In any decision we make, there are usually two extremes to consider: the ideal option and the pragmatic one. On one side you may find the perfect solution, while on the other is the most practical choice. But it is only in the middle that we find what creates the most value. It can be a challenge to find this balance, but it's an essential part of making sound decisions. Whatever approach you take, it's important to be aware of both ends of the spectrum so you can make the most informed decision possible.

In software engineering or similar disciplines there is a constant balancing act between pragmatism and idealism. This is often manifested in observations one might make around designs being overengineered, too sophisticated for the intended use cases. On the other extreme the designs could be too tactical, too dependent on assumptions and chance, or too focused on delivery timelines than sound engineering. There is a tension here that can never be fully resolved, and it's one that teams constantly have to negotiate, but I've found the best solutions exist in the middle of those extremes. Sometimes the compromise is a matter of finding the midpoint along that distance between the two opposing extremes.

Some of the most effective engineering teams are those composed in such a way that they allow for that natural tension, and when high functioning, can produce the outcome at the midpoint, which quite often is the most balanced overall. This happens practically through design, code, and architectural reviews. It happens during pair programming sessions, or feedback during a demo. It should happen all the time. This is not always easy, mostly because building that kind of team composition can be challenging, and once built it is imperative that the tension be a healthy one, devoid of personal egos and motivated by a common, shared objective.

Finding a balance between any two extremes is never easy, but it's always worth it. It's an essential part of making informed decisions and creating value. The next time you're faced with a choice, take a step back and consider both ends of the spectrum. By doing so, you just might find the perfect solution in the middle.