Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

However, when you are first starting your career, fresh out of school, what is the best method to acquire the experience in the field you need? Some people opt to join open-source projects on collaboration platforms like GitHub or get involved with the development community by attending online and offline meetups, forums, and hackathons. Others attend professional industry events to learn about new trends in the field, and some even reach out to experienced developers who have already gone through the process of launching an app or website to get a better understanding of problem-solving and how to apply a skill. Some even look into apprenticeship programs that combine the best of all worlds.

An apprenticeship in software development is a great way to gain experience and skills if you’re looking to start a career in the Tech space. Good programs give the opportunity to learn from an experienced software developer and get hands-on practice with coding languages and principles, letting people new to the field learn the different stages of software development projects, and hone their communication skills with other team members. A successful apprenticeship can launch your career in software development, so it makes sense to say that it can offer an incredibly valuable learning opportunity, bringing new perspectives that can benefit the entire team. All these factors come together in making an apprenticeship one of the best paths to develop your skills and build an amazing career in software development. But how to make sure you’ll choose the best one?

Taking the first STEP

For more than a decade, the Scio Technical Excellence Program Level-1 (or STEP ONE for short), previously known as the Apprenticeship Program, has been our way to reach recently graduated developers looking to expand their skills and get started in software development right away. At its core, this program offers a hands-on experience in projects for US-based clients because, as a junior software developer, there is no better way to learn than collaborating with an actual team of experienced professionals. Working with people who have been programming and coding for years can allow observing what it takes to develop quality applications and processes, offering a unique insight into the development process which can be only gained from actually being in a collaborative environment. 

Skills such as how to communicate effectively with others, how to work together as a team, and how to resolve any issues that might arise quickly are central to STEP ONE, enabling anyone who joins to acquire knowledge faster than any course or tutorial could become an expert developer one day. Since it began in 2000, this program has been instrumental in bringing the best talent available in Mexico to Scio. Plenty of our most experienced developers, such as Carlos Estrada, whose experience we have talked about before, began by participating in it. 

“Simply put, what STEP ONE wants to achieve is permeate Scio’s work culture in everyone that joins”, explains Jesús Magaña, Senior Project Manager at Scio. “With very intensive training in everything from development techniques to collaborative soft skills, we want to ensure that new developers have what’s necessary to ensure a smooth collaboration between teams and clients. They get to participate in a real project to live the experience of developing commercial software under an Agile framework, where everyone is on the same page, and issues can be solved quickly.”

After all, participating in a challenging, commercial project as a Junior developer can be a wonderful learning experience, living through real-world environments that provide the possibility to apply classroom theory in different scenarios, with all the nuances of how things actually work in the field. Moreover, hands-on experience in formulating solutions to complex problems can help one to further flesh out their skill set while also discovering how to better collaborate with others. This type of experience can serve as the perfect starting point for any budding software engineer, with chances to identify potential issues within code or how best to prioritize tasks for a successful launch of the product. All in all, there is no better way for a Junior to sharpen their skill set than by being actively involved with these projects, and STEP ONE provides a way to tackle these challenges head-on.

A philosophy of growth

“Why STEP ONE? Well, what we want to do is discover and nurture new talent, not only in terms of technical ability but also interpersonal skills that are so important for a Nearshore company like Scio”, continues Jesús Magaña. “We want to bring these young developers a healthy collaborative environment with a solid cultural foundation of work, enabling them to join amazing projects as soon as possible.”

Software development companies like Scio that actively nurture new talent can benefit from an exchange of exciting new ideas and knowledge, which in turn creates a positive work environment that leads to innovative, outside-the-box thinking. This ultimately benefits the team as a whole, encouraging an atmosphere primed for creativity and success. From this collaboration, a healthier workplace culture is built with employees more invested in their personal growth, providing invaluable professional experience to those who may not have had such opportunities before.

