Procrastination is a common human behavior, so prevalent that it was even mentioned by ancient Greek poets and Roman consuls. However, psychologists began studying it systematically only in the 1990s, recognizing its harmful effects on health, such as increased stress levels and reduced well-being. Thanks to this research, we now have evidence-based strategies for managing procrastination and understanding its causes.
To procrastinate is to delay a task that we fully intend to complete, even when we know that the delay will harm us. Psychologists say it is a failure of self-regulation, and it has nothing to do with time management. It is, however, related to time inconsistency, our tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future rewards. This evolutionary adaptation, which helped our ancestors focus on immediate survival needs, often clashes with modern goals, like saving for retirement.
Another main cause of procrastination is the desire to avoid negative emotions. “We procrastinate when a task stirs up feelings like anxiety, confusion or boredom,” says Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist. We may also procrastinate when we feel unprepared, or fear being judged negatively.
Why procrastination happens in teams
Interestingly, procrastination is less likely to occur in teams, largely because teamwork naturally incorporates elements of team management that counteract it. Teams often operate with clear goals, accountability structures, and transparent workflows. Many teams also follow established work models, such as Google’s Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Agile frameworks, or the GRPI model, which inherently discourage procrastination.
However, procrastination can still arise in teams. When it does, it often signals deeper issues, such as:
The absence of a clear framework or process.
Failure to follow the chosen framework correctly.
Lack of adaptation of the framework to the team’s specific needs.
Mismatch between the framework and the team’s work.
For example, I once worked with a team that struggled with a «free rider» problem despite using the Scrum framework. Observing their ceremonies, I noticed that team members gave status updates without relating their progress to the sprint goal or discussing whether they were ahead, behind, or on track. They also rarely questioned each other to find out why they were behind, if that was the case. After helping the team adopt more open and courageous communication practices, it became clear that one member was struggling with procrastination. Together, the team developed supportive strategies to address the problem
Team managementstrategies to stop procrastination
The most challenging part of addressing procrastination in a team is identifying it. As in the example above, teams may sense that something is off but struggle to pinpoint the issue without an external perspective. This is especially common in junior teams that haven’t yet built enough trust to ask direct, critical questions.
Once procrastination is identified, educating the team about its emotional roots can be transformative. Understanding that procrastination is tied to emotions rather than poor time management allows team members to approach the issue with empathy. A Scrum Master or coach can guide the team in naming and discussing the emotions causing delays. Even the simple act of naming these emotions can reduce their intensity.
Here are some strategies to combat procrastination in teams:
Pair Programming: Pair a non-procrastinator with a procrastinator to work together. This reduces anxiety for the procrastinator and helps them cross the action line.
Regular Check-Ins: Establish predefined check-ins during the day to share progress. Frequent accountability helps keep procrastinators on track.
Emotional Support: Create an environment where team members can openly discuss their emotions and challenges without fear of judgment.
As team leaders know, identifying obstacles that the team may face and design strategies to overcome them is an important step to take when managing a team. Here are some tips to prevent procrastination from happening in the first place:
Emotional Check-Ins: Begin daily scrum meetings with a quick emotional check-in to gauge the team’s mood.
Structured Updates: Use a meeting template that includes progress updates linked to the objective, whether the work is on time or delayed, and how team members feel about it.
Procrastination in Retrospectives: Use team retrospectives to specifically identify procrastination and co-design solutions.
Practice Self-Compassion: Create a culture of self-compassion rather than blame. This helps reduce anxiety which, in time, helps alleviate procrastination.
Teamwork challenges, including procrastination, offer opportunities for growth. Teams that have built trust and psychological safety can benefit the most from receiving well-intentioned help from each other. For this to happen, team members must be humble, both in seeking help and in accepting it. When teams genuinely work together, they grow not only as professionals but also as individuals.
Hiring a Nearshore development team can be a game-changer for your business. Not only do you get access to highly skilled talent, but working within similar time zones also streamlines collaboration. However, there’s one key element that can make or break the success of your Nearshore partnership: cultural compatibility.
After more than a decade of experience in sourcing Nearshore talent for US companies, I’ve seen firsthand how aligning cultures between teams can lead to smoother communication, higher engagement, and better project outcomes. When it works, it’s seamless; when it doesn’t, it can cause unnecessary friction and slow down progress.
