What changes when speed is no longer the goal
I learned to program by moving fast. For a long time, speed was how I solved problems, learned new things, and got results.
In group settings, that same speed started to have side effects.
When speed becomes influence
When people have different levels of experience, the fastest person often takes the lead without meaning to. Decisions get made quickly. Problems disappear. The work moves forward.
At first, I saw that as a strength.
Over time, I noticed what it took away:
- Others had less space to think
- Learning happened unevenly
- Ownership slowly narrowed
- The team worked, but depended too much on one person
The turning point
That was the turning point.
I didn't need to slow down because I became less capable. I needed to slow down because the goal changed. From finishing things myself to building something others could grow in.
That meant learning restraint:
- Explaining instead of fixing
- Letting someone struggle a bit longer instead of stepping in
- Accepting slower progress when it led to stronger people
The work still gets done. But now it moves through the team, not around it.
The signals I watch for
I've stopped measuring this by how fast I close things, and started measuring it by a few quieter signals:
- Does the work keep moving when I step back?
- Do teammates have room to think before I fill the silence?
- Is ownership spreading, or pooling around one person?
When those point the right way, the balance is improving. When they don't, the structure usually needs more from me, not more of me.
"Keke is a great developer. He enjoys helping others and demonstrated excellent teamwork during our collaboration at Fontys."
"Keke is a good developer. In group settings, he works very well together and ensures everyone learns from each other."
"I have worked with Keke multiple times on school projects and a hackathon, and he is a strong developer. His knowledge of backend and web development is broad, and he knows how to come up with efficient and scalable solutions. Additionally, he is a pleasant colleague who always thinks along and helps the team where needed."