New talent brings fresh ideas and perspectives, which are extremely valuable when it comes to finding innovations in the ever-expanding field of software development. An apprenticeship at a software company could be a life-changing opportunity for junior developers and the entire industry, as not only would an individual have the chance to become a specialized expert in their field and put their newly developed skills to use, but the whole industry would benefit from having aspiring professionals that are committed to learning, creating, and doing. Indeed, an apprenticeship like STEP ONE provides a great platform for experienced developers and new talent to build incredible things together. Everyone wins when we allow learners to sharpen their coding abilities, as it only helps equip us all as we move into an increasingly digital economy where talents like yours are needed. Are you ready to take on the challenge next year?

The Key Takeaways

• A career in software development can be a very fulfilling experience, but sometimes the question of how to get started lingers above every junior dev.
• There are a dozen ways to begin your development career (forums, freelance work, personal projects, entry positions), but apprenticeships are the best.
• In the case of STEP ONE, Scio’s apprenticeship, hard and soft skills are combined in real projects for a junior developer to practice and grow.
• A good apprenticeship is more than just learning technical skills, but also understanding the human part of development, and how collaboration is the best path to create incredible things in software.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

For example, the company might have a good idea for a product that could solve a demand or offer a solution to a specific problem that no client currently is trying to tackle, or maybe it’s a good idea to have a project that developers of all levels could contribute to, or keep busy while new clients arrive. Sometimes you even have a developer tinkering with an idea that is good enough to develop into a business idea that might benefit all in the long run. 

In any case, internal projects give these developers a chance to think outside the box and work on something other than client-facing products, allowing them to stretch their legs and try new technologies and processes in a sandbox environment without risking any customer data or the reputation of their company. These kinds of ventures could also help identify areas of improvement within their existing codebase, discover untapped features or improvements that could benefit their overseas customers, be used to hone developers’ skills, and even refine the collaboration dynamics inside the company. All in all, when it comes to software, having an internal project can be a great asset for a company of any size. 

In the case of Scio, this project is Pidamosde.com, a subscription-based, a platform that enables restaurants to implement a digital solution for their sales processes by offering a digital ordering system that takes care of card payments and virtual client queueing, among other things, simplifying the whole ordering process. In other words, PidamosDe helps these businesses expand their client base by having a pretty convenient and hassle-free option to order food through the Internet, which didn’t seem like a realistic option for most of them before it.

However, beyond offering a new solution to a key demographic of the restaurant business that many apps, like UberEats or Rappi, tend to ignore, or be too pricey or inconvenient to use, PidamosDe was also a learning experience for the people at Scio since its launch, with lots of interesting hurdles and learning experiences for everyone involved. For this reason, we spoke with Samuel González Lunar, a developer that has been part of the PidamosDe team for the best part of last year, to obtain a first-hand account of how these internal projects are managed, how they become what they are, and what they offer in return for the people in charge of bringing them to life.

Too many cooks spoil the app

Software development projects can quickly become bogged down with too many cooks in the kitchen. Without clear direction, team members’ efforts can be scattered, leading to wasted time from working on duplicated tasks or conflicting objectives. In addition, larger teams sometimes make it difficult for everyone’s voices to be heard, leading to resentment between members and an overall lack of cohesion. Too much input from multiple parties can also cause decision paralysis within a project, resulting in extended project duration or scope creep that could compromise key deadlines. And certainly, once he joined the project, Samuel had to make sure everything worked properly. In his words…

“Something that can get complicated is keeping a standard on the programming methodology employed on the project, as well as how to test the app. Because beyond developers, many different QA people have been involved over the years, it’s easy to lose track of all the changes made to the codebase over time. We are getting there, though, establishing a new code-review standard to make development easier in the future.”