So, how do you ensure the team you hire isn’t just technically proficient, but also a great cultural fit? Here’s a checklist that I’ve developed through years of experience, traveling to client headquarters, working closely with development teams, and fine-tuning our process at Scio Consulting.
1. Understand Your Company Culture First
Before evaluating another team, you need to have a clear understanding of your own company’s values, communication style, and expectations. Ask yourself:
What does effective communication look like in our company?
How do we handle feedback and conflict?
What’s our approach to collaboration and decision-making?
Having clarity on these points will help you identify the traits you’re looking for in a Nearshore team.
2. Assess Communication Style
Nearshore teams work in similar time zones, but communication style is equally important. When hiring, ensure that the team:
Is comfortable with direct communication and doesn’t shy away from bringing up potential problems early.
Adapts quickly to your preferred tools (e.g., Slack, Jira) and meeting cadence.
Practices active listening, ensuring mutual understanding rather than just task completion.
At Scio, we always emphasize direct developer-client communication to prevent bottlenecks. This helps build trust and improves project efficiency.
3. Evaluate Collaboration and Teamwork
Great teams aren’t just about individual talent; they thrive on collaboration. Look for a team that:
Is comfortable working in cross-functional teams and sharing knowledge freely.
Values team bonding and demonstrates a willingness to integrate into your existing processes.
Embraces agile methodologies or other flexible frameworks that align with your workflow
On one of our trips to a client’s headquarters, I saw firsthand how quickly our Nearshore team adapted to the client’s internal team, building rapport from day one. The result? A cohesive, collaborative environment where ideas flowed freely. After the pandemic traveling has not been as usual as before, so you got to get creative in finding ways to build rapport remotely.
4. Gauge Problem-Solving Approach
Technical skills matter, but a team’s approach to solving problems is equally critical. Culturally compatible teams:
Are proactive in identifying potential challenges and communicating them clearly.
Have a growth mindset, constantly looking for ways to improve their processes and learn from each challenge.
Foster creative thinking and encourage every member to contribute to problem-solving.
A great example of this is when one of our developers spotted a potential roadblock early in a project. Instead of waiting for instructions, they discussed it within the team and initiated a solution, preventing a delay. That kind of proactive problem-solving is a hallmark of good cultural fit.
5. Check for Alignment on Long-Term Goals
Beyond the immediate project, ensure the team’s values align with your long-term vision. Culturally compatible teams:
Understand your business objectives and are aligned with your mission.
Have a genuine interest in the success of the project, not just completing tasks.
Are committed to building a long-term relationship, ensuring continuity and loyalty.
After working with some of our clients for more than 10 years, I’ve learned the value of fostering long-term partnerships with clients. Teams that care about your goals aren’t just good for today—they’re good for tomorrow, too.
6. Evaluate How They Handle Feedback
A culturally aligned team is one that handles feedback well—both giving and receiving it. Look for a team that:
Welcomes feedback as an opportunity to improve.
Offers constructive feedback in a way that’s respectful and helpful.
Adapts quickly based on feedback, demonstrating agility and a desire to grow.
During one project, our developers received critical feedback from a client. Instead of reacting defensively, they saw it as a chance to refine their approach, which ultimately strengthened the client relationship.
7. Test the Fit Early On
Finally, don’t wait until you’ve hired a team to see if they’re the right fit. Some ways to test cultural compatibility before committing include:
Starting with a smaller project or trial period.
Hosting a few team-building meetings where you observe how they interact with your internal team.
Setting up a workshop or sprint planning session to see how they collaborate and handle tasks.
We’ve often kicked off new client relationships by starting with a pilot project. It gives both parties a chance to see if there’s a mutual fit without a long-term commitment right away.
Cultural Compatibility Importance: A Conclusion
Cultural compatibility is a key ingredient for success when working with Nearshore teams. By following this checklist, you’ll be better equipped to find a team that not only has the technical skills you need but also fits seamlessly into your company culture.
Remember, the right team doesn’t just meet your goals—they enhance your entire development process. If you’d like to learn more about finding culturally aligned Nearshore teams, let’s chat more in the comments or, if you’re ready to start the conversation with us, send us a message through our contact us page.
Hiring the right software developers quickly and effectively is critical for companies that need to stay competitive. In the first two parts of our series, we discussed building in-house teams and leveraging Employer of Record (EOR) services. Now, we’ll look closer at freelance software developers and the rise of marketplace for software developers platforms like Fiverr, Workana, and Willdom.
