Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

Nearshore, Scio

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

For the leader of any organization, understanding that you are only as good as your collaborators is the difference between success and failure when reaching the perfect outcome. Everyone, no matter how seemingly “small”, has a part to play in a well-balanced team, and without a committed and hardworking lot of individuals behind them, even the most popular companies could become unraveled in no time. After all, dedicated collaborators act as firm foundations that enable companies and businesses to rise above any turbulence they may face throughout their journey.

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

For these reasons, it’s essential to foster a relationship between people based on trust and respect. When the staff feels valued and supported by their employer, it leads to higher workplace morale and productivity, so taking steps to ensure that everyone feels heard and respected is a critical part of the relationship between employers and employees, a fundamental element of any successful software company. That’s why a good corporate culture is essential. 

A good corporate culture provides the foundation for a successful organization by helping attract and retain the best talent, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and increasing job satisfaction. All of these aspects come together to create an environment that can help any software development company reach its full potential, ensuring it stays competitive in the current technological landscape. Of course, this remains true for any kind of company around (Tech or not), but in the specific case of software development companies that specialize in team augmentation and remote collaboration, like a Nearshore development organization, culture is the crucial element to ensure they are offering the best is in terms of talent, expertise, and experience to a client. 

However, in practice, how do you make sure a culture is effective at reaching the best possible outcomes? What is the factor that differentiates the merely good companies from the best ones in terms of collaborative environment and relationship dynamics? And why investing in personal development opportunities can go a long way towards boosting the ties?

Good culture is good business

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

There are many reasons why investing in a good corporate culture is the best choice a Nearshore development company can make. After all, success is dependent on more than just having a talented team; it requires a cohesive system of values that make everyone on the same page effort-wise and establishes clear goals at both the macro and micro levels. Collaborators are happier when their working environment allows them to collaborate freely and inspires a positive outlook, and a good culture gives staff a sense of security, motivates them to give their best efforts, and encourages innovation that enhances a business’s overall value. 

On the other hand, clients often put a lot of trust into the software development companies they work with, and companies with good cultural practices reflect the kind of quality that clients look for in the products they receive. A strong culture creates an environment that encourages everyone to work together and make sure that deadlines are met while still delivering high-quality results. Good cultural practices keep projects running smoothly as everyone has clear goals, follows standards, and strives for better service delivery, so clients can easily trust the business when excellent cultural practices are present, translating all of their efforts into tangible business results. As such, Nearshore development companies need to focus on building a strong company culture as it will serve as the foundation of its success in the long term, ensuring that the organization is not only staffed with skilled professionals but also driven by a spirit of innovation.

Consequently, a good corporate culture should be a priority if they want to achieve satisfaction internally and externally. A strong corporate culture emphasizes communication, collaboration, and accountability leading to increased trust and employee engagement, boosting morale for the teams working on projects which also creates loyalty among customers. By creating an environment where everyone values quality, innovation is encouraged and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, the productivity of the teams will increase exponentially resulting in better products and services. In the long run, having a well-established corporate culture with open channels of communication is key to building successful relationships with clients that last beyond one project or collaboration.

Nearshore invests in people

The core argument here is that Nearshore development companies are continually working to bridge the gap between offshore and onshore development services, with the main goal being to provide a cost-effective and quality-focused development solution for their clients, which often involves developers located in nearby countries. Essentially, Nearshore developers bring together the best of both worlds by providing more affordable services than those located in a client’s home country while still having closer proximity and cultural understanding, something that can be difficult to find in offshore providers. By offering both strategic execution of custom software development projects as well as ongoing software maintenance services, Nearshore development companies are boosting digital transformation and facilitating the process for companies that are looking for reliable partners overseas.

For these reasons, investing in the growth of employees is one of the cornerstones of success and has become a mainstay for the best Nearshore software development companies. Employees who understand the objectives, who learn and apply new technologies and concepts, and who are encouraged to grow are essential players in ensuring the best outcomes. These top companies recognize that employee growth rests upon three major components: knowledge of industry trends and advancements, developing leadership skills and concentrating on personal, and professional goals, so offering employees access to continuing education courses and seminars, annual training stipends, flexible working environments, international trips for conferences, and other forms of investment into their personnel creates a workforce equipped to deliver quality products. When the best Nearshore software development companies motivate their people by investing in a culture of growth and development, everybody wins.

A partnership between culture and outcomes

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

At the end of it, the ideal Nearshore development partnership is one in which both parties act as true partners. Both the client and the development company should be on equal footing, actively communicating to ensure success and delivering results that meet or exceed expectations. The relationship should be built on trust, a deep understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities, as well as support for one another regardless of whether goals are met or if roadblocks arise. With an understanding that progress is only possible through constructive collaboration, both sides themselves are responsible for pursuing success in addition to their partners. It’s more than just a working relationship — when done right, there should be a sense that you’re all working together with a common goal in mind for mutual gain.

