Hey, n00b, we didn't hire you to complete tasks

Kent Beck advises new engineers that senior staff evaluate them not on task completion volume, but on their potential to become high-performing engineers and their learning trajectory. New hires are categorized as A-players (game-changers), B-players (solid performers), or C-players (poor fit), with seniors prioritizing support for those showing they belong in higher categories through reliable work, communication, and continuous improvement rather than raw productivity metrics.