Working with Controlling Senior Devs

Question

Is this supposed to be normal? Senior Dev and Mid-Dev joined same time but the senior dev controls most of the pairing session between the two devs and diplomatically discards your work. Also does work outside of the pairing session and brings it in as well. This senior dev is also favoured by the EM, which makes it hard for me to report to them about it.What do you advise in this case because I'm becoming increasingly unhappy and this is my second month only at this place?

codingdave · Accepted Answer

It isn't normal in my experience, but situations like this often have a history behind them that isn't obvious, which can become normal for the team even if that wasn't specifically the goal. They may not even realize that it has become a problem.I suggest you talk directly to them, and express how you feel, but do it in a straightforward way - State facts. State how those facts make you feel. Ask for a change of behavior that would make the situation better. See what they have to say.

faangiq · Answer

Where are these places that can afford the luxury of two devs writing one line of code? Absurd.Anyway this is standard, most senior devs have junior people skills.

webmaven · Answer

Tell us more about how those pairing sessions go.
Does whoever is driving, narrate their work? Ask questions? How about the observer? Do they ask anything, respond to questions? Do they make unsolicited comments? If feedback or other input is given by the observer, does it get incorporated? If suggestions are dismissed, is there an explanation? Do the driver and observer switch roles during a session? During a day?
Etc.

giantg2 · Answer

If you can, I would just leave. It seems they're more diplomatic and favored. It would be better to find a better environment to grow in.