EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
ŁUKASZ KOCZWARA , COO , STX NEXT
As a team leader , implementing reliable and transparent structures to enable good work is an important first step . Development projects can be incredibly complex , with lots of moving parts . Project management tools that act as a central hub for each member in the team are vital , so that everyone can keep up to speed and aligned on what is needed .
In the same vein , pre-agreed and organised channels of communication are also essential , as this improves communication by facilitating frequent interaction and the clear expression of ideas . It ’ s also useful to garner a good understanding of the best method of communication for all of the members of your team .
This way , each individual in the group has a clear and equal voice and feels as though they can contribute to team projects . It ’ s important that this trust between employees is maintained and leaders should take extra steps to ensure that teams are collaborating and communicating clearly .
In the recruitment process , soft skills are another key enabler for team cohesion . With the distance that comes with more remote work , culture fit has never been more critical . Bringing in a new team member shouldn ’ t be a process of finding someone exactly like others in the business . In fact , fostering a healthy environment in which different views and ideas can coexist is a vital part of what makes an effective team .
Taking steps to build an inclusive and welcoming culture allows teams to build trust , goodwill and camaraderie . A unified team will diagnose and fix technical problems faster and they ’ ll be able to create something much more valuable than any one individual could have produced on their own .
The onboarding process also plays an important role in welcoming new staff and ensuring they can work well with their new colleagues . Carefully guide new recruits through the nuances of the role , help them understand processes and management frameworks and provide a combination of both formal and informal pastoral support . Alongside this , new joiners need frequent , interactive workshops to help develop their skills from either a remote or office environment .
FOR LEADERS , YOUR TEAM MEMBERS WILL FLOURISH IF YOU SHOW THEM THAT YOU BELIEVE IN THEIR POTENTIAL AND GIVE THEM THE SPACE TO EXPRESS THEIR IDEAS AND GROW THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES .
For leaders , your team members will flourish if you show them that you believe in their potential and give them the space to express their ideas and grow their responsibilities . Widespread remote working has shown that people can do their jobs well without being physically present and that technology can facilitate effective work .
To be successful , the modern developer should have a much better understanding of the wider goals of the business and have the skills necessary to form important parts of cohesive and productive teams , be effective communicators and , should they wish to do so , become leaders themselves in the future . x
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