Through interviews with dozens of technology executives, Brainspire conducted a research study to find cultural and technical processes and practices that produce the highest return on investment for software development. Below is the last of seven recommendations to enable more effective and higher quality software development:
Key #7 - Retain your Talent
Almost unanimously, technology executives cite quality and retention of talent as the most important aspect for quality software development.This is a deep topic which is certainly on the minds of every technology executive. Company culture, leadership, management styles, compensation, and many other factors influence employee retention. However, a good technology executive with sound leadership qualities can overcome many of the hurdles that the company as a whole will not or cannot address. Dev teams working within a departmental culture of creativity, collaboration and accountability will achieve higher retention, which is paramount to creating quality software consistently. While retaining talent is critical, parting ways with those who drag down the team is equally important. As one CIO put it “our development teams function far better when top performers don’t have to cover for under achievers, and leadership is respected more for setting standards and holding people accountable.”
Executives know who the top performers are in their group, who cares about quality delivery, and who cares about making steady improvements. These are the “doers” that everyone respects and turns to for results. Involve and challenge these high performers to help raise the standards in your development practices and personnel. They will appreciate the trust shown in them and will help raise the bar for the rest of the department.