In that sense, the development of a solid corporate culture must be at the heart of this goal. Creating a culture that encourages open communication with clients, provides honest feedback, uses effective problem-solving techniques and seeks innovative solutions will lay the foundation for beneficial, long-lasting client relationships. When both sides invest in each other’s success from the outset, mutual respect and trust are fostered which can lead to increased satisfaction on both sides and create the basis for a profitable and sustainable partnership.

As a result, Nearshore companies and clients can form a symbiotic alliance where both parties will benefit enormously. Having an open dialogue regarding software requirements is essential to set expectations and tasks to be done on time. The client should be willing to share project details with the Nearshore development company so that they can better understand the scope of work and utilize their technical expertise for successful execution. Furthermore, the Nearshore development company must strive to provide quality customer service to ensure their clients’ satisfaction, guaranteed by a culture that respects collaborators, encourages communication, and invests in growth. If both parties can fulfill these criteria, then there won’t be any problems working together and producing excellent results.

The Key Takeaways

  • Culture matters for any organization, because its output it’s only as good as the people who are part of it.
  • This is important for any kind of company, but in software development, and especially Nearshore collaboration, it can mean the difference between success and failure.
  • After all, what a Nearshore company sells is its culture; having a good team with a shared goal and passion is what guarantees a positive outcome in any project.
  • This good culture is, above all, understanding employees as people, helping them grow, and ensuring communication and collaboration are always present between everyone in the organization.

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!

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here”, or how Scio creates a culture where everyone matters.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here”, or how Scio creates a culture where everyone matters.

Nearshore, Outsourced Engineering Team, Scio

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

The world has changed dramatically in the past few years and it’s no surprise that our idea of what employees want and need have gone through a revolution of sorts. In comparison to 10 years ago, today’s professionals seem to value collaboration over competition, so organizations need to foster an environment that encourages idea-sharing rather than individual recognition, and employees have made tremendous strides in terms of skill development and career advancement.

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Furthermore, today’s workforce is composed of a much more diverse demographic than a couple of decades ago, enabling companies to benefit from a variety of new perspectives and experiences. Communication skills have also grown exponentially, with employees adopting more open lines of communication with one another, making it easier to collaborate on projects. We’ve also seen a shift toward flexible working arrangements as employees become aware of the many benefits such arrangements offer for both productivity and personal satisfaction. In other words, the evolution of today’s workplace has been pretty dramatic over the last two decades.

As a result, the workplace is changing quickly, and it’s been evident over the last two decades, with a shift towards self-motivation, where employees increasingly take personal responsibility for their personal development and career growth, resulting in employees more open to the idea of moving around between different companies to find the best roles for them. 

And that’s without mentioning how many jobs that existed 10 years ago look very different today due to the development of new technology including automated systems or tools that can facilitate work processes. Additionally, there is an ever-increasing focus on employee well-being, so companies are more deliberate in creating an environment with ample opportunity to disconnect from work when needed. Corporate culture has shifted as well; these days it is much more focused on creativity and innovation rather than working 9-5 to get things done. All of these changes demonstrate that employees have certainly evolved over the past two decades – a trend that will most likely continue into the future.

And this evolution of the employee and the corporate culture around it, play a big part in how Scio works today. We sat down with Helen Matamoros, our Head of Human Capital, to discuss how a developer today has evolved dramatically in the last decade, how this shapes corporate culture (and vice versa), and where this evolution might lead us in the future. Let’s dig right into it!

An evolution of perspective

The evolution of employee 3

One of the most interesting aspects of this evolution can be found in the contrasts between a Senior and a Junior Developer. Outside the office, Senior Developers generally looked for a better work-life balance, often prioritizing it both in terms of career and home life over the years. A Junior Developer, on the other hand, commonly used to take on extra hours, struggles with making time for socializing, and worries about precarious employment due to lack of experience. But today, the reality looks very different.

“Back when I started at Scio, in 2007 or so, we usually looked for more Senior staff due to the nature of the projects we did for our clients. We used .NET almost exclusively, so this kind of wide experience was needed, so many of our collaborators back then were 30+ people who already were starting families and generally expecting more stability and better remuneration from their jobs, which guided a lot of what we did back then, culturally speaking”, explains Helen about how expectations have shifted in the last decade and a half. “But as the variety of tools and frameworks have increased, we can have more variety in the amount of experience a Scioneer can have, and what we can offer to them.”

So when it came to finding the perfect fit for a career, Senior developers preferred stability and long-term growth over more immediate gratification, which could mean taking on a job that offers consistent work rather than something short-term with potentially higher pay but little security or potential for advancement, so it’s understandable why finding such an opportunity would be very important.

However, as this shift in technology happened, so did Scio’s approach to what kind of culture we fostered also changed. Developers with less experience but great technical skills became more of the norm for many projects, with Scio offering lots of training, courses, and workshops to help these developers to grow and thrive. After all, supporting the growth and development of junior and mid-level developers is a win-win situation for software companies. 

Not only does it provide a wealth of knowledge gained from experienced staff to employees at various career stages but offering developer training can help foster individual development plans, creating an attractive working environment, which is what the best software companies strive for, and in turn, makes them attractive for any prospective developer.