After all, with too many people working on the same thing, it can be very difficult to have everyone pull in the same direction, and everyone’s time is stretched as they attempt to organize tasks for all the cooks in the kitchen. Software projects are complicated enough even without these issues; having ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ will almost certainly cause headaches along the way. Samuel is certainly very familiar with cases like this, as he remembered one such challenge that was affecting one of the most important features of a platform like PidamosDe:

“We once had a bug that stopped notifications from reaching the customers. So, as it was, we needed to solve that pretty quickly. The main issue, however, was that the person who wrote the notification code was no longer at Scio, so he wasn’t available to explain what or how he did it. And the necessary documentation wasn’t around either, so I had to research and review the whole program closely to find the error and develop a solution easily and effectively. Once we did that, we had a patch ready to go in less than a day.”

However, these kinds of challenges notwithstanding, internal projects can provide a fun and creative outlet for the team. Not only do they add value to the company, but they also give staff a chance to learn new skills, collaborate on interesting ideas and work together on something that isn’t need-specific. It’s also an opportunity for the company to measure its progress and performance, by giving an in-depth look at how well its processes are working. All of this leads to greater efficiency and productivity, helping the company reach its goals easier than ever before.

Finding the collaboration groove

Developing software requires a tremendous amount of collaboration among different teams and individuals. As a software development company, it’s important to implement the right processes that foster collaboration across the board. Internal projects give a great chance to refine the way team members communicate with each other while also allowing them to become more efficient. Carving out time for an internal project allows your software development company to test out new ideas and approaches without risking the resources or reputation of an external customer’s project — plus your team gets the chance to sharpen their skills too! Internal projects offer a great advantage, providing a safe environment to experiment with new tactics, which can then be incorporated into ongoing projects.

“The Scio way of collaboration is based on mutual support, where everyone can bring you help, and you can respond, which makes collaboration a lot easier and more agile than any other. You teach and learn at the same time, which is incredibly valuable for your professional growth”, explains Samuel. “There have been cases when new people joined the PidamosDe project and used protocols that weren’t part of our standards, overwriting code that resulted in some lost work, but the workshop and courses we give today, and even a conference I did recently, help bring everyone to the same page and avoid issues like this in the future. The point is sharing your experience so everyone joining the team tackles it head on, puts their best effort, and creates something useful and unique for the customers.”

All in all, the main advantage of an internal project like PidamosDe is that it gives the team a chance to learn new technologies without affecting their client workloads. Internally developed projects also allow room for innovation and exploration, as the developers are given ample freedom to express their creativity and experiment with new approaches. Furthermore, these projects can be a great avenue for software development teams to utilize their collaboration skills; by working together on smaller endeavors. Employees can practice and perfect different ways of working that they can carry over into larger or external projects. This way, they will be well-versed in collaborating from collective experience. Plus, internal projects can have time constraints or other unique requirements; by tackling these obstacles together, a team’s communication and coordination capabilities become enhanced and primed for even better efficiency down the line.

Final words

Internal projects like PidamosDe can be great for software development companies, as they provide a fun and creative outlet for the team. Not only can these projects add value to the company, but they also give staff a chance to learn new skills, collaborate on interesting ideas and work together on something that isn’t need-specific, often resulting in amazing products that can stand on their own. 

Unlike client projects, which only provide the opportunity to work on their specific requirements, internal projects give developers the freedom to explore and uncover untapped potential. With internal projects, developers can dive deep into areas that interest them and explore different approaches to solving problems. Additionally, the internal project also gives rise to great ideas that eventually become products in the market. By tweaking solutions and using processes developed for other projects, the team can come up with advanced solutions very quickly. Ultimately, all these benefits add up, not just in terms of greater profitability but in terms of learning as well. All of this makes taking on internal projects a great advantage for any development team within a software company.

