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How We Work with Non-Technical Teams
After 30 years working in the software development industry, we’ve come up with an effective plan of action for working with non-technical teams. There are many cases in software development where we will get a new project from a client who has little to no concrete software experience - and that’s okay! We’re here to be the experts and are happy to take on every project and help our clients learn about our process as we go.
In order to be successful, software development teams must be properly trained on how to effectively and efficiently work with non-technical teams. At Integrant, we are proud to present our plan of action to further our commitment to transparency with current and prospective clients and demonstrate our ability to successfully complete any project sent our way.
Different Non-Technical Teams We Have Worked With
Marketing
Scientists / Lab Automation
Business Stakeholders
Database Engineers
Medical Experts
Recommendations our Teams Follow when Working with Non-Technical Teams
Establish Fundamentals
In order to be successful, software development teams must be properly trained on how to effectively and efficiently work with non-technical teams. At Integrant, we are proud to present our plan of action to further our commitment to transparency with current and prospective clients and demonstrate our ability to successfully complete any project sent our way.
- Responsibilities, scope, and structure
- Terminology and processes
- Understanding the customer, end goal, and end user
- Communication tactics
- Workflows, deliverables, and deadlines
Create a Cohesive Environment
Without a cohesive environment, roles, comfort levels, and project goals can be lost. How do we create a cohesive environment?
We build trust.
Without trust, decisions can be difficult to agree on in every stage of a project. Building trust helps enforce a smooth ride through the software development lifecycle.
We encourage conversation.
Communication is a critical component of success. We encourage our teams to keep open lines of communication at all times. Always be ready and welcoming to new questions or concerns a client might have throughout the project.
Keep it Simple and Triple Confirm Alignment
It’s important that as experts, we keep in mind that our lingo, knowledge, and way of work may not be familiar to non-technical teams. Here is what we tell our teams to keep in mind:
- Be prepared to explain anything you’re doing or planning in more detail or more simply.
- Confirm that you understand requests or concerns by using reflections and affirmations and encourage that other teams do the same.
- Send notes or meeting minutes to ensure that all parties are kept up to date and have physical notes to refer back to at any point of the project.
Make and Show Data-Driven Decisions
It is often useful to make and show data-driven decisions to help all parties envision the positive impacts of all decisions. This practice can aid in things like:
- Building credibility
- Removing emotion and providing clarity
- Help create thoughtful and insightful ideas
Practice Empathy
Empathy is a critical aspect of all industries. Practicing empathy when working with non-technical teams can look like asking yourself, “What would it be like if I were in their shoes?”
Repeating this question helps our teams remember that not everyone is a software development genius. This is another reason why we align working hours and believe onsite travel is so important. While our teams are successful remote, getting to meet in person either at the beginning of a project or throughout a project elevates empathy, camaraderie, and understanding.
We encourage our team members to be consistently practicing patience, empathy, and to trust the process.
Action Items
To help our teams effectively apply these recommendations we supply a list of action items they can apply throughout each project. These action items have been carefully curated after decades of experience working with non-technical teams and navigating our way through successful relationship building. The following are what we deem to be the most effective ways to carry out our recommendations:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions
- Practice and Encourage Reflections
- Include Affirmations
- Summarize every Meeting
- Always Share Information
- End on a Positive Note
Work with Integrant
At Integrant, we take our 30 years of experience and put it to good use in every aspect of our company. Whether your team members are software experts like our developers or exist on the non-technical end of the spectrum, we have your back.
We always encourage our team members to go above beyond for every client, starting with building a great foundation for each project to grow from. To learn more about our services you can fill our quick response form here for a free consultation.
