We'll Fix That Later...
"We'll fix that later" has become a common response in many workplaces, particularly in software development. It is a phrase that is often used to delay a problem or issue that is deemed unimportant or not immediately critical. However, the use of this phrase can have detrimental effects on project completion and overall quality.
The reason why "we'll fix that later" has become a popular phrase is because it provides a temporary solution to a problem that may need extensive time and resources to address properly. It is a convenient way for team members to avoid dealing with an issue immediately, usually to focus on more pressing matters or to meet tight deadlines. In some cases, team members may believe that a problem or issue can be resolved quickly and easily at a later date, and so opt to delay dealing with it.
However, procrastinating in this manner can lead to a build-up of unresolved issues, which in turn can cause major problems later on in the project life cycle. What may have been deemed a small problem initially can quickly snowball into a larger one, especially if it is left unaddressed for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, if the problem is left to fester, fixing it later may require much more time and resources than would have been needed if it had been dealt with immediately.
Another problem with "we'll fix that later" is that it often becomes a default response, rather than a genuine plan of action. Team members can all too easily forget the issue that needs to be addressed, or assume that someone else will take care of it. This can result in extensive delays, and even missed deadlines, as team members scramble to address problems that were put off for too long.
Even when "we'll fix that later" does translate into an actionable plan, it can still carry risks. For instance, leaving problems unresolved can make it difficult to assess project progress accurately. Without an accurate picture of the state of the project, it can be difficult to identify areas that require attention and to plan resources accordingly.
What's more, "we'll fix that later" can also result in sub-standard work being produced. By delaying the fixing of issues, team members may work around them, rather than tackling them directly. This can lead to workarounds and hacks that are not ideal, potentially leading to longer-term issues or weaknesses in the product. Additionally, if "we'll fix that later" becomes a culture within the team, then it can encourage team members to become complacent to small issues. This can lead to a laundry list of problems that have to be fixed in the end, leading to a decrease in the overall quality of the product being developed.
To avoid the potential pitfalls of "we'll fix that later", it is important to establish a culture of proactive problem-solving. This means addressing issues as they arise, rather than putting them off for later. It sounds simple, but it can often be difficult in practice.
One way to prevent procrastination is to establish clear processes and procedures in the team. By having standard approaches to dealing with problems, team members can be reassured that issues will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Additionally, this can help prevent issues from slipping through the cracks, as everyone knows what their role is in fixing any given problem.
Another method of avoiding the dangers of "we'll fix that later" is to establish clear priorities. For example, if a team determines that a problem is critical, then it should be dealt with immediately. Similarly, if a problem has the potential to cause significant long-term issues, then it should also be addressed immediately, rather than left to fester.
Finally, it is essential that team members are encouraged to report issues as soon as they arise. This requires open communication channels, where team members feel comfortable raising issues, rather than trying to fix them alone.
By establishing a culture of proactive problem-solving, teams can avoid the pitfalls of "we'll fix that later". This leads to better quality products, longer-lasting solutions, and more efficient use of resources. In a world that is becoming increasingly fast-paced, it is essential to tackle problems as they arise, rather than leaving them to get worse over time.
In conclusion, while "we'll fix that later" may sound like a convenient solution to a problem, it can have serious consequences for project completion and overall quality. It is important that teams establish a culture of proactive problem-solving, with clear processes, priorities, and communication channels. By doing so, teams can avoid the dangerous habit of postponing problems and ensure they create high-quality products that meet their customers' needs.