The Key Takeaways

• When it comes to making the most out of the talent of a software company like Scio, having an internal project can be a great idea with plenty of positive outcomes all around.
• Among them, without the pressure of a client’s expectations, a company can review processes, smooth out collaboration, and even launch a product that benefits all in the long run.
• However, these projects need experience and good management to achieve their goals, because a lot of people can work on it at some point, and that could create some issues to work through.
• All in all, an internal project like PidamosDe offers a lot of teaching and learning opportunities that otherwise could be difficult to have with more conventional types of projects.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

After all, it’s important to remember that nothing great is accomplished overnight, which is why setting realistic goals, focusing on the right skills, and cultivating a growth mindset are all essential for success within the software development industry. A growth mindset allows us to have faith in our abilities and strive towards our dreams (no matter how difficult or overwhelming they may seem) while keeping a healthy sense of balance and patience along the way. Because software development is constantly evolving, resolutions that involve honing existing skills or learning new ones will go far in terms of professional growth. With a positive attitude, realistic outlook, and dedication to a growth-oriented skill set, software developers can make 2023 their most successful year yet.

How are things going at Scio?

Aspiring software developers should keep a growth mindset in mind and use it to look back at their progress from last year. It’s normal to have moments of doubt or worry about failure, but having a growth mindset means pushing through and continuing to grow, even when things don’t work out as planned. Setting goals and making resolutions based on that mindset can be an effective way to learn new skills and further develop existing ones. For example, practicing coding in unfamiliar languages, participating in hackathons, or working through tutorials are all great ways to cultivate a growth mindset while expanding your knowledge base. Everyone has a different way of approaching and tackling these challenges, often with very specific goals in mind. That’s why we asked many of our developers at Scio how their year is going so far, what their resolutions look like right now, and what’s the approach to ensure that 2023 remains a year of growth and learning.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be able to look back at the start of January 2023 and see how much I’ve achieved with my programming resolutions this year”, reads one of the responses. “One of my original goals was to become more competent with React, and I am now knowledgeably able to develop complex web applications with JavaScript through it. Additionally, I was able to teach myself Python and use its extensive library of modules as well as integrate other libraries into some projects I’ve been involved in. This month gave me great confidence in my skills that will help me for many challenges to come.”

Here at Scio, we have talked before about the challenge and reward of a self-learning disposition, and how it has always been a core aspect of the programming culture; understanding the value of this type of experience is fundamental for an organization where a growth mindset guides everything we do. That also translates to learning at every level, regardless of your status or years of experience.

“After reflecting on the past year, I decided to take my New Year’s resolutions up a notch for 2023”, said another response from a Senior developer at Scio. “I’ve set myself the goal of becoming fluent in at least two more coding languages and to be able to troubleshoot any project that arises without issue. Additionally, I want to expand my reach online by further connecting with other developers all over the world, as well as honing my English writing and speaking skills, which always feel like they can improve. 2023 feels like a year that will be full of challenges, so I want to feel ready and raring to go.”

In other words, senior programmers may have all the technical skills they need in their field, but that doesn’t mean they should stop learning. Soft skills such as communication and collaboration, problem-solving strategies, working efficiently with difficult colleagues and customers, understanding how an organization works, and developing creative solutions – all these abilities are hugely beneficial and can take an experienced programmer to a whole new level of success. After all, as companies grow on a more international level, skills like leadership, communication, and the ability to build successful teams, it becomes more important than ever. So while it’s easy enough to coast by on technical skill alone, those who are serious about succeeding long term should genuinely invest in sharpening those non-technical abilities as well.

“As the year ended, I started reflecting on my New Year’s resolutions as a programmer. One of several achievable ones was to allocate at least an hour each day just for studying new coding languages and frameworks”, said one final answer to our question about challenges to tackle this year. “And so far, I have kept up with this resolution and it has been very rewarding – I now feel comfortable tackling any programming challenge with any language. The additional benefit is that I am starting to gain confidence in developing new software and tools we could use in the future. I knew that setting goals such as these would help me develop exponentially as a programmer – and so far, this has certainly been the case.”