But while these platforms offer flexibility and speed, they also come with significant challenges that tech leaders must be aware of before making hiring decisions. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hiring developers from these marketplaces and why this solution might not always be the best fit for your company.
The Rise of Freelancing Marketplaces for Software Development
As demand for tech talent grows, freelancing marketplaces have become an increasingly popular option for companies looking to quickly find **freelance software developers**. These platforms offer access to a global pool of developers who work independently on a wide variety of projects.
However, before diving into these platforms, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Freelance Software Developers on Marketplaces
PROS
CONS
1. Quick Access to Global Talent
Freelancing platforms allow you to find developers from around the world in a matter of hours. This means you can quickly fill urgent roles or find specialized developers who may be difficult to hire locally.
1. Quality Control and Inconsistency
One of the biggest challenges of hiring freelance software developers on platforms like Fiverr is the variability in quality. While these platforms do offer ratings and reviews, there’s always a risk that a developer may not meet your standards.
2. Cost Savings
Hiring freelance software developers on marketplaces can be significantly cheaper than bringing in full-time employees. Developers from regions with lower costs of living can offer competitive rates, helping you reduce expenses, especially for short-term or one-off projects.
2. Security and IP Concerns
When working with freelancers, particularly those outside your country, protecting intellectual property (IP) becomes a challenge. Freelancers may not have the same understanding of or adherence to security protocols as your internal team.
3. Flexibility for Short-Term Projects
If you’re working on a specific project that doesn’t require long-term staffing, these platforms provide a flexible solution. You can hire developers only for the duration of a project, avoiding long-term commitments.
3. Lack of Long-Term Commitment and Continuity
While freelance software developers are great for short-term needs, they often lack long-term commitment. Freelancers typically juggle multiple clients, which can lead to delays if your project isn’t their top priority. Furthermore, if you require ongoing work, the lack of continuity can slow down your team’s progress. This can be especially problematic when trying to maintain consistency in code quality and project vision over time.
4. Reduced Administrative Overhead
Platforms manage contracts, payments, and other administrative tasks, which can save your HR and legal teams time and effort.
4. Limited Integration with Core Teams
Freelancers tend to work independently, which means integrating them into your internal development processes or team culture can be challenging. Time zone differences, communication barriers, and lack of face-to-face interaction may create friction and reduce overall efficiency. Many tech leaders report difficulty achieving the same level of collaboration and alignment with freelance software developers as with in-house or dedicated teams.
Is Hiring Freelance Developers from Marketplaces the Right Choice for Your Company?
For tech leaders evaluating options for building their teams, hiring freelance software developers from marketplaces might seem like a quick fix. However, as we’ve highlighted, this approach comes with significant trade-offs. If your project requires flexibility, cost savings, and short-term solutions, marketplaces, can be valuable resources. But if quality, security, and long-term alignment are critical, other methods such as staff augmentation or building an in-house team may be more suitable.
Freelancer Uncertainty: How Contextual Gaps Can Jeopardize Your Project
One of the main risks of hiring a freelance software developer is the lack of visibility into their personal and work environment. Often, you don’t know their geographical location, personal situation, or the conditions in which they are working, which can significantly increase the risk of them abandoning the project or missing deadlines. This lack of knowledge is particularly problematic when the freelancer’s work plays a critical role in the success of the project. Delays or missed deadlines not only affect delivery but can also lead to additional costs, either by having to hire another developer at the last minute or through the direct impact on the project’s progress and quality.
Choosing the right talent acquisition strategy is critical to maintaining both quality and efficiency. While hiring freelance software developers offers flexibility and cost savings, the hidden risks—such as lack of context and uncertain commitment—can create significant challenges for tech leaders. Before relying on freelancers for key projects, it’s essential to weigh these risks carefully and consider alternative hiring models that provide greater control and long-term reliability. Making the right choice today could save your team from costly setbacks and ensure smoother project delivery in the future.
If you’re looking for a real software development partner to help drive your digital initiatives, send us a message. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped US tech companies build world-class development teams that deliver results.
Did you know that high-performing software engineering teams are 5 times more likely to report a resilient work culture?
In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, where deadlines loom and change happens in the blink of an eye, building a team that can weather any storm is no longer a luxury – it’s essential.
