I think a lot of small/medium companies should simply get realistic about the following facts:
- They are probably not going to be able to hire "great" engineers
- Even if they get a couple of great engineers, they are not going to be able to create an engineering culture where those engineers can do great work.
Instead of looking for "greatness", most companies in this position should simply settle for competence. Hire people who use boring technology and build systems that do things simply and directly.
- They are probably not going to be able to hire "great" engineers
- Even if they get a couple of great engineers, they are not going to be able to create an engineering culture where those engineers can do great work.
Instead of looking for "greatness", most companies in this position should simply settle for competence. Hire people who use boring technology and build systems that do things simply and directly.