Developer Experience (DX) is becoming an essential focus for companies aiming to build high-performing, satisfied development teams. It’s no longer enough to ensure developers have the tools to do their jobs; creating an environment where they thrive, collaborate seamlessly, and feel valued is critical to project success. When your team combines US-based developers with a nearshore team from Mexico and Latin America, the potential for a great DX is immense—if approached with the right strategy.
Here’s what achieving a great Developer Experience means in a cross-border context and how you can make it a reality.
1. Foster Seamless Communication
When US and nearshore teams collaborate, time zone alignment is a natural advantage, but communication must go beyond scheduling meetings at convenient hours. Great DX starts with a culture of open, transparent, and respectful communication.
Use the right tools: Platforms like Slack, Zoom, and collaborative coding environments help bridge geographic divides.
Encourage direct communication: Empower developers from both teams to speak directly with each other, bypassing unnecessary bottlenecks.
Promote shared language skills: Nearshore teams in Mexico and LATAM often have strong English proficiency, making real-time collaboration easier. Ensure everyone feels comfortable expressing ideas and concerns.
When developers can communicate without barriers, misunderstandings decrease, and camaraderie flourishes—a key driver of great DX.
2. Build a Unified Culture
Great DX isn’t about where developers are located—it’s about how well they work together. A unified culture that aligns values, work ethics, and expectations can transform collaboration between US and nearshore teams.
Onboard together: Include both teams in the same onboarding processes to establish shared goals and values.
Celebrate diversity: Acknowledge and respect cultural differences while highlighting shared values like teamwork, innovation, and accountability.
Encourage team-building: Virtual team-building activities and in-person meetups (when possible) help break down silos and create a sense of belonging.
By integrating nearshore developers into the larger company culture, you create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.
3. Provide Equal Access to Tools and Processes
Nothing erodes DX faster than inequality in access to tools or knowledge. Developers need consistent resources to do their best work, regardless of location.
Ensure tooling parity: Both US and nearshore developers should have access to the same development environments, frameworks, and documentation.
Streamline workflows: Define clear, shared processes for code reviews, deployments, and issue tracking to avoid unnecessary friction.
Invest in developer support: Whether it’s mentoring, training opportunities, or technical assistance, ensure both teams have the support they need to succeed.
Equal access fosters fairness, enabling developers to focus on solving problems rather than navigating logistical challenges.
4. Emphasize Growth and Engagement
Developers thrive in environments where they feel challenged, engaged, and supported in their growth. Nearshore teams from Mexico and LATAM bring unique strengths and integrating them fully into the team provides opportunities for mutual learning and development.
Encourage knowledge sharing: Create opportunities for US and nearshore developers to exchange expertise, from pairing on code to hosting technical workshops.
Recognize contributions: Acknowledge the efforts of all team members, regardless of location, and celebrate achievements together.
Support career growth: Provide opportunities for professional development, such as certifications or leadership roles, for developers in both regions.
Focusing on growth ensures that developers remain invested in their work and in the team’s success.
5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Developers in both the US and nearshore teams face unique challenges but ensuring a balanced workload and respecting personal time are critical for DX.
Align schedules thoughtfully: While time zones are similar, avoid scheduling late-night or early-morning meetings that might disrupt personal time.
Manage workloads effectively: Avoid overloading either team by distributing tasks equitably, considering skillsets and capacity.
Promote mental well-being: Encourage breaks, flexible work options, and initiatives that prioritize mental health.
A balanced approach to work helps developers remain productive and engaged without risking burnout.
Conclusion: Collaboration That Thrives
Achieving a great Developer Experience with a US and nearshore team from Mexico and LATAM requires intentionality. It’s about more than just having the right tools—it’s about creating an environment where developers can communicate openly, collaborate effectively, grow professionally, and feel appreciated.
When DX is a priority, teams don’t just deliver software; they deliver innovation, foster loyalty, and build long-term success. If you’re ready to take your cross-border collaboration to the next level, start by investing in your developers’ experience—and watch the results speak for themselves.
