A while back, brig wrote: “i really despise company functions. more than likely because i’m an introvert, but i just really dislike being forced to have fun and socialize. especially since it’s all the extroverts who think it’s a good time and want to force you into attending.” It reminded me of thoughts I’ve had on the culture of software companies, especially the typical, conflicting (ideally with positive results) relationship between marketing and engineering.

Once at a previous company, we software engineers had been working intense, long hours on a major release. We were all tired and cranky, grumpily plowing through our bug lists. Some marketing types came in after normal office hours to decorate the office for a Halloween party. They put on loud music and had a loud, giggly time stringing up streamers and cobwebs, as we tried to concentrate on our code. We complained that they were being loud and they turned down the music. And then the next day we were pretty much forced to participate in silly Halloween activities (they were probably fun, not just silly, and, yeah we probably needed a break, but we were pissy about it anyway).

Well, the marketing people were very upset by our attitude because, in their minds, they were trying to create some fun for us, and they did not understand why the last thing we wanted to do was dress up in costumes and carouse with the entire company. Well, the only thing I wanted to do at that point of the release was crawl into a comfy little hole and sleep for a few months. It’s tough creating a comfortable environment for everyone. A mix of personality types creates the best software. But how do you create a productive social atmosphere for everyone? Be understanding of everyone’s needs and don’t make people feel bad if their idea of relaxation doesn’t match yours.