Developer TLC

Software development projects fail for many reasons. Issues with budget, direction, management, customer buy-in, scope, etc. can all result in failure.

Another common problem is the failure of the development team to deliver the right functionality on time and on budget. What’s the best way to tackle this fundamental issue? Hire good developers and create a working environment that allows and encourages them to excel.

How does a leader create this environment? Here’s what I think:

• Understand and embrace good software development practices. There are common practices that reinforce a strong focus on software development activity in the project, regardless of the technology or application being developed. Understand things like unit testing, refactoring, code reviews and continuous integration and make sure they are planned for and supported in the project.
• Put the focus of your projects on delivering working software sooner (as opposed to heavy process or big design up front methods). Release early & often, get lots of user collaboration & feedback, use short cycles. Let the developer work ‘see the light of day’ as early as possible – the team needs the feedback.
• Make sure your developers have the best hardware and software you can reasonably arrange. Things like dual displays, laptop RAM and software tools go a long way to support developer productivity.
• Invest in developer technical & industry training in the form of a professional development program. Give your developers a budget and time allocated to their personal skills development. Put support in place to help them plan/schedule these activities and maximize the benefit. Let them buy any book they need.

Hire good developers, treat them well, and you’ll be halfway to a successful project no matter what other issues you may be facing.