What we learned from building and managing software engineering teams.
Managing a software team, whether on-site or remote, requires strong leadership. With an estimated?4 out of 10 workers in the U.S. ?now in hybrid or fully remote settings and more companies tapping into?Nearshore Software Development Services , effective management is crucial for maintaining cohesive and productive software outcomes.
This article will discuss Twelve critical strategies we've learned over the years for managing software engineers and development teams Onshore and Nearshore. While many of these strategies apply to both on-site and off-site workers, we'll focus on work management for remote and hybrid software teams.
Using a software development methodology ensures consistency and organization in the development process.
Since software application development is multifaceted, Teamwork requires transparent processes and guidelines. Software development methodologies provide these frameworks for systematic progress.
Several?favored software development methodologies ?exist, some with sharply contrasting core concepts. For example, the conventional "waterfall" method adheres to a sequential approach to fulfilling project requirements.
Agile methods ?adopt the opposite emphasis, utilizing short periods of concentrated effort to achieve specific programming outcomes aligned with customer needs. Rather than following an approach of "do, test, pass to next task," Agile uses sprints of simultaneous activities delivering functional, user-focused continuous improvement.
Variations on the Agile approach include Scrum, extreme programming, and feature-driven development. Teams using a?Scrum framework ?prioritize self-management and efficiency as they work toward a common goal. Scrum principles include transparency, reflection, adaptation, and values (e.g., focus, commitment, and respect).
Kanban ?is another approach to development and task management. Teams use a Kanban board to visually display progress on each piece of work simultaneously, helping to confirm and reinforce accountability, identify and eradicate bottlenecks, and streamline operations.
Each method has critics and devotees; however, each may lend itself to specific project parameters. Before choosing a methodology, evaluate your needs and research each option's merits.
Conceptually and practically, you must commit to whichever software development methodology you choose. If you deviate from your chosen approach frequently, your team won't trust the structure you're attempting to create. You can solve challenges within your methodological framework rather than switching your approach mid-project.
Align on team REALISTIC expectations early.
Whether your team works in person or remotely, you must align expectations early. Each team member should know what you expect individually and what the group is working toward.
Maintain alignment on task execution as part of your selected methodology. For example, Kanban uses a prominent, constantly updated board, while other Agile methods use short daily stand-up meetings to keep everyone informed on progress and barriers.
Effective communication is critical for promoting this type of alignment. Team members should trust one another and be willing to engage in healthy conflict. Creating a working environment that supports effective communication will help team members meet deadlines and function well together.
Help your team with non-technical tasks and ensure all written communication is error-free.
Technical talent is a valuable commodity. Please take your development team's time on tasks you can accomplish on their behalf.
You can easily take administrative tasks, status reports, and other peripheral duties off your team's plate. Your developers will appreciate the opportunity to focus, and you'll like the productivity this approach can facilitate.
On the other hand, your team members can only spend some of their time coding. They must still communicate within your team using?synchronous and asynchronous methods . This expectation is critical in?remote and hybrid units , where workers across the globe must coordinate their efforts.
Think about it this way:?If you handle as much administrative work as possible, your team will have more time and energy to invest in completing tasks and communicating effectively. Regard your team as a resource and protect it accordingly.
Communicate requirements clearly and constructively for efficient task completion.
Requirements for software development projects drift toward one of two extremes. A project's needs are often documented meticulously, hindering progress with mountains of intricate instructions. Conversely, some project requirements could be more specific so that the finished product differs widely from initial undocumented expectations.
Strike a balance between these poles. You must also translate project requirements into the framework your software development methodology provides. For example, Agile development methodologies tend to eschew exhaustive conditions, aiming to deliver a "minimum viable product " (MVP) and iterate subsequently.
You should emphasize communicating requirements effectively when working with remote and hybrid teams, including independent talent. Keeping everyone on the same page is essential when professionals share a different space.
From a management perspective, one of the more practical uses of your time is to refine your project's requirements before they ever reach your team. Consider possible pitfalls, communicate expectations clearly, and listen to your team's hesitations and objections.
Use project management software for effective task tracking.