“Another interesting shift I noticed in the last 15 years or so at Scio, is how developers have also changed in attitude, leaving behind the “nerdy” stereotype we still see everywhere, giving more importance to the soft skill side of things”, says Helen, which is something we have commented before at our blog. “Obviously, we have a wide variety of personalities and personal stories at Scio, but we have noticed a certain openness to socialize and mingle together that wasn’t here a decade ago. And that’s something we try to encourage among our developers because collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here. We like to work with people who understand the value of teamwork, and that’s always the first filter we apply when looking for new developers.”

Building our culture across borders

The evolution of the employee 2

Unlike traditional corporate cultures, this new approach is putting each employee’s creativity and expertise on display to achieve the best possible results for the organization. A collaborative environment encourages communication, team building, and the integration of diverse perspectives, which leads to more innovative ideas, better problem-solving capabilities, and more efficient processes. 

Even with limited resources and tight timelines, a collaborative corporate culture can help shape an ambitious yet achievable vision as well as efficiently realize that vision. Furthermore, when every team member knows that their knowledge could be valuable to others in the organization, they tend to take more ownership of their work and be more engaged in their role within the company. Having a collaborative corporate culture is an essential element for achieving success in any software development organization.

“Of course, as a Nearshore development company, Scio has a hybrid remote/in-person approach where collaboration is fundamental to reaching our goals. We have employees who can often come to our offices in Morelia, but plenty more elsewhere in Mexico and the rest of Latin America who can’t do face-to-face interaction”, explains Helen about the challenges of a good corporate culture in the age of remote work. “After all we, as people, like to feel part of a whole, knowing that our work matters and how it fits into the bigger picture. So we make the effort to create the kinds of connections that make you feel part of Scio, even if you are working at home. As I mentioned, developers today seem to be more open to the idea of socializing and treating this as more than a job, even with healthy boundaries between their personal and professional lives, so we, as an organization, have a responsibility to encourage this. It always leads to better results for everyone.” 

That’s why, when it comes to software development, having a closer bond between employees at a mid-sized company like Scio can make a world of difference. Employees with close ties also have an increased sense of responsibility, since they know that their actions will affect the entire team and not just themselves. This level of trust is essential for any successful software project, as developers need to understand each other’s processes and expectations to collaborate efficiently. Additionally, organizations benefit from closer relationships between staff because certain types of feedback can be handled more sensitively within a team setting than on a larger scale. 

Altogether, it’s clear that having a collaborative corporate culture is an essential element for achieving success in any software development organization. By fostering collaboration among its employees and giving them the freedom to explore creative solutions together, a software development company like Scio can use a collaborative corporate culture as a key tool for success, in both our projects and among our developers in their personal growth.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!. Get in contact today!

How does Scio encourage a growth mindset in our everyday life?

How does Scio encourage a growth mindset in our everyday life?

Scio

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

As a software developer, how do you measure your own growth? Is it about a salary or promotions? Or is it measured by successful projects, satisfied clients, and a better understanding of systems? Or even by how you improve at writing code and designing applications? That’s the beauty of growth for software developers: there is a learning opportunity every day if you look for it, and with every project, there’s something new to discover. After all, there’s a reason why software development it’s such an exciting field, filled with plenty of opportunities for growth at every level.

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We have talked before about this way of thinking, known as a Growth Mindset, where developers acknowledge they can always get better, and actively strive to improve their knowledge and skills. After all, viewing your programming proficiencies as expandable, and having an openness to improving existing skills or learning new ones, can be invaluable when it comes to excelling in software development. Furthermore, being aware that you aren’t expected to know everything from the start and having access to resources that enable you to learn, can give you the confidence to take on any challenge on your way. 

After all, software development is about challenges, so it’s a good idea to stretch your abilities and improve your skills at every turn. Assuming responsibilities that encourage you to think outside the box, use innovative approaches, and become flexible when problem-solving enhances your knowledge because you get to understand concepts on a deeper level, becoming able to tackle any challenges. Not only will this help take you further in your career, but it will also lead to more satisfaction in your work since you will feel accomplished after mastering a new skill. 

That’s why working at a company that allows you to grow and learn can be extremely beneficial for a developer. Apart from mastering your technical and personal skills, it can allow you to form connections with multiple people in the organization, develop your problem-solving abilities, and acquire experience in teamwork. There’s no downside to stretching yourself to reach new heights.

That’s why we have what we call “stretch assignments” at Scio, a way to test the skills of our developers, encouraging them to take on a challenge that could help them grow and learn what otherwise they wouldn’t. These stretch assignments can be defined as “tasks outside the developer’s usual comfort zone during the development process” and can go from implementing new technologies into their workflow (on the more technical side) or trying their hands at leading teams or establishing direct contact with clients (on the softer skill side), always with the idea of “pushing the envelope” a little further. 

However, the main idea behind these stretch assignments is to let the developers test the grounds in a controlled environment where a less-than-positive outcome wouldn’t have negative consequences, letting them become comfortable with their skills before taking full charge. That way, growth is constantly encouraged for anyone looking to improve in any area they want.

