Top 10 Tips for Managing a Remote Software Development Team

Every step towards implementing something new starts with scratch. So, the first step undoubtedly is to first identify the challenges your remote developer team may face while they are outlined to work remotely. After interacting with several leaders of top businesses and start-ups we have realized that there are three common pitfalls or challenges that come into play. They are communication hassles, lack of well-functioned equipment, and the biggest roadblock to achieving high levels of productivity.

For our list, we have taken the most strenuous of challenges and propagated solutions. Let’s examine:

1. Zero- barricade accessibility to the workforce

Your workforce should have everything they need to smoothly run your affairs from the remote venue. The muster includes a well-functioning system (PC or Laptop), a strong internet connection, and a clear communication process. One should try and make a list of all possible hurdles to achieve this so that a coherent working process is achieved. Your team will need to have access to servers, development ecosystems, and shared code. If this does not happen, be prepared for the challenges that will come with poor productivity rates.

2. Definitive work procedures

Create precise project guidelines for productivity, teamwork, and accountability so that your team knows what to expect. Set clear tasks and give detailed answers. Respond promptly to the emails from the developer team and project managers since communication has to be clear-cut. The team should have regular meetings so that they know the organization is hell-bent on taking reports and assessing the work progress of every teammate. When everything is well-documented and communicated, it leaves no gaps thereby pushing the team to achieve the same standard of work that they did when they came to the office.

3. Setting up of proficient technology and tools

Software that will bring in unison all the work processes is extremely essential. At this juncture, the need for collaboration tools is much needed for a software development team that works remotely. Tools such as Jira, Zoom, and Trello help remote workers stay focused on their everyday tasks and give them an upper hand to manage projects. Every organization has different software that keeps them connected. Slack is a great option to stay connected and provides a great UI to keep everyone connected. Skype is a great alternative to Zoom which helps the user to video conference and share screens in case any demonstrations have to be given.

If you stick to your legacy software for communication you may be in soup after some time because they don’t stay relevant. It is better to use these productivity tools that are efficient or even better create custom software for your organization that will help you not just today but also in the future.

4. Communication channels will be vital

Although we have all the tools we need, having face-to-face meetings is extremely scorned. But, if you do not communicate, how will the ideas flow through the organization and how will they be applied? Taking this thought process forward, it is important to transport your ideas faster and most importantly solve all the problems that impede your success. Having regular video conferences related to work will enhance communication and will ensure that it keeps all on one page.

5. Reinstate the importance of discipline

Something that will take your product downhill is the lack of discipline and poor organization of work. If you want your team to be highly productive you have to show them the importance of inculcating self-organization and discipline. Tell them to stay online during a working day. Leaders and managers who take care of the team should lead by example and stick to being available. Keep the work schedule spot on so that it does not spread across the weekend when it is their time off.

6. Clear communication about job responsibilities

Every single person in the team should know about their responsibilities so that they know about what needs to be done. The roles would include both formal and informal. Formal roles pertain to the actual job role and responsibilities but in an informal role, they can be the ones who can suggest new ideas, generate leads, and even show leadership qualities whenever ever required. Also concerning team management, you can divide the teams into sub-teams and bring in the concept of micromanagement. This can be a blessing in the case of a larger project where it becomes difficult to manage the entire team at one go.

Rather you can have sub-teams with a representative who will be answerable for that portion of work. This way communication becomes easy and the project manageable.

7. Team members should be updated on changes

This point holds extreme importance because all the concerned members especially the remote developers should be on the same page when it comes to information sharing. All members should be given equal importance and information should be shared. Regular video conferences, conference calls, and meetings using the tools will help you discuss all the relevant issues. The status of the project must be known to all because every sub-team will have a different story to tell. Any changes in the company’s communication, goals, and objectives also are crucial to a member working remotely. In short, no one should be missed out.

8. Stressing the importance of Data protection

Every single member of a software application development company should know about data protection and security measures. It is important to tell them pre-hand that they are not supposed to share any official communication outside the boundaries of their official communication account. If they have to do something like transferring work data, materials, etc. to their devices they need to take relevant permission. If all the remote developers are not provided official laptops and if they intend to work on their devices, you have to take all the precautions necessary to ensure it is all happening in a safe zone. They have to be educated about anti-virus, password protection, ensuring securing VPN connections, and adopting smart and secure cloud storage solutions.

9. Time Tracking and workforce monitoring

Time trackers have assisted organizations to track the team’s time so that one can see clearly what’s done throughout the day. A monitoring tool and software creates a summary of time spent on each project and task. This ensures efficiency and greater accountability in the task along with timely completion of prioritized tasks.

10. Provide constant feedback

The results of every iteration and sprint depend on how eхtensively you provide feedback. Discussing with the top leadership about what tool you’ll use so that you can inform everyone of the decisions you’ve made and tasks that need to be done.

Ask Us More

This is a huge catastrophe that has rendered everything out of control. But considering the importance of business continuity, organizations have to modify their work strategies and ecosystem that will help them adapt to any kind of change. Remote working might just be the future of working styles further on and starting right away is the key. Take this as an opportunity and bring in the transitions.

ByteCipher software development company in India vows to set an example by being the best remote developer team for all the organizations out there.