Always look for opportunities to learn

It’s the start of a new year and the perfect opportunity to create good habits. For software developers, this means resolving to always seek ways to grow and improve. Developing software involves complex tasks, such as relying on research and intense problem-solving skills, so staying up-to-date on new technologies is key. By establishing a practice of routinely checking out new tutorials, and conferences and finding more holistic approaches to development tasks, you can create an objective feedback loop that helps identify weak spots in your knowledge. 

Whether it be learning a new programming language, understanding database optimization better, or spending more time on code reviews, making new year’s resolutions can help developers focus on important goals that will keep them up-to-date on the latest development trends and technologies. Setting achievable goals also gives developers an additional sense of accomplishment when they can check them off their list. Moreover, taking the initiative to grow throughout the year helps developers remain ahead of the curve in a constantly growing field, which ultimately benefits both their current employers and future prospects. Ultimately, New Year’s resolutions can be a great starting point for a successful 2023.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

However, teamwork in software development is no easy task. Making sure that every person’s talents and skill sets are being fully applied is extremely important for the success of any project, and creating a workplace that encourages cooperation, respect, and trust between all members of the team is key. After all, the outcome of any software development team largely depends on each individual’s commitment, so it’s important for managers, mentors, and colleagues alike to foster an environment of support and to learn to give every individual the space needed to thrive in their role. 

The importance of coaching in this context cannot be overstated. Software development is all about providing learning and guidance to help developers build amazing stuff. Therefore having good coaches who not only take the time to develop strong relationships with those they are working with but who also understand their skills and objectives and offer support that can help them improve, can truly make a difference. This is why coaching has become increasingly prevalent over the last decade in software development: companies are realizing the advantages of investing in their staff to help them reach their goals and develop their skills. 

This is not only a matter of opinion; studies have shown that coaching can immensely benefit both managers and employees alike by helping them become more effective communicators, stay organized, and explore new ideas. With proper coaching support, teams are better equipped to discover how to solve problems quickly and efficiently, which leads to happier clients and an overall improved workplace experience. It’s easy to understand why so many companies are putting such emphasis on coaching as part of their development strategy.

To go deeper into this subject, we spoke with Yamila Solari, Coaching Leader and Co-Founder of Scio to talk about the philosophy and approach to coaching in a software development environment. What effects it can have on a team, and why Scio puts so much emphasis on coaching, communication, and collaboration when seeking to reach a positive outcome. 

Coaching as a building block of success

Building a corporate culture that understands the value of coaching can be vitally important for any software development organization, as it keeps teams energized and focused on the project at hand. To accomplish this, creating an atmosphere of open dialogue without judgment can help foster collaboration within the organization. With these basic premises in place, any leader should be able to build a strong relationship between team members that translates into successful projects and an overall better corporate environment. However, this is always easier said than done, so how does an organization like Scio implement coaching as part of the building blocks of its culture? 

“Coaching is not simply about ‘pouring’ knowledge and hoping everyone absorbs it. It’s about asking the right questions to encourage thinking of the right answers”, she says. “For example, if you observe how Carlos Estrada [Lead Application Developer that started in Scio 10 years ago in our training program] interacts with junior developers when they ask them technical questions, you will see that he does not give them a straight answer right away. Instead, he asks about their thinking processes, about the solutions they had already tried, and the options they see to do things differently to get better results, and on. This is the basis of our coaching philosophy today; we don’t want to be just managers or directors who decide every single thing that happens during development, but people who encourage you to grow and learn on your own.”

After all, one of the most important things you can do as a manager of a software development team is to focus on team members’ growth and progress instead of pure micromanaging, allowing a degree of freedom over how they choose to approach each task. This promotes a sense of growth and autonomy that ensures everyone is on board when working towards creating a successful output. Building a successful culture in a software development company requires open communication and feedback from all levels of the organization. 