Procrastination is a common human behavior, so prevalent that it was even mentioned by ancient Greek poets and Roman consuls. However, psychologists began studying it systematically only in the 1990s, recognizing its harmful effects on health, such as increased stress levels and reduced well-being. Thanks to this research, we now have evidence-based strategies for managing procrastination and understanding its causes.
To procrastinate is to delay a task that we fully intend to complete, even when we know that the delay will harm us. Psychologists say it is a failure of self-regulation, and it has nothing to do with time management. It is, however, related to time inconsistency, our tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future rewards. This evolutionary adaptation, which helped our ancestors focus on immediate survival needs, often clashes with modern goals, like saving for retirement.
Another main cause of procrastination is the desire to avoid negative emotions. “We procrastinate when a task stirs up feelings like anxiety, confusion or boredom,” says Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist. We may also procrastinate when we feel unprepared, or fear being judged negatively.
Why procrastination happens in teams
Interestingly, procrastination is less likely to occur in teams, largely because teamwork naturally incorporates elements of team management that counteract it. Teams often operate with clear goals, accountability structures, and transparent workflows. Many teams also follow established work models, such as Google’s Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Agile frameworks, or the GRPI model, which inherently discourage procrastination.
However, procrastination can still arise in teams. When it does, it often signals deeper issues, such as:
The absence of a clear framework or process.
Failure to follow the chosen framework correctly.
Lack of adaptation of the framework to the team’s specific needs.
Mismatch between the framework and the team’s work.
For example, I once worked with a team that struggled with a «free rider» problem despite using the Scrum framework. Observing their ceremonies, I noticed that team members gave status updates without relating their progress to the sprint goal or discussing whether they were ahead, behind, or on track. They also rarely questioned each other to find out why they were behind, if that was the case. After helping the team adopt more open and courageous communication practices, it became clear that one member was struggling with procrastination. Together, the team developed supportive strategies to address the problem
Team managementstrategies to stop procrastination
The most challenging part of addressing procrastination in a team is identifying it. As in the example above, teams may sense that something is off but struggle to pinpoint the issue without an external perspective. This is especially common in junior teams that haven’t yet built enough trust to ask direct, critical questions.
Once procrastination is identified, educating the team about its emotional roots can be transformative. Understanding that procrastination is tied to emotions rather than poor time management allows team members to approach the issue with empathy. A Scrum Master or coach can guide the team in naming and discussing the emotions causing delays. Even the simple act of naming these emotions can reduce their intensity.
Here are some strategies to combat procrastination in teams:
Pair Programming: Pair a non-procrastinator with a procrastinator to work together. This reduces anxiety for the procrastinator and helps them cross the action line.
Regular Check-Ins: Establish predefined check-ins during the day to share progress. Frequent accountability helps keep procrastinators on track.
Emotional Support: Create an environment where team members can openly discuss their emotions and challenges without fear of judgment.
As team leaders know, identifying obstacles that the team may face and design strategies to overcome them is an important step to take when managing a team. Here are some tips to prevent procrastination from happening in the first place:
Emotional Check-Ins: Begin daily scrum meetings with a quick emotional check-in to gauge the team’s mood.
Structured Updates: Use a meeting template that includes progress updates linked to the objective, whether the work is on time or delayed, and how team members feel about it.
Procrastination in Retrospectives: Use team retrospectives to specifically identify procrastination and co-design solutions.
Practice Self-Compassion: Create a culture of self-compassion rather than blame. This helps reduce anxiety which, in time, helps alleviate procrastination.
Teamwork challenges, including procrastination, offer opportunities for growth. Teams that have built trust and psychological safety can benefit the most from receiving well-intentioned help from each other. For this to happen, team members must be humble, both in seeking help and in accepting it. When teams genuinely work together, they grow not only as professionals but also as individuals.
Hiring a Nearshore development team can be a game-changer for your business. Not only do you get access to highly skilled talent, but working within similar time zones also streamlines collaboration. However, there’s one key element that can make or break the success of your Nearshore partnership: cultural compatibility.
After more than a decade of experience in sourcing Nearshore talent for US companies, I’ve seen firsthand how aligning cultures between teams can lead to smoother communication, higher engagement, and better project outcomes. When it works, it’s seamless; when it doesn’t, it can cause unnecessary friction and slow down progress.
