CME Group – “Superman is bad for software development”

Pros

CME is an industry leader in the futures industry. They have an excellent benefits and compensation package and have a large number of very talented people working for them. Transferring between groups is allowed after each year. Their goal is to retain good people.

Cons

Across groups, management does not work together, preventing the transfer of knowledge and lessons learned across the enterprise. Poor development practices enforced and encouraged in non mission critical areas. The "heroes" are rewarded over people who prevent the issues in the first place. The heavy bureaucracy of a large exchange prevents the introduction of new software development practices without a hard fight.

Advice to Senior Management

Heroes are bad for software development. When a hero is needed, it means something is broken. Emphasize and reward those who prevent the need for heroes over the heroes themselves and you will end up with a better software product.