I feel that some people are very good at seeing problems, and some people are very good at finding solutions to problems.
I don't see any reason that the same skills should be present in any given individual, so you always need both types.
I don't see any reason that the same skills should be present in any given individual, so you always need both types.
- First you can implement solutions (jr level) - Then you can design solutions (mid level, sometimes senior - most of time is spent here) - Then you can find problems that need solutions (senior, management)
But I get "Man, I'm so glad you saw that problem way back at the design stage. We really dodged a bullet there." about 3-4 times as often.
What I generally don't hear is, "OMFG, our project is about to fail. Why did no one see that this issue was coming and do something about it!".
The assumption that anyone noting a problem is just whining and complaining is a good way to tank a project. I've seen that type of thinking prevail, and it sucks for everyone.