with little to no sharing.

Is it driven by concerns over job security, difficulty collaborating, or lacking adequate tools? The reasons behind this behavior puzzle me.

When critical knowledge remains unshared or poorly documented, the company becomes vulnerable and faces significant risks. A single individual holding a vast knowledge base can become a liability if they leave, fall ill, or, in rare cases, pass away. This dependence on one person can jeopardize the company, yet management often fails to address it until it's too late.

Throughout my experience in various companies, I've witnessed firsthand the consequences of inadequate documentation. Excuses are plentiful, ranging from time constraints to budget limitations, but the importance of documentation cannot be overstated.

In software development, documentation spans multiple facets, including business, functional, and technical aspects, along with unit tests and code itself. However, merely creating documentation isn't enough; it must be accessible and known to all team members. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing, through practices like pair programming and pair code reviewing, are essential for fostering a culture of learning and growth.

A few years ago, my own journey as a technical lead underscored the importance of documentation and knowledge sharing. Following a smooth transition from my predecessor, I diligently maintained and expanded the documentation as the application landscape evolved. This collaborative effort ensured that the knowledge base continued to grow, benefiting current and future team members alike.

However, the universe took an unforeseen and disruptive turn. A sudden illness forced me to step away from my role, highlighting the importance of not being indispensable. Yet, the continuity and success of the project in my absence reaffirmed the value of shared knowledge and teamwork.

I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the contributions I made to the project. It was a testament to our teamwork and success. Feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and relief, I realized that my mission was accomplished, knowing that they did not rely solely on me.

Ultimately, be that person who embraces a culture of sharing. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, we empower ourselves and our teams to thrive, even in challenging times.