Failure Mode: Excessive Handholding

A common failure mode of onboarding is that, even 6 months into the job, the engineer still needs support to make code changes. Either with their workflow or a technical question about the code.

The sign of progress as you ramp up is if your questions and code reviews are evolving over time. The types and depth of interaction you have with coworkers should change.

The key to doing this is to reflect:

• Look at earlier code comments you received
• Write down questions you’ve had
• Don’t make the same mistake twice
• Ask your onboarding buddy to look for patterns

Reference question: What does it mean to not require handholding anymore?