Manage an Offshore Software Development Team
Managing an offshore software development team can be challenging for companies without the proper processes in place. Getting the right people on board, determining job responsibilities, communicating effectively, and keeping an eye on project progress can be difficult, especially when you’re working with multiple time zones. But if you follow the tips below, it’s easy to manage an offshore team and make your business more productive.
First, define all the roles in your project. This includes identifying who will be your project manager on the offshore side and who will be your point of contact from your company’s perspective. Once you have these roles outlined, it will be much easier to track the progress of your project. Next, set clear communication standards for all channels. For example, it’s widely accepted that email response times should not exceed one business day. This will help you to avoid miscommunication issues due to lack of clarity in messages.
It’s also important to understand the culture of your offshore partner. This can be done by reading up on their country’s history and culture, or asking the team members themselves. Learning about their culture will make it easier for both teams to communicate effectively and build a positive working relationship.
How to Manage an Offshore Software Development Team Effectively
Another way to build a strong team is by rewarding their efforts. For instance, giving them a day off for their birthday, letting them know about standout performance, or even just acknowledging their hard work will help your offshore software development team to bond with you. This will help to improve communication and increase productivity in the long run.
While it may be tempting to micromanage your offshore development team, it is a recipe for disaster. Overly controlling and inflexible managers will make the team feel unmotivated to work with you. They will find it very difficult to deliver quality work under these conditions, and they may end up leaving your company for a better offer.
Finally, you must remember that your offshore development partners are contractors and not subordinates. It’s best to give them a general idea of how you want the work to be performed, but don’t be afraid to let them make decisions on their own based on their professional opinion. In fact, their experience can be a great asset to your company and they will likely suggest solutions that you hadn’t considered.
If you are looking to hire an offshore development team, take the time to find a reputable agency with excellent customer reviews and case studies of their past work. Then, establish a solid communication strategy and use project management tools to ensure transparency in your work. By following these tips, you can successfully manage an offshore software development team and get the results that you expect.