We seek examples where collaborations survive surprise by adjusting focus and tempo such that the collaboration is strengthened through increased understanding of the problem at hand.
The kindest thing a programming partner might say is "let's stop and think about this for a minute."
How does an aligned and focused partnership remain so when circumstances demand one step back and seek more perspective?
A small surprise might be a long forgotten test failing when new code is committed.
A large surprise might be a cascading failure in production with no possible culprit in sight.
To say, "I saw this coming but was caught up in your wishful enthusiasm" is to expose two dysfunctions. How are these to be avoided? What has worked before?
Our goal is to assemble work habits that maintain or improve shared understanding through a Moment of Creative Potential