Enhancing Decision-Making with Code Review Techniques

In both software development and our everyday lives, the decision-making process is critical. Each decision can have long-lasting positive or negative effects across various aspects of our lives.  Code reviews in software engineering are not just about finding errors; they're a rigorous method of evaluating choices and outcomes. Getting constructive feedback is key to adapting and learning for growth.  This concept can be adapted to enhance decision-making in personal and professional contexts, offering a structured approach to navigating complex choices.

Unlocking Better Decisions with Code Review Principles

Code review in software engineering involves examining written code by multiple developers with the intent to find mistakes overlooked in the initial development phase, similar to someone proofreading a term paper or other written document.  This enhances both the software quality and the skills of the code author and the reviewer. This process of evaluation not only prevents potential future problems but also encourages a collaborative environment where feedback is shared and knowledge is exchanged.

Similarly, we can apply these techniques to decision-making by involving a 'review' phase where decisions are examined by multiple stakeholders or through self-reflection to assess the potential impacts and benefits.  Consider times when you've sought advice from someone familiar with your situation or who has faced similar challenges, gaining a fresh perspective on a difficult decision.  Code reviews can be done to a draft version of an idea or rough concept to solve a problem early in the process, so that you can get the feedback loop started early, before investing a lot of time and effort into something that may not be feasible or maintainable in the long run, but you may not see it yourself at that time.

I find that code reviews are especially important for people that are joining new teams both as the reviewer and being reviewed.  Writing code is an art that can be interpreted in different ways and problem solving is an advanced skill that is difficult to master.  Each developer, although following best practices and guidelines, writes code in their own specific way and has their own different approaches to the same problem.  Writing code can be subjective, and learning how others perceive your solutions can highlight flaws in your logic, offer new perspectives, and reveal how others make decisions based on the same information.  This helps you understand how to participate in the feedback loop in a more more meaningful and constructive way moving forward while gaining more insight.

Decision-Making Mastery: Code Review Techniques in Action

Gather Inputs and Reviews: Like gathering inputs and reviews from relevant stakeholders, whether they are team members in a software project or family members planning an event, collect all necessary information and perspectives relevant to the decision.

Software Engineering Example:

A developer working on a complex algorithm invites peers to review the initial code, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with the existing system

Everyday Example: 

Planning a family reunion, a person gathers input from all family members to ensure the chosen date and activities suit everyone's schedule and preferences.

These examples demonstrate that whether in software development or organizing personal events, gathering diverse inputs ensures decisions are comprehensive and well-informed.

Analyze Thoroughly: Equivalent to scrutinizing code for errors, analyze the information for any biases, risks, and opportunities.

Software Engineering Example:

During code review, a team meticulously analyzes a new feature's code for security vulnerabilities before it goes live.

Everyday Example:

Before purchasing a new car, a couple analyzes various models, comparing fuel efficiency, safety features, and resale value to find the best option.

In both contexts, thorough analysis helps identify potential issues early, ensuring that decisions are robust and well-grounded.

Feedback Loop: Implement feedback mechanisms similar to code comments, allowing for constructive criticism and alternative suggestions.

Software Engineering Example:

After reviewing the code, team members provide feedback on potential improvements, which the original developer incorporates to enhance functionality.

Everyday Example:

After hosting a dinner party, the host asks for feedback from guests on the menu and ambiance to improve future gatherings.

Feedback loops are essential for refining initial decisions, offering a chance to adjust based on constructive insights, just as they improve software functionality.

Iterative Improvement: Just as code is refined through reviews, refine the decision based on feedback to optimize the outcome.

Software Engineering Example:

A software team iteratively refines their app's user interface based on continuous user feedback to enhance user experience.

Everyday Example:

A teacher iteratively adjusts lesson plans based on student feedback and test results to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

Iterative improvement, whether refining software or educational content, allows for continuous enhancement based on feedback, making outcomes progressively better suited to needs.

Harnessing Peer Reviews for Smarter Choices

In software, peer review is about bringing different perspectives to assess code. Similarly, involving peers in your decision-making process can provide new insights, challenge biases, and introduce factors you might not have considered, enhancing the thoroughness and depth of your analysis. Sometimes, code may pass tests and function, but the approach or decision might not be optimal for future considerations that were overlooked.

Strategic Decision Making: The Power of Structured Analysis

Just as code reviews are structured to methodically assess code line by line, applying a structured approach to decision-making processes can help in meticulously evaluating the choices and considerations at hand. This could involve listing pros and cons, checklists, evaluating risks versus rewards, or using decision matrices.  I like to use checklists for many things, but especially when making decisions to make sure that my decision checks all the boxes.  Checklists ensure all necessary factors are considered before finalizing a decision. In coding, checklists prevent common errors; similarly, they can ensure thorough consideration in decision-making.  Checklists can also become routine with enough practice.

Feedback Loops: Catalyzing Continuous Improvement

Effective code reviews include feedback loops where developers learn from each mistake. Code reviews aren't one way, you can review the review and make comments back that also plead your case making it a fruitful conversation. This sometimes can turn into brainstorm sessions where maybe your both right or wrong and how now your thinking about how to best move forward. Implementing feedback loops in decision-making involves reflecting on decision outcomes and integrating lessons learned into future processes.

Perfecting Decisions: The Iterative Approach

Code reviews often lead to iterative changes that refine and optimize software. Likewise, viewing decision-making as an iterative process allows for continuous refinement of decisions based on new information or feedback, enhancing the adaptability and suitability of your choices over time. Iterative improvements are seen throughout life, education, employment, health, habits, pretty much everything. Adding a simple 10 minute pause before making a quick decision can make all the difference in making a good or bad decision. There is your one iterative improvement you could start today.

Benefits of Integrative Approach

Using code review techniques in decision-making processes not only brings structure and rigor but also fosters a more analytical mindset, reduces negative consequences, and promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement. In professional settings, this can lead to more strategic and informed decisions, while in personal settings, it can help in making more deliberate and thoughtful choices which can reduce the risk of oversight and enhance the effectiveness of the decisions made.

Integrating code review principles into decision-making processes invites a more systematic, inclusive, and reflective approach to making choices. Just as these practices improve software, they can enhance the way decisions are made, ensuring they are well-considered, sound, and robust. By adopting these techniques, individuals and organizations can significantly improve their outcomes, achieving greater success and satisfaction in various aspects of life. This approach encourages deeper analysis, ongoing feedback, and systematic refinement, essential for complex decisions. Ultimately, it enhances decision quality and outcomes.

Give it a Try

Applying one of the code review techniques in your next big decision, and share your experience in the comments below or on social media! How did gathering input change the outcome? Did the feedback loop provide new insights? Join the conversation on www.refactoringlifescode.com, share your story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or in the comments below and let's refine our decision-making skills together!