Stoicism in Software Development - Richard Seidl

Self-control, calmness, thoughtfulness - these are just a few of the stoic principles. You can integrate them into your private life, which leads to balance, less stress and more joy. But it also gets exciting when you integrate them into your business. In software development, this means that the focus is no longer so much on the outcome, but on decisions and the decision-making process. However, this does not mean neglecting the long view. Maryse uses several examples to explain how this can work.

“You can’t control outcome, there ist so much that influences outcome. So maybe not focus on outcome but focus on your descision making.” – Maryse Meinen

Maryse Meinen is a product development coach who uses Agile and Stoicism to make teams and organizations more resilient and sustainable. She advocates the philosophies of degrowth and stoicism, which stand for working more efficiently with fewer resources and valuing what is already there. Her motto is: Achieve more with less!

Highlights of this episode:

• Richie and Maryse discuss how Stoic principles can be applied to modern software development and everyday life
• Stoicism teaches that many things are beyond our control, such as other people’s opinions, health and the weather
• The only things we can control are our perceptions, opinions and decisions
• Stoic principles encourage preparation for life’s challenges and acceptance of what life throws at you, known as ‘Amor Fati’ or the love of fate
• In product management, it is more beneficial to focus on the decision-making process rather than the results, as results are often influenced by external factors
• Maryse suggests using stoic values as a moral compass for decision making in product management
• Scenario planning, including preparation for negative outcomes, is recommended for agile teams
• The 10-10-10 principle helps to consider the short-term (10 minutes), medium-term (10 months) and long-term (10 years) impact of decisions
• Journaling and reflecting on decision-making processes can improve the quality of decisions and prevent them from being judged solely on the basis of results
• The stoic value of moderation or restraint can help to decide whether certain experiments or actions should be carried out in the business environment

Using stoic wisdom in software development

Today I welcome Maryse Meinen and we explore practical applications of Stoic principles to improve decision making, prepare for unforeseen challenges, and foster adaptability in the dynamic landscape of software engineering. Maryse explains how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can be skillfully integrated into modern software development practices.

Introduction of stoicism in software development

Today I sat down with Maryse Meinen to explore how the time tested wisdom of Stoicism can provide valuable insights and tools for contemporary software professionals. She explains how this ancient philosophy can guide our everyday decisions and strategies within the tech industry.

Understanding control and influence

Maryse highlights one of the core principles of stoicism: recognizing what is within our control and what is not. This distinction is critical to guiding our responses to the unpredictable elements that define the landscape of software development.

The principle of the Premeditatio Malorum

Reflecting on the Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum, or anticipation of potential adversity, Maryse shares how anticipating challenges can empower software teams to create robust strategies and maintain agility in the midst of uncertainty.

Adoption of Amor Fati in product management

Maryse discusses the concept of Amor Fati and encourages us to embrace our destiny by accepting circumstances that cannot be changed. This approach promotes resilience and adaptability among product managers who aim to prioritize effective decision making over commitment to uncontrollable outcomes.

Rethinking results and decision making

We delve into the importance of focusing on decision-making processes rather than fixating on outcomes. By using moral values as a compass, software professionals can navigate complex scenarios with integrity and foresight.

Stoicism in practice: scenario planning and reflection

Maryse offers tangible strategies such as scenario planning and keeping a decision log as ways to integrate stoic principles into daily workflows. These practices encourage thoughtful experimentation and continuous learning within software development teams.