So, how do you ensure the team you hire isn’t just technically proficient, but also a great cultural fit? Here’s a checklist that I’ve developed through years of experience, traveling to client headquarters, working closely with development teams, and fine-tuning our process at Scio Consulting.
1. Understand Your Company Culture First
Before evaluating another team, you need to have a clear understanding of your own company’s values, communication style, and expectations. Ask yourself:
What does effective communication look like in our company?
How do we handle feedback and conflict?
What’s our approach to collaboration and decision-making?
Having clarity on these points will help you identify the traits you’re looking for in a Nearshore team.
2. Assess Communication Style
Nearshore teams work in similar time zones, but communication style is equally important. When hiring, ensure that the team:
Is comfortable with direct communication and doesn’t shy away from bringing up potential problems early.
Adapts quickly to your preferred tools (e.g., Slack, Jira) and meeting cadence.
Practices active listening, ensuring mutual understanding rather than just task completion.
At Scio, we always emphasize direct developer-client communication to prevent bottlenecks. This helps build trust and improves project efficiency.
3. Evaluate Collaboration and Teamwork
Great teams aren’t just about individual talent; they thrive on collaboration. Look for a team that:
Is comfortable working in cross-functional teams and sharing knowledge freely.
Values team bonding and demonstrates a willingness to integrate into your existing processes.
Embraces agile methodologies or other flexible frameworks that align with your workflow
On one of our trips to a client’s headquarters, I saw firsthand how quickly our Nearshore team adapted to the client’s internal team, building rapport from day one. The result? A cohesive, collaborative environment where ideas flowed freely. After the pandemic traveling has not been as usual as before, so you got to get creative in finding ways to build rapport remotely.
4. Gauge Problem-Solving Approach
Technical skills matter, but a team’s approach to solving problems is equally critical. Culturally compatible teams:
Are proactive in identifying potential challenges and communicating them clearly.
Have a growth mindset, constantly looking for ways to improve their processes and learn from each challenge.
Foster creative thinking and encourage every member to contribute to problem-solving.
A great example of this is when one of our developers spotted a potential roadblock early in a project. Instead of waiting for instructions, they discussed it within the team and initiated a solution, preventing a delay. That kind of proactive problem-solving is a hallmark of good cultural fit.
5. Check for Alignment on Long-Term Goals
Beyond the immediate project, ensure the team’s values align with your long-term vision. Culturally compatible teams:
Understand your business objectives and are aligned with your mission.
Have a genuine interest in the success of the project, not just completing tasks.
Are committed to building a long-term relationship, ensuring continuity and loyalty.
After working with some of our clients for more than 10 years, I’ve learned the value of fostering long-term partnerships with clients. Teams that care about your goals aren’t just good for today—they’re good for tomorrow, too.
6. Evaluate How They Handle Feedback
A culturally aligned team is one that handles feedback well—both giving and receiving it. Look for a team that:
Welcomes feedback as an opportunity to improve.
Offers constructive feedback in a way that’s respectful and helpful.
Adapts quickly based on feedback, demonstrating agility and a desire to grow.
During one project, our developers received critical feedback from a client. Instead of reacting defensively, they saw it as a chance to refine their approach, which ultimately strengthened the client relationship.
7. Test the Fit Early On
Finally, don’t wait until you’ve hired a team to see if they’re the right fit. Some ways to test cultural compatibility before committing include:
Starting with a smaller project or trial period.
Hosting a few team-building meetings where you observe how they interact with your internal team.
Setting up a workshop or sprint planning session to see how they collaborate and handle tasks.
We’ve often kicked off new client relationships by starting with a pilot project. It gives both parties a chance to see if there’s a mutual fit without a long-term commitment right away.
Cultural Compatibility Importance: A Conclusion
Cultural compatibility is a key ingredient for success when working with Nearshore teams. By following this checklist, you’ll be better equipped to find a team that not only has the technical skills you need but also fits seamlessly into your company culture.