Modern technology makes it easy for teams to work together on projects, even when team members are in different physical locations. Here are a few of the best project management tools currently available to help you with task management and tracking project processes:
Note:?These products offer annual billing discounts. Use collaboration tools to streamline communication and improve team collaboration.
Ensure your team is productive and efficient, even when working in different time zones.
With so many remote teams spread out geographically, there's a good chance workers are all working in different time zones. Many organizations function well in this setting, but there's certainly a learning curve to achieve optimal productivity.
Some leaders prefer all team members to work in the same time zone. You know your whole team will be available during work hours when everyone works on the same schedule. It also means team members are more likely to receive fast responses to requests for help or data, avoiding delays in project actions.
On the other hand, asynchronous work schedules can limit your flexibility in providing on-demand customer service or allowing team members to work when they're most effective.
One of the benefits of having team members in different time zones is that you're more likely to have someone available around the clock. Global workforces also add staff diversity and fresh perspectives to enhance your operations. Hiring team members from various time zones requires?clear and consistent communication ?to ensure everyone is always on the same page.
Many software teams like having workers in different time zones because it streamlines project workflow, offering continuous attention to the project. For example, if your developer is in an earlier time zone than you, their output will be ready early in your day. You can provide feedback on the same day and prepare any direction for them to follow the next day.
Don't throw people at problems.
When a software development effort hits a roadblock—or progress is slower than anticipated—many managers conclude that more workforce is needed. According to this rationale,?developers can collectively overcome complex technical challenges.
Unfortunately,?these solutions are often inefficient. For one thing, team members joining an effort must get up to speed. It requires the developers already working on it to take time to orient them correctly.
Additionally, side-by-side problem-solving may not promote productivity. Instead, think about reorganizing your team's efforts to allow for specialization, with each professional handling just one aspect of a recurring problem. This assembly-line approach can increase efficiency, whereas adding team members can complicate matters.
Imagine your employee's motivation wanes as a project ends. Alter the task flow to focus on their strengths instead of negative reinforcement. Result: happy, productive employees and a win-win for all! #EmployeeMotivation #PositiveReinforcement #WinningTeam
Another potential alternative is engaging independent talent with specialized skills to resolve specific problems. Find a top professional specializing in this work rather than asking your current team to learn a new skill for a particular project stage. (We have access to plenty of them)
Arrange team meetings and individual catch-ups.
The thought of scheduling and attending meetings can evoke intense negative feelings from many. However, meetings are an essential space for employees to share ideas, offer feedback, and get on the same page with each other.
Regular team meetings will help your group build stronger relationships and alignment. You'll find that well-planned and executed meetings will facilitate better innovation among your team and help the group make better and faster decisions.
Team meetings are just one of the crucial meetings to prioritize. Leaders must also regularly set aside time for one-on-one sessions with their colleagues. One-on-one meetings give leaders a chance to provide employee feedback and coaching and connect with them on a personal level.
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Assess what matters at the end of the day to the business
In any management context, accurately measuring individual and team outcomes is crucial. However, software development poses a challenge in identifying the right metrics due to the abundance of available statistics. With coding generating numerous artifacts, relying on numerical data alone to evaluate team members is tempting.
To simplify the process, consider tracking a few specific KPIs. Common KPIs for software development teams include velocity, cycle time, code simplicity, and flow efficiency.?Keep track of two or three KPIs for a month, and then review?the data as a team to identify areas for improvement.
It's essential to view the correct statistics holistically to avoid misunderstandings. For example, a developer who completes tasks quickly may produce code that requires extensive revisions later on, while a developer who takes on a leadership role may be essential to the team but produce fewer lines of code. Therefore, using metrics to understand your team's dynamics is vital rather than as a replacement for managerial insight.
Facilitate your team's feedback.
Too often, software developers find some aspect of their project requirements unreasonable, ill-conceived, or otherwise suboptimal. But because they're tasked with executing a vision conceived by another team, their valuable insights are never considered or implemented.
Those managing a software development team should advocate for team member insights. Invite them to comment on the instructions they receive, including how they might alter or improve the project's requirements. Then, communicate their observations and concerns to stakeholders within your organization where appropriate, developing a dialogue between them and your team.
Taking team feedback seriously and endorsing it internally demonstrates your appreciation for their talents. It's important for remote workers or independent talent, who may question whether their contributions are appreciated.