“Without a doubt, my biggest challenge during 2022 was adapting to work with a stack of technologies new to me, and it made me realize that I possess the flexibility to learn and try new things. In my case, the recipe to acquire new learnings in a short time, and applying them at the same time, involved looming deadlines and the unconditional support of my team”, says a developer at Scio when we did an anonymous survey about their growth stories this year. “Looking back at 2022, I feel satisfied with how I managed to adapt, trust myself more, and feed my confidence for whatever comes next. Thanks to the Scio for the support and challenges!”

After all, with new advancements and technologies organically coming up every day, developers need to enhance their knowledge base constantly, and good companies not only realize the value of this but also offer the resources necessary to make it happen. This provides developers with excellent insights into different approaches that can help them understand and execute complex tasks quickly and hone their skills further. 

“My biggest challenge in 2022 was managing to work on my soft skills. These are super important in a field like software development, and I had issues with properly using and applying them, but with the help of Ángeles, my team led, the Scio Leadership Program, and some of the Sensei-Creati workshops I participated in, I learned to communicate better, become a better leader, mentor, coach, and become better on both my personal and professional life. I hope to learn so much more in the coming 2023 because at Scio there’s always a new challenge to tackle.”

This point is essential because soft skills are often an overlooked but essential part of being a successful software developer. The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team, express complex concepts in simple terms, and even have problem-solving capabilities are critical skills needed by any competent programmer. Good communication and interpersonal skills enable software developers to take on difficult projects without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, and they can help build better relationships with stakeholders and make it easier for them to understand user requirements clearly. 

Furthermore, having strong social graces makes it easy for developers to stay current on industry trends and be open to learning new things quickly. Ultimately, soft skills aren’t just advantageous—they’re integral if you want to maximize your success in this field.

“As a developer, I was always used to relying on hard skills to get the job done. But when I was assigned a project that required me to leverage soft skills, it felt like entering uncharted territory. I had to learn how to read people, pay attention to their emotions, and understand subtle nuances in conversations that would help me solve the problem”, says another of the responses we got. “It wasn’t easy, but after spending time talking with team members and understanding their different perspectives, the challenge became rewarding. With practice and patience, soft skills became an invaluable part of how I work.”

The main takeaway here is that it can be easy to feel stuck in your comfort zone, especially if it’s a skill or language you’ve been working on for a while. One of the best pieces of advice we can offer you is to focus on small wins; taking on something bigger, like learning an entirely new language all at once may feel overwhelming. Instead, try smaller goals that will give you lots of room to grow and take pride in the progress you’re making. 

Also, don’t forget the power of collaboration! Grabbing lunch with someone from another technology team can be a great way to spark creativity and gain insight into how they tackle role-specific tasks (which is one of the reasons why our hybrid remote/in-person collaboration model is working out so well). All this to say, don’t be afraid to take a step back and reassess where you can improve yourself – there’s no such thing as too much knowledge!

Final words

Stretch assignments 2

As a developer, it’s important to constantly push your skills and take on new challenges. Identifying an opportunity to practice something that you haven’t done before or feel might not be in your wheelhouse can open many doors in your career. You don’t have to say yes to everything (just the ones you can reasonably handle!) but having the willingness to learn and try new things should always be top of mind. Not only will this help you develop useful strengths for future projects, but it also shows potential employers that you are ready and eager to keep growing. 

Moreover, by shifting gears between different projects and even languages, you get better at adapting quickly and problem-solving efficiently – both crucial qualities for successful software developers. So, stretch yourself whenever possible — what may seem like a challenge could become one of your greatest assets!

The Key Takeaways

  • For a software developer, expanding their skills and growing at every opportunity are critical to success.
  • The best companies out there know the value of a growth mindset and try to offer the resources and opportunities to their developers to expand their skill set.
  • At Scio, we have what we call “stretch assignments” that allow a developer to test new skills in a controlled environment to cultivate their skills.
  • And even outside of these, you can stretch your skills by focusing on small “wins” when testing new soft skills or technical tools, like frameworks and languages.

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!

What is a growth mindset truly about? 4 myths that you should avoid

What is a growth mindset truly about? 4 myths that you should avoid

Scio, Software Development

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

We have discussed before how a growth mindset is essential for any software developer. After all, the world of technology is always changing, and those who can keep up with the latest trends, both technically and emotionally, are the most successful ones. With a growth mindset, developers are constantly learning and expanding their skillsets beyond their comfort zones and usual interests, never satisfied with simply knowing how to do something. They’re always looking for new challenges, and they’re never afraid to fail because they know that “failure” is simply an opportunity to learn and grow.

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And a lot has changed in the software development field over the years. New languages, frameworks, and development practices mean that it’s more important than ever to develop a well-rounded skill set. To become a truly effective software developer, you need to be able to work in a variety of environments and be comfortable with a range of technologies. You also need to have a strong foundation in the basics, including principles of software design, data structures, and algorithms. And finally, it’s important to be able to communicate effectively with other team members, whether it’s working with architects to design a system or collaborating on code reviews. A growth mindset is the best strategy to do so, helping you stretch into other important areas (like teamwork, communication, or leadership) outside of your normal interests.