Remember, the right team doesn’t just meet your goals—they enhance your entire development process. If you’d like to learn more about finding culturally aligned Nearshore teams, let’s chat more in the comments or, if you’re ready to start the conversation with us, send us a message through our contact us page.
Hiring the right software developers quickly and effectively is critical for companies that need to stay competitive. In the first two parts of our series, we discussed building in-house teams and leveraging Employer of Record (EOR) services. Now, we’ll look closer at freelance software developers and the rise of marketplace for software developers platforms like Fiverr, Workana, and Willdom.
But while these platforms offer flexibility and speed, they also come with significant challenges that tech leaders must be aware of before making hiring decisions. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hiring developers from these marketplaces and why this solution might not always be the best fit for your company.
The Rise of Freelancing Marketplaces for Software Development
As demand for tech talent grows, freelancing marketplaces have become an increasingly popular option for companies looking to quickly find **freelance software developers**. These platforms offer access to a global pool of developers who work independently on a wide variety of projects.
However, before diving into these platforms, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Freelance Software Developers on Marketplaces
PROS
CONS
1. Quick Access to Global Talent
Freelancing platforms allow you to find developers from around the world in a matter of hours. This means you can quickly fill urgent roles or find specialized developers who may be difficult to hire locally.
1. Quality Control and Inconsistency
One of the biggest challenges of hiring freelance software developers on platforms like Fiverr is the variability in quality. While these platforms do offer ratings and reviews, there’s always a risk that a developer may not meet your standards.
2. Cost Savings
Hiring freelance software developers on marketplaces can be significantly cheaper than bringing in full-time employees. Developers from regions with lower costs of living can offer competitive rates, helping you reduce expenses, especially for short-term or one-off projects.
2. Security and IP Concerns
When working with freelancers, particularly those outside your country, protecting intellectual property (IP) becomes a challenge. Freelancers may not have the same understanding of or adherence to security protocols as your internal team.
3. Flexibility for Short-Term Projects
If you’re working on a specific project that doesn’t require long-term staffing, these platforms provide a flexible solution. You can hire developers only for the duration of a project, avoiding long-term commitments.
3. Lack of Long-Term Commitment and Continuity
While freelance software developers are great for short-term needs, they often lack long-term commitment. Freelancers typically juggle multiple clients, which can lead to delays if your project isn’t their top priority. Furthermore, if you require ongoing work, the lack of continuity can slow down your team’s progress. This can be especially problematic when trying to maintain consistency in code quality and project vision over time.
4. Reduced Administrative Overhead
Platforms manage contracts, payments, and other administrative tasks, which can save your HR and legal teams time and effort.
4. Limited Integration with Core Teams
Freelancers tend to work independently, which means integrating them into your internal development processes or team culture can be challenging. Time zone differences, communication barriers, and lack of face-to-face interaction may create friction and reduce overall efficiency. Many tech leaders report difficulty achieving the same level of collaboration and alignment with freelance software developers as with in-house or dedicated teams.
Is Hiring Freelance Developers from Marketplaces the Right Choice for Your Company?
For tech leaders evaluating options for building their teams, hiring freelance software developers from marketplaces might seem like a quick fix. However, as we’ve highlighted, this approach comes with significant trade-offs. If your project requires flexibility, cost savings, and short-term solutions, marketplaces, can be valuable resources. But if quality, security, and long-term alignment are critical, other methods such as staff augmentation or building an in-house team may be more suitable.
Freelancer Uncertainty: How Contextual Gaps Can Jeopardize Your Project
One of the main risks of hiring a freelance software developer is the lack of visibility into their personal and work environment. Often, you don’t know their geographical location, personal situation, or the conditions in which they are working, which can significantly increase the risk of them abandoning the project or missing deadlines. This lack of knowledge is particularly problematic when the freelancer’s work plays a critical role in the success of the project. Delays or missed deadlines not only affect delivery but can also lead to additional costs, either by having to hire another developer at the last minute or through the direct impact on the project’s progress and quality.
