I'm torn. I don't feel comfortable pair programming, but I think looking at an individual's speed is too narrow. Consider, you probably don't criticize this person's use of an IDE. Why is that different?
Effectively, in places we are comfortable adding AI style assistance, odd that we shun just the I.
To that end, we agree teams are typically needed. Shame we don't focus our measurements on the team. Feels a great way to kill a team is to measure it's individuals. :(
If someone can't program without an IDE, there are plenty of free ones that they can download, and they're unlikely to ever be in a situation where they can't find an IDE but they can run and test their code.
Being unable to program without a partner is a serious handicap and will happen many times in a year, especially if people are sick or on vacation.
This still feels over simplistic. If there isn't someone else in the office to pair with, the code isn't getting pushed anyway, as it will lack a review.
I get that it is a flag. But a lot depends on degree. Sport metaphors are often a stretch, but if they are saying they need their team to play, that isn't super scary on its own.
If they need their full team to practice, that changes. And if they need a specific team member or they refuse to play, that is terrible.
And you simplify the IDE point heavily. Just picking up one is not going to get you productive right away. Might as well have that sick partner. :)
Effectively, in places we are comfortable adding AI style assistance, odd that we shun just the I.
To that end, we agree teams are typically needed. Shame we don't focus our measurements on the team. Feels a great way to kill a team is to measure it's individuals. :(