March 30, 2007
Clients are like crocodiles
The late Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, was an expert at handling dangerous animals. Occasionally, even Steve get bit.
After a bite, Steve was always quick to point out that it was not the animal’s fault. An animal, of course, is a dangerous predator, but it’s not able to understand the consequences of its actions.
On the other hand, It is the animal handler’s responsibility to ensure the animal is never given the opportunity to bite a person. Because, when given the opportunity, a predator will always do what nature and instinct has taught it to do.
As software developers, we must take the role of the animal trainer. Our clients are like the crocodiles. If the client causes you harm (by changing requirements or deadlines, for example), you cannot blame the client, as it was just acting on its instincts.
Photo by maggie_p_au licensed under Creative Commons BY.