Choosing the right talent acquisition strategy is critical to maintaining both quality and efficiency. While hiring freelance software developers offers flexibility and cost savings, the hidden risks—such as lack of context and uncertain commitment—can create significant challenges for tech leaders. Before relying on freelancers for key projects, it’s essential to weigh these risks carefully and consider alternative hiring models that provide greater control and long-term reliability. Making the right choice today could save your team from costly setbacks and ensure smoother project delivery in the future.
If you’re looking for a real software development partner to help drive your digital initiatives, send us a message. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped US tech companies build world-class development teams that deliver results.
Did you know that high-performing software engineering teams are 5 times more likely to report a resilient work culture?
In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, where deadlines loom and change happens in the blink of an eye, building a team that can weather any storm is no longer a luxury – it’s essential.
At Scio, we understand the power of fostering resilience within our teams. That’s why we interview Yamila Solari, her dedication to fostering growth, both in the financial and human capital realms, shines through in everything she does. As General Manager and Coaching Leader at Scio, she leverages her 19+ years of tech industry experience to empower software development teams, guiding them on their journeys of professional and personal development. Yamila’s passion is evident in her role as a coach and facilitator, where she instills resilience within engineering teams, equipping them to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
The Cost Factor of In-House Teams vs. Nearshoring
Yamila defines resilience as «the ability of a team to bounce back from challenges, adapt to change, and consistently deliver high-quality results, even under pressure.» In the world of software development, this translates to teams that:
Meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Embrace unexpected changes with agility and flexibility.
Rally together to overcome roadblocks and obstacles.
Maintain high morale and motivation throughout the project lifecycle.
So, how does Scio cultivate this kind of unbreakable spirit? The answer lies in their unique approach, built upon the core principles of Scrum values.
Enhancing Team Efficacy Through Scrum Values
At Scio, the Scrum values are not just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of their team culture. Here’s how Yamila translates these values into actionable strategies:
Commitment: Fostering a genuine sense of ownership and shared responsibility, where every team member feels invested in the project’s success.
Focus: Implementing clear deadlines, defined sprints, and regular progress checks to keep everyone focused on the goal.
Openness: Encouraging transparent communication, open dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Respect: Celebrating diverse perspectives, valuing individual strengths, and creating an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Courage: Embracing calculated risks, encouraging innovation, and empowering team members to step outside their comfort zones.
The Experience Cube
Drawing upon her extensive experience building diverse teams, Yamila uses an interesting tool: the experience cube. Created by Gervase Bushe, it is a communication tool that is becoming indispensable in agile organizations. Yamila teaches members of teams to use this technique to make sure they are expressing their whole selves (feelings, thoughts, needs, and wants) whenever they discuss high-stakes issues inside the team. In her words, «I’ve encountered situations where personality differences and varying working styles seemed insurmountable obstacles. However, using the Experience Cube has allowed team members to express themselves fully and feel contained by the team, which in time, has helped the team to solve their conflicts.
Maintaining Energy and Stamina
Building resilience is not about tackling challenges; it is also about having the «energy and stamina» to persevere. Scio understands this, and Yamila highlights the importance of strategies like:
Transparent communication for a free flow of information that saves energy
Investing enough time in building trust and alignment in the team.
Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
Recognition and appreciation for individual and team accomplishments.
In the interview, she shares a powerful anecdote about a situation where reaching an agreement seemed impossible. Through coaching and unwavering focus on the shared goal, the team not only overcame their differences but delivered a project that exceeded expectations. This story serves as a testament to the power of resilience.
Building Your Own Resilient Software Engineering Team: Actionable Tips for C-Suite Leaders
As C-Suite leaders, fostering resilience within your software engineering teams can be a game-changer. Here are some key takeaways:
Embrace the Scrum values: Create a culture of commitment, focus, openness, respect, and courage.
Invest in team building: Foster strong relationships and a sense of shared purpose.
Promote open communication: Encourage transparency and collaboration at all levels.
Recognize and reward individual and team achievements.
Invest in leadership development: Empower your managers to coach and build resilient teams.
Creating an unbreakable software engineering team is not a one-time project; it is an ongoing journey. By incorporating these strategies and drawing inspiration from Scio’s success story, you can build a team that thrives under pressure, consistently delivers exceptional results, and gives a true competitive advantage to your organization.
