An increasing number of companies are opting to outsource development projects to companies like Brainberry. It’s easier to maintain a lean and agile business by focusing your team on their core strengths while allowing a remote development team to tackle software and other projects.
What many people don’t realize is that their staff plays an integral role in the success of outsourcing projects. Further, by properly preparing in-house teams for outsourced projects, you can reduce the FUD that is too common when people learn that outside consultants are coming on board. The tips below will help you to prepare your teams.
Use Clear Honest Direct Communication With Those Impacted
When outsourcing results in poor morale, it is usually because it creates an environment of uncertainty. People may fear to lose their jobs. They may not understand why a project is being removed from their care. Everyone has heard horror stories of entire departments losing their jobs in favor of outsourcing with no prior warning, often being tasked with training their replacements.
The key here is to be upfront, honest, and absolutely forthcoming. If outsourcing will result in a staff reduction, that’s a tough thing to swallow. Your honesty will make things easier. Still, you should be prepared to deal with unhappy employees if that happens.
We have found that it’s helpful to focus on the benefits when discussing outsourcing with in-house teams. In many cases, we come onboard when teams have been stretched thin and struggling. When they realize that we are here to take the pressure off, that often improves morale.
Clarify Project Scope
Everyone involved in an outsourced project benefits when project scope is clear. As your development team, it helps us to plan and manage resources. It also helps your teams understand exactly what we will be doing, and what will remain their responsibility.
We are very happy to help with this process during the project planning stage. Further, we make it a priority to revisit this issue when it is time to make major decisions during the course of any project.
Identify Internal Roles For The Project
No outsourced projects are completed without some involvement from your in-house teams. Sometimes, they work alongside us throughout every phase of the project. In other cases, we bring them on board so that they are able to provide future maintenance and support.
We have found that it is very beneficial to define the roles that your staff members will have during these projects. After all, they are the ones who understand your legacy systems, know the needs of your clients, and who have experience and insights that we do not. Their help and cooperation are extremely valuable to us. Not only that but by having clear roles for all involved, there is less risk of bad feelings or bruised egos.
Involve Team Members in Decision-Making Processes
How often should internal teams and remote teams communicate with one another? What is the best tool to use for remote meetings? Who should be the project leader? What apps and tools will keep everyone on the same page? What metrics should be used to determine whether or not the project is on the right track? What about test cases?
Even on small projects, there are a lot of questions to be asked and decisions to be made. Your staff is often the most impacted by these. It only makes sense that they are given a role in the decision-making process. It’s much easier to achieve buy-in when team members know their input is valued and that they have some control over the development and outcome of the project.
Conclusion: Take The Opportunity to Provide Needed Training
There are many reasons to outsource development projects. One of these is a skills gap. When remote development teams are able to take over and provide some relief to overworked teams, this creates an excellent opportunity to allow staff to develop needed skills.
If possible, identify the points of weakness within your teams. Once you have that information, you can begin to create or source out training programs that ensure your staff is able to meet the needs of your organization in the future.