Mastering the Art of Delivery: Why Building is Just the Beginning Sujeet Pillai August 11, 2023

In the dynamic world of technology and development, there’s a common misconception that often goes unnoticed: the belief that building a system is the ultimate goal. While crafting a system, writing code, or designing a workflow is undeniably crucial, it’s essential to understand that it’s just the starting point. The real challenge, and the true measure of success, lies in delivering a fully functional system.

Building vs. Delivering: Understanding the Difference

Building is about creation. It’s the process of laying down the foundation, setting up the framework, and constructing the initial version of a system. It’s the act of bringing an idea to life. On the other hand, delivering is about ensuring that this creation works seamlessly, meets the intended objectives, and adds value to its users or stakeholders.

The Real Challenge: Making It Work

Once the initial building phase is over, the real work begins. This phase is not just about coding or development. It encompasses rigorous testing, continuous refactoring, and sometimes, on-the-fly rearchitecting. It’s about identifying gaps, addressing issues, and ensuring that the system is robust and reliable.

Many developers and teams find themselves trapped in a never-ending loop during this phase. They face challenges in making their system operational and often struggle with unexpected issues. This is where the importance of clarity of thought comes into play. A clear, well-defined approach can significantly reduce the complexities involved in the delivery phase.

The Pitfalls of Over-Romanticizing Building

It’s not rare to find individuals or teams who have invested significant time and effort into building a system they consider ‘perfect’. However, the real test comes when this system is put into action. If it doesn’t function as expected or fails to meet the intended objectives, the initial enthusiasm quickly turns into frustration.

In some cases, there’s a tendency to alter business requirements or objectives to fit the system that’s been built. This approach is counterproductive and can lead to further complications down the line.

The Value of a Delivery-Centric Approach

The true MVP in the tech world is the individual or team that can seamlessly integrate all elements of a project and deliver a fully functional system. Bugs and issues are inevitable in any development process. However, the ability to identify the root cause and address these issues effectively is what sets apart the best from the rest.

Conclusion: Embrace the Delivery Mindset

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and development, it’s crucial to shift our focus from mere building to effective delivery. It’s time to dive in, get our hands dirty, and champion the cause of making things work. After all, in the end, it’s not about what you build; it’s about what you deliver.