At Scio, we understand the power of fostering resilience within our teams. That’s why we interview Yamila Solari, her dedication to fostering growth, both in the financial and human capital realms, shines through in everything she does. As General Manager and Coaching Leader at Scio, she leverages her 19+ years of tech industry experience to empower software development teams, guiding them on their journeys of professional and personal development. Yamila’s passion is evident in her role as a coach and facilitator, where she instills resilience within engineering teams, equipping them to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
The Cost Factor of In-House Teams vs. Nearshoring
Yamila defines resilience as «the ability of a team to bounce back from challenges, adapt to change, and consistently deliver high-quality results, even under pressure.» In the world of software development, this translates to teams that:
Meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Embrace unexpected changes with agility and flexibility.
Rally together to overcome roadblocks and obstacles.
Maintain high morale and motivation throughout the project lifecycle.
So, how does Scio cultivate this kind of unbreakable spirit? The answer lies in their unique approach, built upon the core principles of Scrum values.
Enhancing Team Efficacy Through Scrum Values
At Scio, the Scrum values are not just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of their team culture. Here’s how Yamila translates these values into actionable strategies:
Commitment: Fostering a genuine sense of ownership and shared responsibility, where every team member feels invested in the project’s success.
Focus: Implementing clear deadlines, defined sprints, and regular progress checks to keep everyone focused on the goal.
Openness: Encouraging transparent communication, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Respect: Celebrating diverse perspectives, valuing individual strengths, and creating an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Courage: Embracing calculated risks, encouraging innovation, and empowering team members to step outside their comfort zones.
The Experience Cube
Drawing upon her extensive experience building diverse teams, Yamila uses an interesting tool: the experience cube. Created by Gervase Bushe, it is a communication tool that is becoming indispensable in agile organizations. Yamila teaches members of teams to use this technique to make sure they are expressing their whole selves (feelings, thoughts, needs, and wants) whenever they discuss high-stakes issues inside the team. In her words, «I’ve encountered situations where personality differences and varying working styles seemed insurmountable obstacles. However, using the Experience Cube has allowed team members to express themselves fully and feel contained by the team, which in time, has helped the team to solve their conflicts.
Maintaining Energy and Stamina
Building resilience is not about tackling challenges; it is also about having the «energy and stamina» to persevere. Scio understands this, and Yamila highlights the importance of strategies like:
Transparent communication for a free flow of information that saves energy
Investing enough time in building trust and alignment in the team.
Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
Recognition and appreciation for individual and team accomplishments.
In the interview, she shares a powerful anecdote about a situation where reaching an agreement seemed impossible. Through coaching and unwavering focus on the shared goal, the team not only overcame their differences but delivered a project that exceeded expectations. This story serves as a testament to the power of resilience.
Building Your Own Resilient Software Engineering Team: Actionable Tips for C-Suite Leaders
As C-Suite leaders, fostering resilience within your software engineering teams can be a game-changer. Here are some key takeaways:
Embrace the Scrum values: Create a culture of commitment, focus, openness, respect, and courage.
Invest in team building: Foster strong relationships and a sense of shared purpose.
Promote open communication: Encourage transparency and collaboration at all levels.
Recognize and reward individual and team achievements.
Invest in leadership development: Empower your managers to coach and build resilient teams.
Creating an unbreakable software engineering team is not a one-time project; it is an ongoing journey. By incorporating these strategies and drawing inspiration from Scio’s success story, you can build a team that thrives under pressure, consistently delivers exceptional results, and gives a true competitive advantage to your organization.
Do you have an example of a time when your team demonstrated incredible resilience? Share your story in the comments! We love hearing how organizations are putting these principles into practice, and your experience could inspire others.
It’s easy to conceptualize software production as a continuous dance between the long-term goals of a project and the uncertainty of planning for the near future. With rapidly changing technology and a constantly shifting landscape, it’s difficult to accurately predict how much time and effort should be allocated to any given project, and knowing the unknowns of software production is almost contradictory. And that’s without taking into consideration factors like market demands and customer feedback weighing heavily on any project. Even foreseen obstacles can sometimes take a development team down an unexpected path, taking more time and resources than planned to address hurdles that completely wreck the initial outline of the project.
All these reasons make accurate production planning a critical aspect of successful software development, allowing teams to create realistic estimates and prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring no delays and reducing the likelihood of missing deadlines. Developing accurate timeframes requires understanding all elements involved in the project, such as hardware needs and code complexity, and upon thorough comprehension of this information, organizations can run simulations and plan out an appropriate timeline with clearly-defined goals.
