Software development is a demanding sport: turbo-charge the Senior Tech Leadership model as a catalyst for success
09 | 2024 Kari Kellokoski, Co-founder & COO
Building software is difficult. I mean really damn hard. But many people think that coding is just coding, or that the same hourly rate for two IT consultants automatically means the same ability to deliver value. This is far from the reality. I think building software should be easy too, but why is it often so difficult? However, experience has taught me how to take basic execution to the highest level. That's what this article is all about!
Coding is a craft profession
Building software in a sensible way is, at its best, a demonstration of expertise, smart methods, and teamwork. Teamwork with the ultimate goal of delivering the right solutions to support the business. Often, this work is done under high pressure and, more often than not, in a business environment that is both technically complex and operationally challenging. Almost always, the goal is to create a unique result where something new, attractive, and cost-effective in the long run is developed together to provide a competitive edge for the business.
Coding is a real craft, one that AI is already helping with day-to-day tasks, but one that AI will not solve for a while yet. So could we say it's about solving absurd problems by coding? No ... it's just part of it. It's about a broader set of problems. Building software, i.e. creative expertise, requires technical skills, but most of the value creation is about more than coding functionality. To achieve the best - or sustainable, even good - outcome, you need to understand at least the following aspects:
how to ensure quality, and what that means
how to ensure that the solution is released to users quickly and with high quality
how to ensure cost-effectiveness
how to ensure maintainability while taking into account the future
how to ensure that the team - or teams - are working effectively, and that challenges are visible
how to ensure smart architecture
how to work in a team to ensure that the team is effective and appropriate
how the team thrives together
Yes - all of these need to be taken into account when coding software, not least because by team I mean everyone involved, from consultants to client business decision makers. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to build the RIGHT THINGS TOGETHER.
Humanity makes the difference between basic performance and top teams.
Software development has been researched, pushed and fought over (at least at the level of the imaginary) in the crossfire of waterfall models or agile methodologies for decades. The field is constantly evolving, and the understanding and knowledge around software development is growing at the same pace. Human communication and the human aspects of it, such as empathy and behavioural drivers, remain at the heart of everything. There is a huge space between human behaviour, methodology and technology where the enthusiasm, skills, experience, modern technologies and learning spirit of people - consultants, technologists and business teams - make the difference between basic execution and top teams.
Senior Tech Leadership - the way our experts serve
Senior Tech Leadership is the critical element that makes the difference to the top team. Kipinä's Senior Tech Lead is the catalyst that instils and emphasises professionalism, professional pride, new ways of working and a bold culture of experimentation that ignites enthusiasm in teams and delivers cutting-edge solutions.
So how was this concept of Senior Tech Leadership invented? Well, in Kipinä way, of course - by the passion of our experts. This is how they themselves see that our customers are served. This really isn't an elevator pitch; around 70% of Kipinä's experts are already serving in this role for our customers - as catalysts for success.
When our experts can decide for themselves how they are marketed, there's no doubt they are 100% committed to our clients' projects and taking responsibility. This is real consulting, where positive energy is embraced, care for one's work is shown, and current operating models are challenged – all with the goal of delivering results.
If you want to hear more about the importance of professional pride in software development or discuss whether you need a catalyst, don't hesitate. It's clear that we at Kipinä love the topic. Senior Tech Leadership with a satisfaction guarantee ❤️. I'd be happy to brainstorm more on the subject!
Kari Kellokoski, Co-founder & COO
The author is a true guru of the new digital evolution and a never-ending advocate of the role of humanity in business. In addition to the top professionals at Kipinä, Kari pilots his way down alpine slopes and through the forests of Lapland.