“Most Seniors at Scio have taken these courses (Effective Communication, Coaching Skills, and other Leadership courses) and participated in our Sensei-Creati program, and as a result, the way they build relationships and help others, has changed. Now, when someone goes to them for help, they have lots of new ways to approach problems and encourage others to learn. And in the follow-up sessions with the Sensei at Scio, we talk a lot about how powerful it is to accompany someone on their growth and see how they achieve their own success. Of course, with very Junior developers, it’s a good idea to give them all the knowledge you can, but the idea is to help them apply it the best way possible.” 

In other words, Mid-level and Senior members of a development team have the unique opportunity to help their more Junior colleagues to build their own paths because sharing knowledge and experience benefits everyone involved: Junior developers can quickly increase their skill set, while senior developers can help foster an environment capable of turning out future experts. Moreover, team collaboration ensures any hurdle is spotted early on, thus improving overall efficiency and code quality in the long run. On paper, it’s a win-win for everybody, but these kinds of dynamics cannot happen by themselves; a key element must be present in everyone involved for coaching and knowledge sharing to be as effective as it is at Scio.

Growth Mindset

None of these efforts would stick if the people at Scio didn’t embrace the possibility of continuous improvement at every opportunity. After all, we have talked on this blog before about how growth mindsets are a core aspect of the culture that we have built over the years, and how important it is to ensure that every project we collaborate with has the necessary components to ensure success. 

Of course, coaching plays a vital role in this mindset, providing team members with an opportunity to communicate their ideas and goals productively, and giving them the necessary tools to act on them. This process encourages each individual to examine their personal strengths and weaknesses and develop effective strategies to reach their goals, so for team members who excel in certain areas, coaching can give them the guidance they need to elevate those skills and make significant contributions to the development process. Conversely, for those with less experience or knowledge, coaching offers the means to improve technical capabilities or collaboration skills. A successful coaching program will ultimately provide a development team with perspective on how its various parts work together as a whole, allowing for improved collaboration and stronger results.

“We all have two mentalities: a ‘fixed’ and a ‘growth’ one, and we bounce between them all the time. However, certain people are more attuned to one over the other, and Scio looks for individuals more inclined to grow. These people know that we are all born with certain talents and skills, but that’s not the end of it; they believe that with enough effort, practice, and hard work, they can develop any ability necessary”, she says. “And this is a constant process. In certain circumstances, it’s easy to get stuck in a fixed mindset, thinking ‘I’m not as smart as they think I am. I’m going to screw this up’, or things like that. So our Apprenticeship and Sensei-Creati programs try to teach the people here to recognize these situations and understand that there’s always room for improvement. We are a work in progress.”

In all, software development involves feeling comfortable with a never-ending learning curve. With ever-changing trends in technology, software developers must continuously invest in their skills, pushing themselves to learn more and stay ahead of the curve. However, it’s also important for developers to not only understand coding techniques but also have knowledge of collaboration and communication approaches so that they can develop efficient and beneficial dynamics that efficiently serve a project’s needs. Software development is for organized individuals who take initiative and responsibility for their own learning while understanding the value of relying on others as part of a team.

“A few years back, when we were starting with the idea of coaching, our technical people gave more importance to technical skills, of course, but I think that, as a result of a more globalized perspective and realizing how things really work, they realized we had to put more effort into learning and teaching what are called soft skills”, she said. “These types of skills are for everyone, and the Scio Leadership Program was created to develop these skills in our people. These soft skills are a frequent topic when I have check-ins with the teams, because of the importance of communication and language when collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.”

The reality is that soft skills are a type of ability that is often overlooked but never understated – Nearshore development teams need just as many soft skills to work together effectively as they do technical abilities. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration, all of which take these teams beyond the simple act of coding, can make or break a project, allowing them to work together and stay ahead of any challenge. 

So, as Nearshore development continues to grow in popularity, honing these soft skills is essential for a well-oiled team that produces quality results. And taking into consideration how vital are these intangible traits for the successful completion of projects, it makes it clear that any Nearshore development team should prioritize having members who possess soft skills.