This process, however, requires the creation, testing, and iteration of multiple complex layers that support the end product. This iterative nature makes it difficult to accurately project timelines, as changes can occur at any step along the way that requires reprogramming or versioning. Building high-functioning software often involves adjusting code far down the line as an outgrowth of earlier iterations; a single change can also have unintended effects on functionality elsewhere which add to both complexity and unpredictability. This iterative methodology indeed allows developers to perfect their products; however, it can create wrinkles when forecasting progress throughout the development cycle.
The tension between iteration and business
Software development is a complex process and involves constant iteration and refinement to arrive at the best product possible. Designers and developers need time to experiment and refine their code to create an intuitive and user-friendly experience efficiently and effectively; meanwhile, most businesses need immediate ROI from their investment, often seeking quick solutions to their problems. Consequently, there can be tension between the need for thorough development throughout the process and what a business expects as the result.
Creating quality software takes resources, like skilled developers and adequate time for development, to come up with a high-quality outcome, so it’d be beneficial for both sides to find a middle ground that works best on both accounts while still maintaining the integrity of the software created. However, businesses can fall into the trap of expecting instant results when investing in software, which may not be realistic; in software development, iteration is necessary to create a quality product that meets the needs of users.
Therefore, stakeholders need to understand the importance of iteration, and how designers and developers must strike a balance between testing changes quickly enough so that ROI expectations can be met, while still allowing enough time for improvement and polish. With clear communication between all sides of the project, it builds trust and unity that allows a successful implementation while meeting the demands of both business interests as well as design & development concerns. And accurate planning remains at the core of this issue.
“Several constraints and external factors, both known and unforeseen, can muddy the estimates and make it difficult to plan projects with a high degree of success”, says Adolfo Cruz, Partner and PMO Director at Scio. “For example, as each new iteration of the software is built and tested, any uncovered bug or user feedback can delay the process significantly. Similarly, sudden fluctuations in workload or resources due to changing market trends can warp time frames as well. All these aspects can make it difficult for project managers to set reliable estimates, putting their teams in scenarios where they are chasing impossible targets or failing to meet customer needs on time. This volatility serves as an unavoidable obstacle in software-related endeavors which, if not tackled head-on with the right foresight, can spell disaster for any development team.”
As such, creating precise timeframes for developing software can be a daunting task. The development process must account for delays due to unforeseen technical issues that may require further resources to resolve; communication between the various stakeholders that must agree on distinct objectives; and deciding which features will have priority due to their technical difficulty or the level of collaboration needed from other departments. All of these problems can contribute to substantial delays in development cycles and cause originally estimated timelines to be undermined or pushed back considerably. Without proper planning and contingencies built into the timeline, it can be incredibly difficult to accurately estimate how long a software project may take before its completion.
Some common challenges
Creating and implementing software solutions is a tricky and lengthy process, and when striving to stay competitive in the technology sector, companies need to develop detailed strategies to ensure their software projects are completed efficiently and with success. Thus, understanding the need for a planned methodology that allows for continuous improvement is important for businesses wanting to make use of software development within their operations.
But what factors and variables can complicate the process and impede the accuracy of a project’s plan? From unanticipated scope changes to even the software development methodologies themselves, all affect accuracy when trying to implement a realistic timeframe for the product. Budgetary constraints, vendor reliability, comprehensive resource estimates, unmet deadlines, unexpected technical challenges, frequent changes in the technology landscape, and fluctuations in market trends can further create difficulty in determining accurate timelines. The challenge of keeping up with these ever-changing variables while accurately predicting timelines within budget remains immense and requires considerable expertise, so knowing these hurdles in advance can really make a difference in the outcome of a project:
Undefined project scope: If the project scope is not clearly defined from the beginning, it can lead to confusion about what the project aims to accomplish, which will lead to delays and misunderstandings between developers and stakeholders. Nailing down the scope, then, is always the first step.
Inadequate requirements gathering: If the project requirements are not properly collected and analyzed, it can lead to incorrect or incomplete solutions, which can impact project timelines, budget, and quality beyond the normal demands of iteration.
Poor communication: Inadequate communication among team members, stakeholders, or management can cause misunderstandings, delays, and quality issues, demanding an experienced Project Manager to take the lead at all times.
