Strive to Have a Colleague, Rather Than a Customer, Find a Defect

Mistakes happen, even to the best of us. Whether you’re writing a book, developing software, or drafting a business plan, errors are inevitable. However, what makes the difference is catching those mistakes before they reach the final audience—especially before they impact customers. That’s why peer reviews are one of the most powerful quality practices in any field.

The Value of Peer Reviews

I recently experienced the power of peer review firsthand. In the manuscript of a book I was writing, I made a critical error—I got something completely backward. Had this mistake made it into the final print, it would have been both embarrassing and misleading to my readers. Fortunately, a sharp-eyed reviewer spotted the issue, giving me the chance to correct it before publication. I was immensely grateful.

This experience reinforced something I’ve known for years: No matter how skilled we are, we all benefit from having others review our work. This applies not only to authors but also to software developers, business analysts, and professionals in every industry.

For decades, I’ve embraced the practice of asking colleagues to review my code and other project deliverables. It’s a habit that has saved me from countless mistakes and improved the quality of my work.

Peer Reviews: More Than Just Code

I see a lot of discussions about code reviews in LinkedIn forums and industry conversations. While code reviews are crucial in software development, they’re just one part of a larger practice. Any work product we create—requirements documents, system designs, test plans, marketing materials—has the potential to contain defects. That’s why I prefer the broader term peer review.

Peer reviews aren’t about scrutinizing individuals or their abilities. Instead, they’re about collaboration—inviting colleagues to examine our work to catch mistakes before they reach customers. This approach fosters a culture of shared responsibility for quality.

Why Customers Shouldn’t Be the First to Find Errors

Let’s be honest: finding a defect in someone else’s work can be uncomfortable. But it’s far better for a colleague to spot an issue than for a customer to experience it.

When defects reach customers, they can cause confusion, frustration, or even financial loss. In software development, a bug in production can lead to downtime, security vulnerabilities, or lost revenue. In publishing, a factual error can mislead readers and damage credibility. In business analysis, a flawed requirement can result in costly project delays.

By catching defects early through peer reviews, we prevent negative consequences down the line. This proactive approach saves time, money, and reputation.

Encouraging a Culture of Peer Review

To make peer reviews effective, they should be:

1. Routine, not exceptional – Reviews should be an expected part of the workflow, not something done only in crisis mode.

2. Collaborative, not critical – The goal is to improve the work, not judge the person who created it. Feedback should be constructive and supportive.

3. Structured, but flexible – A formal checklist can help guide reviews, but adaptability is key. Some work products may need deep scrutiny, while others just need a quick once-over.

4. Welcomed, not resented – The best professionals appreciate feedback. They know that a second set of eyes makes their work stronger.

AI in Peer Reviews: A Future Possibility?

With advancements in AI, automated tools can assist in peer reviews, detecting common errors in code, writing, and other work products. However, AI isn’t a replacement for human insight. It can catch spelling errors, logic flaws, or inconsistencies, but it can’t fully understand intent, tone, or the bigger picture.

A successful peer review process will likely involve both human and AI collaboration—leveraging automation for efficiency while maintaining the human judgment necessary for deep, meaningful feedback.

Final Thoughts

A culture of peer review makes organizations stronger. It fosters teamwork, enhances quality, and ensures that customers receive the best possible experience.

So, the next time you finish a piece of work, ask a colleague to review it. You’ll likely catch something you missed—and you’ll be glad you did. After all, wouldn’t you rather hear constructive feedback from a teammate than complaints from a customer?