Smart Team Software is a tool designed to help teams work together more efficiently and effectively. It typically includes features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, time tracking, and communication tools. The goal of this software is to improve productivity and streamline workflows, by providing team members with a centralized platform to organize, prioritize and keep track of their tasks and projects. Some examples of popular Smart Team Software include Asana, Trello, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
Managing a remote development team can be more difficult and complex than hiring remote developers. Many projects can become disorganized and stalled due to inadequate project management. To effectively manage an outsourced development team, it is important to establish clear communication, set clear goals and expectations, and have a plan in place to ensure that the project stays on track.
Regular check-ins and progress updates can help keep everyone on the same page, and it is also essential to have a transparent process in place for handling any issues that may arise. Additionally, it’s important to build a good and trustful relationship with the team so that everyone works together towards a common goal.
Here we offer some tested and tried tips for managing and communicating with a remote development team.
Make tools your closest alley.
Having the appropriate tools for communication and collaboration is crucial for ensuring efficient project management. There are a variety of tools available, such as Jira, Slack, Trello, and many others, that are widely used in the software development industry. Utilizing a chat platform like Slack, for example, enables developers to quickly respond to questions, keeping everyone on the same page.
This is especially important for remote teams, as it allows for seamless communication and helps to build strong working relationships. In conclusion, using the right tools for communication and collaboration is essential for managing an outsourced development team effectively.
Make morning call a practice.
Having regular check-in calls, similar to the daily sales huddles that are common in many companies, can be beneficial for remote teams. Some team members may find messaging to be distracting to their work process, and a daily call can serve as a helpful way to keep everyone aligned and set objectives. These calls should be short and to the point, lasting no more than 15-20 minutes, but they can make a big difference in streamlining tasks and increasing productivity.
It’s important to note that daily check-in calls are different from daily scrum meetings, which usually focus on resolving technical problems and issues that the team faces. Daily check-in calls are more about maintaining organization and staying on top throughout the day.
Insist on refreshing backlogs
For development teams that follow the Scrum methodology in a remote setting, it’s vital to review and refine the project backlog continually. This includes adjusting objectives, creating precise predictions, and identifying and removing possible roadblocks. Including the remote team in this practice, helps to maintain progress and creates a transparent view of the most critical elements of the project.
It’s essential to have the presence of the Product Owner and essential stakeholders, in addition to the outsourced team, during this process. The Product Owner is responsible for communicating project necessities as they have an in-depth knowledge of the final product that will be developed.
Avoid micromanagement at all costs.
Constant monitoring and supervision of remote software developers can lead to a lack of alignment with the project goals and the company. This can negatively impact the project and cause developers to adopt ways to hide the reality instead of improving output.
To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to avoid micromanagement practices and foster a relationship that inspires developers to focus on their objectives. When a developer feels drained, it’s better to let them take a break for the day and return refreshed the next.
Push performance through Rewards & Recognition
Maintaining motivation among remote software developers requires more than just praise from their team leader or manager. Regular recognition and rewards for their efforts and contributions are crucial.
Start meetings with the remote team by highlighting specific contributions and inputs the team members have made that were essential to the project’s progress. Instead of general praise, focus on specific achievements. Additionally, having a structured rewards and recognition program in place that aligns with industry standards can be beneficial for the remote team.
Ensure frequent communication through a chat room
Having a chat room open for all team members to communicate frequently is a common practice among many organizations. This allows developers to leave messages for other team members and for others to contribute ideas. It is important to ensure that the chat room is not a source of distractions.
Providing a chat room for the entire company to participate in creates a space where employees can relax and talk about non-work-related matters, which can help to maintain a cheerful and contented team. Company-wide chat rooms can also help to establish social connections among employees.
Many options are available for creating chat rooms, such as Skype, Slack, Trello, and HipChat. If you are looking for a free option, Skype may be a good choice, while Slack is great for managing tasks in an organized way.
Foster connection through events
Holding social gatherings for remote employees can foster a sense of unity and allow staff to connect with others in the company who are not on their direct team. This can also aid in building stronger ties with the organization.
Organizing events for both on-site and remote jobs creates a chance for everyone to interact with their co-workers, team members, and managers in a relaxed atmosphere. Such activities, facilitated by event apps, help to establish a sense of community and shared company culture among all employees, regardless of job responsibilities and location.
Summing It Up
Outsourcing remote development teams can present difficulties, but by maintaining a balance and implementing industry-approved methods, it is possible to achieve success. Organizations that have succeeded in outsourcing have found that utilizing the strategies mentioned above can help to overcome challenges and achieve desired outcomes.