The author introduces their first manager, a talented data engineer who is also a passionate cook. They highlight how cooking plays a significant role in his life, from sharing analytics on the heat distribution of chicken in his oven to advising the author on meal preparation. Surprisingly, the manager expresses admiration for the complexity of running McDonald’s. The author then delves into corporate fanfiction, specifically mentioning “The Phoenix Project” and its focus on comparing IT operations to manufacturing. They discuss various books that explore similar themes and emphasize the importance of reproducible delivery of work. The author criticizes the mindset of some executives who prioritize scalability and reproducibility over the human element and creativity necessary for producing meaningful results. They argue against pure commodification and highlight the unique value individuals bring to their work. Overall, the author challenges the notion that pure commodification is sufficient for success.
https://ludic.mataroa.blog/blog/the-failed-commodification-of-technical-work/