However, getting into a growth mindset is not an easy task. And it isn’t because accomplishing this is singularly hard or demanding, but because there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what a growth mindset is, or how to effectively harness this way of thinking to become a better developer. So, what are some of the myths about developing a growth mindset, and how to avoid falling into them?

Myth 1: It’s an intrinsic quality to have

AI in 2023 3

We see this kind of thinking all the time, from the “there are two kinds of people in the world” type of mentality, to the idea that natural talent or ability is the most important quality to have (and bad luck to anyone born without it). However, when it comes to a growth mindset, this idea is harmful and simply not true. 

After all, a person with a true growth mindset believes that intelligence and talent are not fixed traits; everyone can grow and improve with the necessary effort, and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. So why isn’t everyone running around with a growth mindset? Well, because a fixed mindset, or the belief that intelligence and talent are fixed traits that cannot be changed, is still very prevalent, and even the default in our current society. This mentality leads people to give up easily, believing that they cannot improve, simply because they are afraid of failing. However, with the right tools and environment, anyone can learn to grow, stop fearing the failures that are necessary to evolve, and better themselves in areas of skill that they thought impossible before.

Myth 2: It’s all about being positive

Being “positive” is often touted as the key to success in life, an antidote of sorts for all kinds of problems, from personal relationships to financial success. Generally, the thinking goes that if you stay positive, good things will happen to you. Although starting with a positive attitude certainly helps, this is not the most important element of a true growth mindset. A growth mindset is about taking risks, learning from failure, and always striving to improve. 

In fact, “positive thinking” can be a form of self-deception that can prevent people from achieving their full potential; being successful in any area requires the willingness to face your limitations, recognize them, and make an effort to improve. By pretending that everything is always rosy, people with an uncritically positive outlook may avoid taking risks and miss out on growth opportunities. So, if you want to achieve real growth, you need to have a positive attitude toward failure and a willingness to take risks. Only then will you be able to reach your full potential.

Myth 3: A growth mindset guarantees positive results

AI in 2023

One of the key elements of a growth mindset is the willingness to take on risks and challenges. Learning and improving on areas we never considered before requires effort, the willingness to hear criticisms and feedback, and committing time and resources to achieve it. But most importantly, anyone who wishes to get into a growth mindset needs to understand that failure is always an option and that a growth mindset does not guarantee positive outcomes all of the time. Instead, it is simply one tool that can help achieve goals. 

What matters is how we deal with these challenges and setbacks. If we allow them to defeat us, then our growth mindset won’t matter. But if we use them as opportunities to learn and grow, then we can overcome anything. So yes, a growth mindset is important, but it’s not a silver bullet. It won’t magically make everything better. But it will give us the strength to keep going when times are tough, helping us see failure as a normal part of the learning process, and letting us get ready for the next challenge. As one might say, “you are either learning or winning”.

Myth 4: Absolutely everything is possible

As the saying goes, a “jack-of-all-trades is a master of none”, and the notion that anyone can be an expert at everything is misguided and can set unrealistic expectations when it comes to getting a growth mindset. The core tenet here is that you can develop any skill you want if you put effort into it, and that people in general don’t exist in a static state that is impossible to change. If, as a developer, you want to have skills that go beyond pure technical know-how, like leadership, teamwork, negotiation, or public speaking because you want to become more well-rounded. It could open up opportunities for you and there are techniques and strategies you can try to be more proficient at. 

But don’t develop unrealistic expectations about it. If we believe that we should be able to do everything expertly, we’re bound to feel like failures when we inevitably fall short. An average person has affinities and weak spots in different areas, which is fine and normal. This should neither stop you from trying new things nor make you believe that you need to be the best at everything you attempt. What’s more, this belief devalues expertise. If everyone is supposedly an expert, then what’s the point of learning from those who have spent their lives honing a particular skill? Instead of trying to be good at everything, we would be better off accepting that we have our limits and that there are some things we’re simply not cut out for and focusing on becoming the best at what we’re interested in. Only then can we truly excel.

A mindset of your own

The main takeaway here is that acquiring a growth mindset should mainly benefit you. It’s something you do because you believe in your skills, you have the desire to improve, and you can see yourself becoming a better developer, and a better person if you want to. A growth mindset leads to increased motivation, improved learning, and increased resilience in the face of setbacks. In short, it allows you to become the best version of yourself. 

So, if you’re looking for a personal goal that will benefit you in countless ways, acquiring a growth mindset is a great place to start. You will be more likely to persevere when things get tough and you’re more likely to view failure as a learning opportunity, and you will always end up stronger because of that. This is because you believe that your abilities are not set in stone. It’s a goal that will benefit you and everyone in the world around you.

The Key Takeaways

  • Having a growth mindset is one of the best qualities a well-rounded developer can have.
  • However, there are many myths and inaccuracies about a growth mindset that you should be aware of.
  • Overcoming these myths and setting realistic expectations about this mindset is the best way to harness its effectiveness for good.
  • At the end of the day, the main benefit of a growth mindset should be for yourself, becoming a personal goal that will bring better things in all aspects of your life.

