At Revelry, a question we get pretty often is some variation of, “What does it take to build the best software development teams?”
Whether you’re vetting a potential partner or, like us, building teams to support specific projects, it’s an important question to ask. Because creating software is about much more than producing a well-coded application; it’s about delivering a solution to a problem that brings value to its users. And getting there demands a mix of skills, character attributes, and passions.
We asked our Product Delivery leaders to share their thoughts on the subject:
“While every software development team is unique,” says Revelry CTO Nick Schello, “the most successful teams have a cohesive understanding of the business need or problem; a shared vocabulary; and a collaborative product owner.
“Just as importantly, team members have a diverse set of skills, thinkers, and problem-solving tactics, and they are empowered to lead and make decisions with the support of their peers.”
Director of Engineering Jason Pollentier says alignment among stakeholders, product, and implementation is critical.
“This means another need is for team members who aren’t afraid to communicate openly to squash misalignment when it comes up, and who are willing to make the team’s goals their own,” Jason says.
“An ability to develop iteratively, and to be flexible and able to change directions when a curve ball comes is important,” adds Engineering Director Daniel Andrews. “As is working in the open, being vulnerable, and seeking feedback from the team early and often.”
Revelry Director of Product Management Mary Legendre stresses the importance of collaboration, communication, continuous learning, and keeping the focus on the customer (“the WHY”).
“A collaborative environment with well-defined and efficient processes and best practices is so helpful – as is having clear views into individual and collective priorities and progress,” Mary says.
Team members also have to have a willingness to ask questions out loud and call out blockers in the open, she adds.
“And always celebrate victory – making sure that in addition to celebrating the collective accomplishments of the team, individuals are recognized for their contributions. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, you know.”
Want to learn more about how Revelry builds product delivery teams that build awesome apps? Connect with a member of our team.
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