Developer Headphones

Agile Focus has compiled a list of signs that a development team isn't operating optimally. It is a pretty good list although I have to say I disagree with the first point.

People wearing headphones inside an agile development environment doesn't necessarily mean they are trying to block out their surroundings. Especially for developers who are writing code. When it comes to writing code, I'm a big proponent of music. Not to block out what is happening with the team, but to add some character to the software I'm building. Even if there are no external distractions happening for hours at a time while writing code, I still prefer music because the silence is distracting.

Having said that, there is a time and place for music and it isn't during collaborations with other team members. Communication is essential but so are those coding intervals where you, as an individual, get things done.

Music At Work

This slashdot entry contains some very anger-inspiring content. Especially if you are a developer. Even more especially if you are a developer that listens to music while you work, which I would think most do. The obvious exceptions are the ones who work for the lunatic boss mentioned in the entry who came up with the brilliant policy of banning music at work for developers.

Personally, I would be devastated if I had no music to listen to while writing code. Forget about blocking out office noise. What about the rhythmic productivity music adds to the though process? Is that of no value? I sometimes here a song and almost instantly, I can visualize the code I was writing while listening to it years ago. I wonder if that means the music was distracting me while I was writing it.

Don't take away the right to listen to music at work where it isn't necessary. People just resent you for it and you aren't helping anyone by doing it. You may think you are helping your ego, but all you're really doing is giving yourself false hope as a leader.