Insufficient resources: If the project team lacks the necessary skills, experience, or resources to complete the project, and can’t close this gap with external help, it can lead to poor quality, delays, and cost overruns.
Changing requirements: Changes to project requirements can occur during the development process, but they must be managed effectively to prevent delays and cost overruns, requiring clear communication with the stakeholders throughout the process.
Lack of testing: Insufficient testing can lead to defects and quality issues that can cause project delays, additional costs, and customer dissatisfaction.
Inadequate risk management: Failure to identify and mitigate project risks can lead to issues that can impact project timelines, budget, and quality.
Lack of stakeholder engagement: Failure to engage stakeholders can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and quality issues. It is essential to involve stakeholders throughout the project to ensure their needs are met and expectations are managed.
Understanding all the potential issues that may arise during the project and wisely budgeting for them is key to successful planning. Understanding all the potential issues that may arise during the project and wisely budgeting for them is key to successful planning. Understanding all the potential issues that may arise during the project and wisely budgeting for them is key to successful planning.
In short, planning a realistic timeframe for a software development project can be an unpredictable process if approached the wrong way. To accurately estimate how long certain tasks will take to complete, or how quickly any potential complications might be resolved requires the right balance between the technical and the interpersonal, and good organizational practices are key in helping to keep the development estimates on track. By implementing these practices systematically through the course of the project, organizations can significantly reduce the challenge of maintaining a reliable and realistic timeline for their software development projects, leading to better outcomes and more reliable products that benefits us all, both outside and inside the development process.
The Key Takeaways
One of the most difficult, yet critical, elements of software development is estimating the correct time frame for the project to be successful.
These challenges come from a variety of sources, but the iterative nature of development is one of the most important.
This creates tension between the team and the stakeholders that need to be resolved from the very beginning to ensure a positive outcome.
But beyond that, mastering all the variables that can come up during development is what a good organization does to guarantee a product comes out on time, and with the highest quality possible.
Having a constant stream of upcoming clients and projects is the lifeblood of any software development agency, where providing a high-quality service within well-established deadlines is the main goal. But without a comprehensive plan that outlines every stage of the project, it can be difficult for these organizations to allocate time and resources effectively; after all, a good strategy provides businesses with an overall direction, keeping everyone looking at the same goal during the development cycle. With forethought in place from the very beginning, software agencies can confidently move forward with their services, anticipating potential hurdles down the line, and maintaining progress in a positive direction at every turn. This is what allows them to successfully deliver products quickly and efficiently, meeting the expectations of their client at all times.
However, having a constant stream of projects in the pipeline comes with very specific challenges. We have talked before about how juggling projects effectively is critical for any software development partner, and how a smart allocation of resources is what makes these business models work. But in an industry like software development, where everything moves at a breakneck speed, this is not always feasible. Sometimes, flexible planning is what an organization needs to meet all of its goals satisfactorily, especially when the number of resources on hand may not be ideal. Now, planning a new software project without the necessary talent or resources seems like an insurmountable challenge, but the key is being smart, prioritizing tasks based on their feasibility, determining what skills are necessary for the project, and then reaching out to outside support if required.
Expanding on this last point, working with development partners can be an invaluable resource for software companies in times of limited resources. A development partner not only can provide the means to accomplish projects that are outside of the areas of expertise of a business, but also ensure the successful completion of complex technical tasks without having to hire additional employees or redirect resources away from core activities. That way, development partners allow software companies to keep up with the industry, offering them access to specialized knowledge and insights they may not have in-house to keep moving forward with any project that might come their way.
Don’t fake it until you make it!
Sometimes it can be daunting to take on a new software project and not have the necessary resources on hand to complete it, however, there are certain strategies a business can implement to ensure they are set up for success regardless. First, an organization should take a holistic view of all the components required by the project (from staffing levels to available technology, to timelines) and determine whether or not the necessary resources are accessible or need to be secured. And creating a game plan that includes a breakdown of tasks that can be assigned among team members efficiently, while recognizing workloads, strengths, and limitations is key, with knowledge sharing as a beneficial approach to leverage different perspectives, getting the necessary expertise to complete each task successfully, and avoiding the unnecessary waste of time or resources.
