If you want to build a great development team then you need to attract great individual developers. These are the most common traits we see across top performers:
- They sweat the small stuff – a really good programmer obsesses over details. In financial systems, even a small update can have a big effect. The best programmers spend a lot of time making sure every part of the code is right and think about how one change will impact everything else, particularly from the point of view of the end user. It might seem excessive, but remember that the success or failure of a project is the product of a million tiny details.
- Before anyone else, they know what success will look like – the best developers can picture the project’s end result before a single line of code is written. For instance, when our lead programmer began creating our Just-TV app, he could imagine not only the key functionality but exactly how it would appear visually and the way different users would interact with the interface. Then he used his deep technical skills to transform this vision into a final product.
- They see everything from the point of view of the customer – the best coders can translate the technical nuances of the project into simple language that any stakeholder can understand. They instinctively understand the key business goals driving the project and always tie their work back to these key success criteria. And they always prioritise the user experience over technical considerations.
- They find creative solutions to technical challenges – a top developer understands that problem solving is a core part of the role, and they relish the challenge. They are both creative and persistent.
- They are a team player – the best developers understand that they have to take others on the journey with them. That of course includes the customer, but also other team members. They communicate clearly, share ideas and challenges, encourage those around them and welcome feedback.
- They never stop learning – the world of Dynamics is moving faster than ever. The best developers embrace this change, not only learning on the job but also committing time to learning and understanding where the evolution will take us next. This eagerness to learn means they can always bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table, as well as being ahead of the curve on all deep technical matters.
Developers that embody all these traits are rare indeed. But their impact on the broader team is profound, and well worth the effort. And the best part is they invariably know other world class developers, so can act as a magnet and filter for future talent.
