Best Practices for Managing Successful Distributed Software Teams
As more companies embrace remote workforces, effectively managing distributed software development teams presents a unique set of challenges. From maintaining productivity and alignment to facilitating seamless collaboration across locations, leading a dispersed group of engineers requires careful coordination and the right processes.
Drawing from our experience staffing and advising software teams, here are seven best practices for successfully managing distributed development projects:
1. Establish a "Virtual Office" with Defined Working Hours.
Set consistent, overlapping working hours and have teams virtually "clock-in" together each day. This creates a productive rhythm and sense of shared presence.
2. Invest in World-Class Collaboration Tools.
Having a powerful integrated suite of video conferencing, messaging, project management, and document sharing tools is crucial for distributed teams. Don't skimp here.
3. Encourage Video Meetings Over Audio/Chat.
Seeing facial expressions and body language enhances engagement and understanding. Opt for video calls whenever possible, especially for complex discussions.
4. Run Frequent Stand-Ups and Retrospectives.
Quick daily standups allow teams to align and discuss blockers. Weekly retrospectives build trust and continuously improve processes.
5. Define Availability Norms
Distributed teams span time zones, so agree on norms for availability, handoffs, and backup plans when members are offline to keep work flowing seamlessly.
6. Over-Communicate and Document Everything
Distributed settings require prolific, persistent communication and thorough documentation of all discussions, decisions, code changes and more.
7. Bring the Whole Team Together In-Person Periodically
While expensive, facilitating in-person meetings periodically boosts rapport, bonding and cultural cohesion within distributed squads.
Managing software teams is always challenging, but doing so remotely adds another layer of complexity. Adopting these practices around processes, tools, communication and team-building goes a long way in overcoming that complexity and setting distributed teams up for success.