Of course, there’s always the temptation of «faking it until you make it», but when it comes to taking on big software projects, this ideally should not be the go-to approach. It may seem like a good strategy when negotiating business with a new client, but the unpredictable nature of development can bring unforeseen risks or cause massive disruptions. Sure, a company specialized in building software applications might not want to pass the chance of getting a new contract when the opportunity arises, and while transparency is important at all levels of the development cycle, outright admitting that you don’t have the necessary staff or resources on hand to start as soon as possible isn’t a wise choice either. What can a business do, then, to ensure you can keep taking on projects without straining your team or improvising a solution?
In that case, it’s important to look for external sources of talent that might help close any gaps in your team that might prevent you from taking on a new project. Utilizing freelance developers or outsourcing certain aspects of the project to other companies can be a way of doing so, but this requires research to make sure that both outside employees and companies have the kind of cultural match that will help ensure the project is completed efficiently (which is an often overlooked yet essential factor when outsourcing). And building a cohesive relationship with your chosen software development partner involves understanding each other’s objectives, communication styles, core values, and management processes. Taking the time to assess these criteria can help guarantee that your expectations are met and also tempers potential clashes in work ethic or style that may arise from having two distinct cultures come together.
“With a seamless cultural match between both parties, you can expect higher levels of trust, better team cooperation, mutual respect, and successful outcomes for both teams”, says Rod Aburto, Service Delivery Manager and Partner at Scio.“Nearshore development partners become extensions of a company’s talent network, meaning they can provide talented professionals with the perfect cultural fit. By choosing a Nearshore partner with a similar culture, language, and time zone, companies get to work with people who understand their market and its nuances. This is ultimately beneficial for the business as it can lead to increased efficiency and productivity in the process of developing software and other IT solutions. They bring invaluable insight into product development due to a deep understanding of local trends and user preferences. Hiring nearshoring specialists means that everyone involved in the project understands each other’s needs better. This enables teams to create innovative products that meet users’ demands most effectively.”
In other words, hiring a great software development team with the right skills and expertise goes hand-in-hand with finding a partner who can seamlessly fit into the rest of your organization. Not only does this help foster communication between teams, but it will also help your organization to get a better position to accept new projects and challenges from clients, without worrying about communication issues or other hurdles that might risk a positive outcome. By having a shared understanding right from the beginning, it will be much easier to reach both short-term and long-term goals while ensuring everyone is satisfied with the results.
Setting up the team to start right away
Setting up an external team to work on a client’s software project can be daunting, especially if the timeline is tight. However, the right strategy makes all the difference in quickly putting together a team that moves effectively. A good approach is to first structure a comprehensive plan defining goals and tasks, which will be the roadmap for onboarding new members and organizing tasks accordingly. It’s also important to invest time in selecting qualified individuals who fit both the project scope and core values, ensuring that they have the necessary skill set to complete the project on time. Developing clear-cut expectations regarding multitasking and communication protocols are also essential to ensure a successful start. With diligent planning combined with an experienced pool of contributors, setting up an external team to work on a client’s software project can be completed swiftly and deliver favorable outcomes.
Gathering all these requirements will help you select the perfect developers from the ranks for a Nearshore partner, with relevant experience and qualifications that are suited for the project. Once you have established the core members, provide resources and tools to collaborate effectively and efficiently, as well as consider setting up regular check-ins with your client to ensure everyone is on track with any modifications they may require along the way.
In short, working with Nearshore software development services can be the best bet for taking on more clients and new projects with few resources to spare. Not only does Nearshore software give you access to an entire talented pool of experienced and knowledgeable developers well-versed in the latest technologies and tools, but the seamless integration of these teams means clients will always receive the highest quality of work, so projects can be completed quickly and without issue. Ultimately, working with a Nearshore partner guarantees a cost-effective solution that delivers impressive results, so you never have to pass up another opportunity ever again, or pray that your team can handle yet another challenge without breaking the whole development process in the way.
The Key Takeaways
When it comes to software development, no company ever wants to say “no” to a new client, but it can get tricky to juggle too many projects at once.
For that reason, it’s pretty common to say yes to a new engagement but scramble to find the necessary resources and staff to make it happen, which can have some unpredictable consequences.
If that’s the case, partnering with outside help is the best course of action, ensuring that a steady flow of talent is always available.
Since a seamless integration is critical, Nearshore development partners are the best option, with the right balance of expertise, cultural match, and closeness necessary to bring any project to life.