Do you have an example of a time when your team demonstrated incredible resilience? Share your story in the comments! We love hearing how organizations are putting these principles into practice, and your experience could inspire others.
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-expanding realm of development frameworks? You’re not alone. Every day, a new contender emerges, promising the secret sauce to code nirvana. But before you get lost in the acronym soup, take a deep breath and grab this handy cheat sheet. We’ll break down the top contenders across front-end, back-end, and mobile domains, giving you the lowdown on their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Front-End Framework Showdown
React stands tall as the JavaScript darling, commanding a remarkable 42% share of the JavaScript framework market, as revealed by the State of JS 2022 Survey. Its supremacy is attributed to the ability to craft dynamic, single-page apps adorned with modular components that effortlessly follow your coding rhythm. The framework’s strength lies in its flexibility and the vibrancy of its community. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the steeper learning curve, recognized by 35% of developers as a notable challenge. Despite this, React remains the go-to choice for those aiming to construct complex web apps, single-page applications, and dynamic user interfaces. Its component-based architecture and the promise of reusable components make it a powerhouse in JavaScript frameworks.
Angular: The seasoned veteran, offering stability and control. Strengths: Robust features, TypeScript integration, ideal for enterprise applications. Weaknesses: Structured nature can feel restrictive, larger learning curve. Ideal for: Large-scale projects, data-driven applications, teams with TypeScript experience. However, its structured nature can feel a bit rigid for smaller projects, with 20% of developers finding it less suitable for personal projects, as reported by the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023.
Vue.js: The rising star, praised for its lightweight design and elegant APIs. Strengths: Beginner-friendly, easy to learn and integrate, small footprint. Weaknesses: Smaller community compared to React and Angular, limited enterprise features. Ideal for: Prototyping, smaller web apps, beginners looking for a gentle entry point.
Back-End Battlefield
Node.js: The JavaScript runtime environment redefining server-side development. Strengths: Asynchronous I/O, single language for front-end and back-end, a large ecosystem of modules. Weaknesses: Can be error-prone, and requires strong asynchronous programming skills. Ideal for: Real-time applications, APIs, and microservices architecture.
Django: The Python champion, renowned for its rapid development and security features. Strengths: Batteries-included approach, fast development cycles, excellent built-in security. Weaknesses: Can be opinionated with its architecture, not ideal for highly customized projects. Ideal for: Web applications with deadlines, projects needing robust security, and teams fluent in Python.
Spring: The Java juggernaut, dominating the enterprise space with its modularity and scalability. Strengths: Scalable architecture, comprehensive features, mature security framework. Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, complex configuration for smaller projects. Ideal for: Enterprise applications, mission-critical projects, and teams with Java expertise.
Mobile App Arena
Flutter: The cross-platform maestro, building native-looking apps for Android and iOS. Strengths: Write once, run anywhere, fast performance, beautiful UIs. Weaknesses: Flutter-specific features might be limited, and larger app size compared to native development. Ideal for: Cross-platform mobile apps, teams looking for rapid development and shared codebase.
React Native: Another cross-platform contender, leveraging React expertise for mobile development. Strengths: Reusable components, large React community, familiar syntax for React developers. Weaknesses: Performance can be slightly slower than Flutter, and there is limited access to native APIs. Ideal for: Teams with React knowledge, projects needing fast development with shared web and mobile codebase.
Swift: The native iOS champion, offering unparalleled performance and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Strengths: Excellent performance, native look and feel, and access to all iOS features. Weaknesses: Only works for iOS, steeper learning curve for non-Apple developers. Ideal for: High-performance iOS apps, and projects requiring deep integration with Apple features.
Remember: This is just a starting point. The «perfect» framework depends on your project requirements, team skills, and long-term goals. Do your research, compare features, and test-drive frameworks before making your final decision.
Bonus Tip: Stay updated! The framework landscape is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on rising stars and emerging trends to ensure you’re always using the best tools for the job.
With this cheat sheet, you can confidently navigate the framework jungle and choose the perfect tool to build your next software masterpiece. Happy coding!
And don’t forget to share your experiences and preferences in the comments below!
