Bikeshedding

Bikeshedding is when you and your team spend more time, energy, and resources on minor issues while ignoring major issues.

Originally coined by Poul-Henning Kamp:

“…just because you are capable of building a bikeshed does not mean you should stop others from building one just because you do not like the color they plan to paint it. This is a metaphor indicating that you need not argue about every little feature just because you know enough to do so.”

Otherwise known as:

• Rearranging the deck chairs as in "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titantic"
• Parkinson's law of triviality

Why does it happen?

• It's easier to understand and have an opinion on the minor issue.
• There's less risk with the minor issue, the major issue might require people to take more responsibility.
• There's an assumption that the people responsible for the major issue have done their research already.

How to avoid it?

1. Keep meetings and agendas focused on the important topics. Discuss minor issues async or allocate a small amount of time at the end of the meeting.
2. Make it part of your culture to call out when bikeshedding occurs. It's everyones responsibility to keep people focused on the important issues and not get distracted by minor problems.