Not Even Mostly

Customers are a finicky bunch (they’re human, just like everyone else). That means they’re not always right, and any business practice that assumes they are is likely to fail in the long run.

Don’t hear me wrong, I’m not saying that software engineers shouldn’t listen to customers. Nor am I saying businesses shouldn’t careful consider their customers’ demands and in certain situations give in. I’m really speaking more to an attitude of continual acquiescence. That’s not helpful for a customer who may not have the skill to evaluate what he wants, and it’s not healthy for a developer when they see their professional opinions thrown to the wayside.

If a relationship isn’t a two-way street, it’s probably not worth having.