Navigating Rejected Pull Requests: Best Practices and Steps to Take

Dealing with a rejected pull request can be frustrating, especially when you believe you’ve adhered to industry standards. Here are some steps and best practices to navigate this situation effectively:

1. Request Feedback

seek specific feedback from your tech lead. A polite and direct request can help clarify any misunderstandings or issues with your pull request. You might say something like,

"Hey [Tech Lead], I’ve been working on [specific feature], and I’m not sure if I’m fully aligned with the current standards. Could you please provide some feedback on what I might be missing or how it can be improved?"

2. Revisit Coding Standards

Ensure your work aligns with your team’s coding standards and guidelines. Reviewing these documents can help you identify any potential issues that you might have overlooked. This step may also give you a clearer understanding of the expectations set by your tech lead and the team.

3. Seek Clarification from Peers

If your tech lead is unwilling to discuss, consider reaching out to your peers or other team members. They might have insights into the decision or be able to help you understand what might be needed for approval. A peer’s perspective can also provide additional support if you decide to escalate the issue.

4. Document Your Work

If you have followed best practices and the rejection seems unjustified, document your reasoning and the standards you followed. This can help if you need to escalate the issue later. Documentation is crucial for maintaining a clear record of your efforts and the standards you adhered to.

5. Consider the Context

Reflect on the team’s current priorities or any recent changes that might influence the decision. External factors, such as project deadlines or business needs, can impact the acceptance of changes. Understanding the context can provide you with a more balanced view of the situation.

6. Stay Professional

Throughout this process, maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid expressing frustration in public forums as it can affect team dynamics. Polite and respectful communication is key to resolving any issues effectively.

7. Escalate if Necessary

If you feel strongly about the rejection and cannot get clarity, consider discussing the situation with your manager or another senior member of the team to gain a broader perspective. Escalation should be a last resort, but it is an option if the issue remains unresolved.

Escalation Tips

It has been quite some time, but if someone ever reads this, here are some additional tips for escalation:

Direct Communication: Go to the tech lead’s superior and tell them directly what is going on. A face-to-face discussion can often resolve issues more effectively. Request Explanation: If the tech lead provides a brief explanation that is still insufficient, request a call or a chat to further clarify the issues. Clear and open communication is essential. No Information Is Not Acceptable: A tech lead should provide at least a brief explanation of what has been rejected. If this is not provided, escalate the issue to the tech lead’s superior immediately. Lack of communication from a tech lead is unacceptable, especially when it comes to undocumented codebase rules. Be sure to read READMEs or MD files in the project before escalating. Superior’s Perspective: Your tech lead’s superior will likely be upset by the lack of communication. Document and present your case clearly to support your position.

Although it may feel challenging, maintaining open communication and a willingness to learn can help resolve the situation positively. This experience can also serve as a learning opportunity, teaching you valuable lessons about collaboration and communication within a team.