> It doesn't mean that "you suck at SQL" isn't also a valid critique.
Completely disagree. "You need to learn more about SQL" communicates the same information without the gratuitously negative tone.
> You'd probably hate being on my team and I'd probably hate being on yours
It's pretty clear that I would hate being on yours, but I'm not so sure you'd hate being on mine. It is possible to communicate directly and effectively about technical matters while still being courteous and professional. As team lead I strive to set this tone, in large part by being open to criticism about my own work.
Completely disagree. "You need to learn more about SQL" communicates the same information without the gratuitously negative tone.
> You'd probably hate being on my team and I'd probably hate being on yours
It's pretty clear that I would hate being on yours, but I'm not so sure you'd hate being on mine. It is possible to communicate directly and effectively about technical matters while still being courteous and professional. As team lead I strive to set this tone, in large part by being open to criticism about my own work.