Language is everything

So, at this point, it is pretty clear that the development of successful software requires more than just coding and design – it requires the element of human connection that only open communication can offer in a Nearshore development organization like Scio. And using the right language is a big part of that; when everyone understands not only the specifications of coding and design but how to communicate issues, feedback, and read each other to make sure nothing is misunderstood, the process flows smoothly and efficiently, leading to a better outcome. 

However, beyond the rules of language, you might expect, like no snark, condescension, or put-downs, using the appropriate words in the proper situation can ensure interest in the growth process, and builds on collective knowledge to help solve any problems that arise. Good communication starts with clear and carefully chosen language, and everyone in a good team takes the time to consider how their words are received when it needs to be used in the workplace.

“When it comes to helping people to grow, language is incredibly important. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me because I didn’t pay as much attention to what I was saying, but now we all understand what a difference it makes to choose the correct words”, she says. “When it comes to coaching, feedback, and encouragement, language is even more important; for example, if kids solve a math problem creatively, it’s easy for an adult to use that as a qualifier, ‘Oh, how creative you are for math!”, which shapes how they regard themselves and points them toward a fixed mindset where they may think they are creative but only for that specific area of life.  But if you say, “Oh, your thinking process while solving that math problem was very creative, I can see you worked hard!’, then the emphasis is in the process, not in the ability. Iit ceases to be something they *are*, and starts becoming something they can *work on and develop*. This is a really basic example, but assertive communication that emphasizes this belief on the capacity we all have to grow is one of the foundations of coaching.”

Taking this to a software development context, the proper use of language is paramount in providing effective and appreciated feedback. Taking the time to deeply consider how best to phrase criticism or provide praise can make all the difference in successfully encouraging progress. And that same attention needs to be applied when receiving feedback as well; paying close attention and absorbing criticism constructively to come away with meaningful dialogue and better learn from mistakes is how we improve our skills. In consequence, employing strategic and appropriate language can go a long way towards productive collaboration, and making clear how each member has their responsibility in the project, holding themselves accountable for making sure tasks are being completed as expected and deadlines are being met, plays an important role by helping to identify areas that need improvement. This ensures that problems are addressed properly so they can be prevented from reoccurring in future projects; if feedback and responsibility are two pieces of the puzzle that remain elusive, it could spell disaster for a software development project.

“A more horizontal hierarchy also helps. I’d argue that the principles of SCRUM and the Agile methodologies don’t work as well in organizations with a high hierarchy. One of the core tenets of the Agile Manifesto is ‘Individuals and interactions over processes and tools’; communication and interpersonal relationships are vital for Agile work, and without them, a project can easily fail. That’s why we remark so much on its importance to everyone who joins Scio, and we try and encourage everyone to not only have a voice but also allow voices during the development process. It’s psychological safety, which results in high-performing teams that are not afraid to speak up and correct course if something is not working. That’s a level of maturity that we appreciate at Scio.”

Final words

Good software development relies on the hard work and dedication of a well-organized team. And the most successful projects come from teams that have received both instruction and coaching to develop their skills, both hard and soft, enabling them to arrive at unique software solutions. This makes it essential for team members to keep growing and learning, ensuring progress and a result that reflects everyone’s talents and expertise. Without proper mentorship in place to guide growth, knowledge won’t be passed over correctly, which is a net loss for any serious software company. It’s through the combination of teaching with encouragement that you create a well-educated environment where collaboration is top-notch, producing amazing results every time.

In this sense, having skilled software developers with a deep understanding of the industry is key, but even more important is having experienced coaches who can teach those developers how to achieve their potential. Coaches don’t just provide technical guidance; they also encourage collaboration among team members and foster an environment of continuous learning and growth. A good coach provides a structure that helps guide software-development projects in the right direction while also allowing team members to take risks and explore new ideas. In short, if you want a software development process to be successful, you need coaches who can help nurture an atmosphere of creativity and continual improvement. A positive outcome for everyone, not only the end product or the client, can be guaranteed with this approach.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!