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!

Scio Interviews: Cybersecurity expert warns where the real risks lie in the software businesses

Scio Interviews: Cybersecurity expert warns where the real risks lie in the software businesses

Scio, Technologies

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

What is cybersecurity about? With the advent of digital networks, businesses and individuals have become increasingly reliant on the Internet infrastructure to communicate and store all kinds of important information, making it easier and more convenient than ever to stay “connected” to the world. However, this increased dependence has also made us more vulnerable to a specific risk that has become a major concern for businesses and government agencies alike: cyberattacks, which necessitates effective measures to counter them. But what exactly is cybersecurity? And what is its role in protecting our digital data and infrastructure?

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First, let’s talk about definitions. In its simplest form, cybersecurity is protecting electronic information from unauthorized access or theft in a specific environment, consisting of every component of a digital network: hardware, storage, ROM, RAM, Firmware, Input/Output devices, connections, etc. Everything that can take place in these points is the concern of cybersecurity, where implementing measures of control and defense are of critical importance for any organization relying on these networks, which are most of them.

However, what is the actual difference between the popular image of cybersecurity stemming from pop culture, and the reality of it? What exactly is the goal of real cybersecurity, and what is the approach that this discipline takes to secure and protect an infrastructure that grows in importance every day? And what are the challenges when it comes to protecting information and access on a system that humans have to interact with daily? To answer these questions, we talked to Dennis Hackney, an OT Cybersecurity Practitioner for a wide range of industries, and who has worked in the field for more than 20 years, to get a close overview of cybersecurity and the actual goals and applications of this area of technology, along with some insights that might tell us the direction where cybersecurity is headed towards.

A challenge of size and numbers

AI in 2023 3

We all know that cybersecurity is something to be aware of. Just turn on the news and you’ll see stories about the latest data breach or cyberattack. And it’s not just large businesses that are at risk — individuals are increasingly vulnerable to cyber criminals, as more and more of our lives are happening in online spaces. But what most people don’t realize is that cybersecurity is not just about protecting computers from viruses or keeping passwords safe; it’s taking a proactive approach and working to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can cause damage. 

As Dennis tells us, cybersecurity is a kind of social behavior applied to a digital space. For most people, it’s possible to read a real-life situation more easily to know if there’s a risk involved (for example, learning how to cross a street, or if it is acceptable to accept a gift from a stranger) and act accordingly to that. But in digital environments, whose complexity and invisibility are so much bigger than we can instinctively understand, it’s very easy to miss if a problem is occurring, or if we should be aware of a risk. And depending on the level of computer literacy of the people involved in that situation, it can be challenging to know what to do if a problem arises. “Think of it like going to the doctor for severe pain. You wouldn’t operate on yourself, would you?”, explains Dennis. “If you have certain symptoms and suspect there’s something wrong with you, the best idea is to see a qualified expert  to diagnose the problem.” 

And the most effective way to do so is with awareness of the operational technology (OT) involved in any system or network. While information technology (IT) specializes in the communication and data that travels through a network, OT, on the other hand, “is a category of hardware and software that monitors and controls how physical devices perform”. And having a complete view of these devices is critical to secure the networks and their users from unwanted intrusions, so the biggest problem here is numbers, and the scale of the measures necessary that comes with it. Can you know the number of devices interacting with a network in any given organization? Or could you be sure that authenticated users will not bring unwanted connections to this system? And if that happens, how can you be sure that any device connected to the network is being used by a validated person? As this article from CyberArk explains:

“The connectedness of OT environments, IT-OT convergence and the proliferation of cyber-physical systems have expanded OT owners’ attack surface. Considering the importance of industrial process continuity, value of trade secrets, and public safety-related impacts of a critical infrastructure (CI) compromise, it comes as no surprise that both organized crime and state-sponsored actors view industrial organizations and CI as lucrative targets for financial gain, espionage, or cyberwarfare operations. Correspondingly, cyber-attacks on this sector have intensified.” 

According to what Dennis tells us, one important aspect of cybersecurity is access and identity control, which results in a “Zero Trust Architecture” (ZTA) where the identities of everyone connecting to a network must be verified thoroughly, with enforced policies that diminish the risk of anonymity among users and devices with access to a system. A holistic view of the network where the administrators can see every single user/device connected is a must. In that sense, frameworks like D3FEND might hold an answer.

“Knowledge is essential to estimate operational applicability, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop enterprise solutions comprising multiple capabilities. To address this recurring need in the near-term, we created D3FEND, a framework in which we encode a countermeasure knowledge base, but more specifically, a knowledge graph. The graph contains semantically rigorous types and relations that define both the key concepts in the cybersecurity countermeasure domain and the relations necessary to link those concepts to each other.”

In other words, the single most important element when securing a system is knowledge, and how to manage it to address any risk or invulnerability within a network. What D3FEND offers is a new way of thinking about security, helping organizations to proactively identify and understand potential threats, and then design effective mitigation strategies. This framework is based on the principles of in-depth defense, and it provides a comprehensive approach to security that can be tailored to the needs of any organization.

