How to Build a Software Development Team (7 Steps)

With 28.7 million software engineers in the world (many who are remote) managers need to get the hang of this sooner rather than later. 

This step-by-step guide gives you the framework to building a rockstar software development team, specifically for remote environments.

Step 1: Know What You Need

• Project Goals: Clearly define your project's purpose and what it needs. What technologies and skills will it require? This will guide your search for the perfect team members.
• Team Objectives: Set clear goals for your team, both short-term and long-term, to keep everyone on the same page.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Players

• Skills & Culture Fit: Look beyond just technical skills. Consider how potential candidates will mesh with your team's culture. A good cultural fit is a must-have for smooth collaboration, especially when everyone's remote.
• Cast a Wide Net: Use online job boards, LinkedIn, and remote work platforms to find diverse talent pools.

Step 3: Communication is Key

• Stay Connected: Set up communication channels like Slack, Zoom, and Trello to ensure clear and regular communication.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule daily or weekly meetings to keep everyone updated on progress and quickly address any issues.

Step 4: Tech Up Your Team

• Collaboration Tools: Embrace tools like GitHub, Jira, and Confluence for version control, issue tracking, and easy document sharing.
• Remote Work Essentials: Invest in reliable VPNs, cloud storage, and security software to keep your team working efficiently from anywhere.

Step 5: Never Stop Learning

• Skill Upgrading: Encourage your team to learn new technologies and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and methodologies.
• Learning Resources: Provide access to online courses, webinars, and workshops to help them constantly develop their skills.

Step 6: Embrace Agility

• Agile for the Win: Adopt Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban. These promote flexibility and productivity, especially in remote settings.
• Sprints and Reviews: Regular sprints and reviews help maintain a steady work pace and adapt quickly to changes.

Step 7: Build a Supportive Team Spirit

• Bonding Activities: Organize virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
• Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance for your team. This is key for long-term success and well-being.

The Outlook for Remote Managers is Bright 

With 98% of employees saying they’d like to work remotely, at least some of the time, remote team building is an invaluable skill to master. But building a strong software development team, especially remotely, requires a strategic approach.

By focusing on clear goals, finding the right talent, encouraging communication, and facilitating continuous learning, you can build a software development team that's not just skilled, but also cohesive and ready to take on any challenge.