You gotta keep'em motivated.
Motivated employees are more productive and committed to helping the company achieve its goals. Consider these ideas when looking for ways to motivate your team:
Cultivate collaboration with the right tools.
Here's a straightforward but significant recommendation: Give your team the tools they need to stay on the same page and succeed together. In a surprising number of software development projects (especially those including independent and?Nearhsore talent ), communication is scattered across several platforms.
Some conversations happen in chat, others in email threads, and others in virtual meetings.?Fragmented interactions may lead to confusion, duplicated efforts, and disconnection among team members. However, avoiding these issues is as simple as investing in collaboration tools and setting expectations.
Consider a project management system that everyone can access and update and a chat platform for real-time interaction, like?Jira . Many teams find that a task flow platform like Asana or Trello can keep team members informed about ongoing team projects. Email and virtual meetings will also be components of your communication toolkit.
GitHub ?is another popular platform for software development teams. GitHub is a?free code-hosting site used by more than 50 million developers worldwide?that lets teams work together when coding and reviewing projects. It's compatible with both iOS and Windows.
Whatever tools you choose, specify to every team member how you expect them to utilize each option (e.g., requesting daily updates in the project management platform or availability via chat during working hours). Provide clear communication guidelines to ensure consistent and efficient collaboration.
Managing a team if you don't have technical experience
If you have a technical background, your strategy for managing your technical team will look the same. Those needing more related experience can still be successful and effective in this role. Here are some tips that may help:
What to consider for a remote software team
Managing a remote team brings about a whole new set of challenges and considerations. Here are five essential principles to remember when ordering a remote software team.
Establish regular communication
Communication is critical for all teams—most importantly?remote teams ?(even more so if this is your first time working with a group). Effective communication will inform employees of deadlines, resources, and company changes.
Some companies will establish regular, even daily, check-ins with their team. It may seem excessive, but daily video check-ins can be a great way to bring remote teams together and keep teammates connected and engaged.
Use technology to your advantage.
We've seen a rise in remote work in recent years, and?developer communication tools ?can improve your day-to-day operations. These include video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet and instant communication software like Slack.
Get everyone on the same page about how—and when—they will communicate with each other. Decide how you will communicate between meetings and when face-to-face interaction is preferred.
Clarify expectations (Be realistic)
Please only assume your team knows how they should spend each day working in a different space. Have conversations with employees about proper time management and the milestones you expect to achieve.
Create systems and ask for feedback from employees on what is and isn't working for each person. Provide guidelines about what goals and metrics you'll track, and ensure employees know how quickly you expect them to respond to after-hours emails or texts.
Track outcomes, not activity
Rather than micromanaging your extended team, allow them to develop and execute whatever plan best enhances their output and creativity. Since, on average,?employees are 13% more productive when working from home , you'll want to do everything possible to continue nurturing this environment where your team members can thrive.
Many organizations?offer flexible hours ?to?remote and Nearshore employees. In most cases, specific work hours matter less than whether they complete work before due dates. You can still use time-tracking software to ensure employees work the expected hours.
Support your employees - they are part of the MISSION!
Working remotely can pose challenges for employees, such as isolation and uncertainty about their responsibilities and expectations. To support your staff, prioritize scheduling regular one-on-one meetings and recognize their successes and progress on projects. It is crucial to build a strong connection with your team and gain insight into their experiences.
Remember that your employees look to you to see how they should respond to situations and circumstances. Cultivate a positive and supportive culture (even when you don't have regular face-to-face contact), and your team will likely respond with greater productivity and effectiveness.
Managing your Remote team starts with the right talent and the Right Platform.
Integrate the above methods into your management approach to empower your software development team to collaborate more effectively. Our proven approach will invite each professional to optimize their contributions to collective goals.
Of course, while thoughtful management techniques can enhance a team's talents, you'll need the technical skills necessary to complete any software development effort. In this sense, effective management starts with assembling a team capable of meeting the work ahead.
Let?Framework Science ?serve as your source for top independent development talent. Our platform makes it easy to attract professionals with the specific skill sets your team needs to succeed. With the right talent always in reach, your Nearshore software development team can seamlessly adapt to new challenges and opportunities.