 “Like ATT&CK, D3FEND is designed to help create a standard vocabulary by defining the specific functions of countermeasures. By doing this, the matrix can help organizations understand countermeasures in detail, which supports both high-level executives comparing the cost vs. risk of a new security tool, and the security architect looking to build or test a strategic toolset”, according to CSO.

Security in an ideal world

AI in 2023

However, while the D3FEND framework can help organizations protect their assets and reduce their risk exposure, it’s not an end-all-be-all for cybersecurity. By adopting tools like the D3FEND framework, organizations can ensure that they are better prepared to defend themselves against the ever-changing threat landscape, but without networks with zero-percent invisibility when it comes to OT, the fight has to continue. An ideal network where every single device is visible and authenticated by an administrator would be the pinnacle of efficiency. No more lost devices or unauthorized access. But is such a thing even possible?

As we keep expanding our technological footprint, cybersecurity is not a means of defense but a proactive approach. Sure, a system or network where every single device can be controlled and taken into account in such a way that no unauthorized user might get in sounds great, but it brings challenges beyond our capabilities. Such a network would be incredibly difficult to manage, especially if it included devices not under the administrator’s control. For these reasons, it is unlikely that a digital network where every single device is visible and authenticated by an administrator would be feasible. 

And that’s without going into the question of whether or not such a network is desirable in the first place. For many people, the appeal of a digital network lies in its ability to provide anonymity and privacy. If every device on a network is subject to authentication and monitoring, then that takes away much of the freedom that users enjoy, a major concern for many people in the age of the Internet. So, while a digital network where every single device is visible and authenticated by an administrator is possible, it might not be something that everyone wants. Hitting the right balance is key here, finding solutions that respect the users, but also gives the degree of control necessary to ensure no intrusions are possible.

What we can guarantee, though, is that waiting until something goes wrong is not an effective strategy. Too often, users adopt a passive attitude towards cybersecurity, assuming that their network is secure as long as they don’t see any evidence of an intrusion, a dangerous way to think about network security, and always there will be new threats emerging, impossible to know when or how they will strike. 

So, the only way to truly protect a network is to be proactive about cybersecurity, stay up-to-date on the latest threats, and take steps to keep ahead of the curve to defend against them. It may seem like extra work at the moment, but it’s the only way to ensure that the information flowing through a network remains safe and secure, helping to thwart threats before they have a chance to do damage. And if they do manage to get in, you’ll be better prepared to deal with the consequences. 

Because one thing is clear: cybersecurity must be constantly evolving to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the digital world.

The Key Takeaways

  • More than the popular image of “passwords and antivirus”, cybersecurity is about social behavior, knowledge, and proactivity in the face of threats.
  •  A key element of this knowledge is having a complete view of a network, and measures to validate and control who has access to them.
  • The practicality of this is up for debate. So, the answer to cybersecurity concerns is to remain proactive, aware of potential risks, and have a clear plan of action (like a D3FEND framework) in case of risk is critical.
  • As our digital networks grow, keeping ahead of the curve in terms of security will make this proactivity more significant than ever.

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!

Do you want to be a great software developer? Embrace a Growth Mindset

Do you want to be a great software developer? Embrace a Growth Mindset

Scio, Software Development

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

What makes one a great software developer? When you work in a field where there is no “right” way to do things, this can be a pretty important question. Some say that the best developers are those who can find creative solutions to difficult problems, willing to experiment and take risks, always learning from their mistakes. Others say that a great developer has a strong understanding of the latest technologies and trends, enabling them to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. And yet others say that a good developer is simply one who writes good, stable code with discipline and consistency.

Cloud-Computing-2023

Of course, all of these are very good qualities for a software developer to have, but here at Scio, we think that there’s something else involved, a “secret ingredient” of sorts that every developer can have if they put in the necessary effort and that we encourage as often as we can: a growth mindset.

What is a growth mindset? Simply put, it’s the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed through hard work and practice. It means having the ability to constantly learn new things, adapt to new situations and be open to feedback with a willingness to experiment. It’s never getting too comfortable with your skills because the industry is always changing. We believe that the best developers are always learning, always growing, and always looking for ways to improve.

The research of Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck has shown that people with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere in the face of setbacks, take on challenging tasks, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn. With this, you can see why any great developer would know that having a growth mindset is critical for success. Your skills can be developed through hard work, determination, and persistence, and this mindset allows you to approach challenges with a positive attitude and the belief that you can overcome them. It also gives you the chance to learn from your mistakes and view “failure” as an opportunity to evolve. Without a growth mindset, it is easy to become discouraged when faced with difficult problems or to give up when encountering setbacks. Getting yourself into this headspace will leave you better equipped to continue growing as a developer.

Developing a growth mindset

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As we said, a growth mindset believes that intelligence and talent are skills that can be developed, rather than static traits that you’re born with. The latter is known as a “fixed mindset”, which maintains that ability is static or predetermined, and there’s little you can do to change that. In other words, it’s thinking in terms of “natural talents” instead of “acquired skills” that can dissuade a lot of people from learning and improving an aspect of themselves, leaving them stuck in place. 

