Software programmers are not blue-collar workers

Like many skilled workers, software developers are smart creative people. Leading or managing such people requires finding a way to guide, support and empower them, while letting them do their job. Writing software is inherently a process in which trade-offs and compromises are made continually and iteratively till the end. It is therefore essential that all parties stay as close as possible together so that they can weigh decisions when it matters and actively take part in the game.