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How can we predict a good result in a software development project? Is it a matter of having the best talents? Or is it about making these talents work with each other? In this article, we will explore the meaning and effects teamwork has on what we do daily as software developers.
It goes without saying, but we like to say it on repeat: a well-functioning team is crucial to achieving great results in every software development project. Although teamwork is not the only ingredient to success, it is certainly very important. It can noticeably improve the development process and help obtain higher quality. How to build a dream team? We can start by concentrating on five major pillars.
BUILDING CROSS-DISCIPLINARY TEAMS
At the start of every project, we build a team of developers from different disciplines. Each of them brings a specific set of technical skills to the table based on their role.
But we often start the concept phase by excluding front-end or back-end developers because we think that they can’t contribute much to the initial stages. Then we end up including them later, conditioning each project member to work apart from the others.
Building up a cross-disciplinary team every time we start a new project can help the work move forward faster and better. While some team members brainstorm on software features and technology, the rest of the developers can start working in parallel, writing or conducting tests. And last but not least, the members of a multi-disciplinary team can learn from each other. Constantly consulting colleagues and watching and understanding different parts of the project will make everyone perform better in the present and future tasks.
WORKING INDEPENDENTLY
Another essential feature of a well-functioning development team is the ability to work autonomously at an individual and team level. An independent team is one that continues to operate even if key members, such as the project manager, are missing. Its members can resolve issues on their own or present them properly to other team members to find a solution before it’s too late.
Building such a team is every manager’s challenge, but fortunately, it is not impossible. It might seem easier to tell people what to do, but it is way better to help them find out what they have to do on their own. Team members should not be bossed around but empowered instead. This way, they will improve and grow as professionals and you will make sure they deliver an excellent job.
GETTING CONSTANT FEEDBACK
Throughout the development process, it is crucial to get constant feedback from the end-user or third parties before you’ve made too much progress. When working on a specific project, the team should present a functioning product as early as possible and receive proper feedback in a timely manner. It will help them improve the software throughout the process and finalize it with the needed improvements.
Even though it might feel as if constant feedback is slowing down the work and holding you back, experience has shown that it is not quite like this. It actually avoids creating waste and helps the team be more efficient.
SETTING CLEAR RESPONSIBILITIES
Every component of a system must perform a specific task and operate independently while still being able to communicate with other components. In other words, it should be able to work even if part of the system is has difficulties. That way, the needed adjustments need to be made only where the system is failing. The same philosophy applies to teamwork.
A well-functioning team is built on smaller components that should carry out specific duties on their own while functioning as one. This happens only if we draw clear roles and responsibilities for every team member. When everyone knows clearly what to do and what is their part in the whole process, teamwork is more efficient. The system as a whole continues to move on even if some members are facing difficulties.