The idea of “natural talent” is very powerful. It’s often used to describe someone good at something seemingly without any effort, a sort of “Life’s Lottery Winner” that either you are, or you aren’t. However, this is far from the truth; what we call “talent” is simply the result of hard work, practice, and dedication, so anyone can become good at anything if they are willing to put in the time and effort. The belief that some people are born with inherent abilities, while others are not, is nothing more than a harmful myth, discouraging people from trying new things and pursuing their goals, because they believe that they will never be as good as those with “natural talent”, no matter what. In reality, everyone has the same potential for greatness, but it’s up to each individual to get into this mindset.

But how to shed this worldview and embrace the idea that you can always learn and become better? How can you develop a growth mindset to become the developer you always wanted to be? Well, the most important thing you should know is that having a growth mindset is not always an innate attitude for most people, so it requires effort to get one. We all have a specific aspect of our personality somewhere that we believe impossible to change, that is just “part of who we are”, making us likely to give up in the face of adversity, stick to familiar tasks, and see failure as a reflection of our lack of ability, which is rarely the case. Recognizing the presence of this “fixed mindset” is the first step to start improving.

With that in mind, you should start by practicing self-advocacy. This is the ability to communicate your wants and needs to others, which requires an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. Doing so makes it easier to identify areas of opportunity where you can improve a skill or learn something new. In software development, for example, you need a lot more than just writing good code; you need to communicate with the client and your team effectively, understanding their needs and challenges, and in a Nearshore company like Scio, often in a different language than your native one. All of these skills require time and commitment to master, so to get started…

  1. Make a list of all the skills you use daily, both hard and soft (tools, frameworks, platforms, and programming languages, for example, as well as stuff like planning, communicating with others, giving feedback, etc.)
  2.  Make a note of which ones you feel completely confident about, and which ones require more effort on your part. 
  3. Try to see what’s the difference between these skills: maybe it’s the amount of practice you put into it, or maybe you feel more interested in doing one rather than the other. Maybe you never had the chance to use that skill before.
  4. Apply self-advocacy to find the help you need to bring these skills up. Sign up for a course, ask a more experienced friend, or make the time to improve.

“By understanding what you’re good at and what you need to work on, you can set yourself up for success”, says Luis Aburto, CEO and Co-Founder of Scio. “If you’re aware of your weaknesses, you can take steps to improve them. And if you know your strengths, you can use them to your advantage. Which is an essential quality if you want to grow and evolve as a developer. By taking the time to understand what makes you tick, you can set yourself up for success both now and in the future.”

However, even after doing all of this, we understand that this growth doesn’t happen instantaneously; it requires a continued effort and the support of everyone in your environment to reach your maximum potential as a developer. This is why choosing to collaborate with an organization that takes growth seriously is just as important as recognizing your need to improve your skill set. After all, what good comes out of knowing your areas of opportunity if you don’t have the chance to act on them?

Growing together

Growth Mindset 6

However, a true growth mindset goes beyond simply believing that you can get better by just expanding your knowledge or your technical toolset. It involves taking the initiative to explore new skills and going through learning experiences outside of your “comfort zone”. In a previous blog, we talked about how actual “comfort zones” are less about getting stuck on a single place, without feeling the need to go beyond it, and more about expanding your areas of expertise, getting comfortable in areas of software development that are just as important as technical knowledge, but demand a very different kind of effort. Soft skills like  communication, negotiation, problem solving, teamwork or strategic thinking that will help you become a well-rounded developer. Going into places you have never gone before is how a person truly grows.

That’s why it’s so important to work with people that help you improve all your skills, or with an organization that provides opportunities for skill development outside of what you thought possible before, commiting to create a strong team capable of taking on any challenge. Companies like Scio, for example, know the value not only in offering workshops, courses, and programs like Sensei-Creati, but also in letting developers “stretch their legs”, so to speak, with assignments and responsibilities that might help them develop a new skill, like letting a Senior take the Lead in a project, or allowing people that not normally interact with the client to have a more “first hand” experience” to practice communication and planning. Actions like these allow taking something you are not “skilled at” and practice it to perfection on a daily basis, even if it’s outside of your normal interests. That’s how we participate in the creation of well-rounded developers capable of joining any team and overcoming any challenge.

So, to get back to our point, a growth mindset is essential for any software developer that wants to be excellent at their craft. With this mindset, you will never stop learning and expanding your skillset, always looking for new challenges to conquer and ways to improve yourself. If you can adopt a growth mindset and let go of preconceived notions about what you are and aren’t good at, you will set yourself up for success as a great software developer. And We will always be in need of those.

The Key Takeaways

  • A good software developer knows that the key to greatness is always improving your skills and learning new things.
  • To achieve this, you need to get into a “growth mindset” where improving is a continuing process that never stops.
  • To get this mindset, myths like “natural talent” or that there are things about yourself that cannot be changed need to be left behind.
  • However, doing this by yourself can be difficult, which is why you, as a developer, should choose to collaborate with a company or organization that sees the value in growing and learning at every step.

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!