Many companies are refocusing their efforts by assigned dedicated development teams to key projects in the organization. This model can be highly efficient, but there are some pitfalls you have to be aware of as a team leader or business manager.
In this article, we’ll share the tips and tricks you will need to effectively manage a dedicated team of developers and explain why many businesses choose to use dedicated teams for software outsourcing.
What are dedicated development teams?
The dedicated development team model isn’t a new approach to software development. Many businesses started off using a dedicated team of developers for specific projects or on a specific product, then moved away to more dispersed, agile teams. There are several reasons why these companies are returning to this model.
For one, when you hire dedicated development teams, a single team is responsible for all aspects of the project, from planning to design and implementation, and management. This can increase efficiency, flexibility, and even communication and collaboration between team members.
All of your team members are focused on their projects and work together in a cohesive and productive way, in contrast to models where developers can often spread across multiple projects, which makes it hard to focus and prioritize their work at times. A singular focus makes it easier for the team to adapt to changes in the project’s scope and requirements.
If the team was carefully chosen, there would be better communication and collaboration between team members. The developers will build trust with one another and figure out which communication channels work best for them. When teams are spread across multiple projects and geographies, communication is often the biggest challenge, and teams may find themselves balancing several tools just to stay in touch.
None of this means that the model doesn’t come without challenges or difficulties. There are some issues managers should be aware of if they opt for this route.
Tips for managers who hire dedicated software development team
If you are a business or team leader running or otherwise overseeing a dedicated software development team, you should be aware of some key challenges (and how to overcome them). Here are just a few tips you can apply when you head down this route:
1. Choose your team carefully
Your team is going to be working closely together at all times. Make sure that they are a good fit and that their personalities and the leadership styles of the team gel nicely with one another. Everyone should be adept at handling conflict, crises and share the same working style and work ethic if you want a harmonious (and effective) team.
2. Establish clear lines of communication
Motivating and managing a dedicated development team can be challenging as well, especially if the team works remotely or is dispersed geographically. Set clear lines of communication and ensure that you have all of the tools teams need to stay in touch. Don’t use too many communication channels - decide if you’ll use Slack, Trello, or email as your preferred channel for day-to-day communication. Set goals and expectations, provide regular feedback, and make sure that you recognize your team members for a job well done.
3. Be aware of the potential for burnout
Software teams working on high-pressure projects can often burn out. Job burnout is a form of work-related stress characterized by a state of physical or emotional exhaustion, a sense of reduced accomplishment, and even a loss of personal identity. Burnout can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even turnover. To prevent burnout, managers should encourage team members to take regular vacations and prioritize their well-being. They should also encourage team members to take on different roles or responsibilities in order to stay engaged.
4. Make sure that the team has the right skills and resources
Managers have to ensure that teams have the necessary skills and resources to complete the project, including soft skills like communication and conflict management. Teams should be screened and tested before hiring and provided with the necessary training and support to build their skills and have access to the tools they need to complete the project. You should also ensure that your team has fast computers, the right office setup, and good connectivity so that they aren’t hampered by technology.
5. Encourage collaboration and teamwork
Encourage employees to share their ideas and opinions by creating a safe and open environment where all voices are treated equally. Encourage teams to interact with one another by creating team-building activities and regular stand-up meetings. Lead by example by being a team player and an open and approachable leader. You have to value all employee contributions and address their concerns in a serious way.
6. Reward and recognize your employees for their work
There are several ways to reward and recognize employees for a job well done. You can provide monetary bonuses or raises for good performance or consider non-monetary rewards like extra vacation days, flexible and remote working, or even opportunities for professional development and learning.
Rewards don’t always have to be monetary, though. You can deploy a public recognition program, write a personalized note or send a nicely worded email as well. Some companies create formal employee-of-the-month programs, host recognition events, or celebrate successes regularly during meetings. It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you find a program that aligns with your company culture and key values so that they matter to the employees who receive them.
Remember that rewards and accolades will be completely meaningless if the team is consistently overworked, underpaid, or burnt out. Balance is more important than occasional rewards.
Conclusion
The dedicated development team model is a popular approach to software development that offers several advantages. From increased efficiency to flexibility, and better communication and collaboration between team members, there are plenty of reasons to pursue this way of working.
However, managers must be aware of the potential challenges, including preventing burnout and ensuring that the team has the necessary skills and resources to do their jobs effectively.
With the right strategy, dedicated development teams can be your business’s most valuable asset.
Sarthak Goriya is a content writer at jeenaminfo professionally and comes from a Mass Communication background. He is someone who loves poetically romanticizing the world with a camera in one hand and a pen in another.
