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 genuine craft where artificial intelligence is already assisting in daily tasks, but which AI will not replace anytime soon. So could one say it is about solving abstract problems through coding? No... that is only part of it. It involves a much broader problem domain. Software development—meaning creative expert work—requires technical competence, but the majority of value creation relates to things other than writing code. To achieve the best—or sustainable, or even good—results, one must understand at least the following perspectives:
how quality is assured and what it means
how to ensure the solution is released to users rapidly and with high quality
how cost-efficiency is guaranteed
how to ensure maintainability while keeping the future in mind
how to ensure that the team—or teams—operates efficiently and that challenges are brought to light
how to ensure a smart architecture
how to operate within a team so that the work is efficient and purposeful
how the team thrives together
Yes—all of these must be taken into account when writing software, not least because by the team I mean everyone involved, from consultants to the customer's business decision-makers. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to TOGETHER BUILD THE RIGHT THINGS.
Humanity makes the difference between basic performance and top teams.
Software development has been researched, hacked, and fiercely debated (at least on an imaginary level) across the turbulent waters of waterfall models and agile methodologies for decades. The industry is constantly evolving, and the understanding and knowledge surrounding software development are growing at the same pace. Human communication and its associated human elements, such as empathy and behavioral patterns, remain at the core of everything. In the intersection of human behavior, methodologies, and technology lies a vast domain where the enthusiasm, expertise, experience, modern technologies, and eagerness to learn of people—integrated teams of consultants, technologists, and business stakeholders—make the difference between basic execution and elite 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 next-generation digital development and a tireless advocate for the human element in business. Alongside leading Kipinä's top-tier professionals, Kari can be found carving down alpine slopes or trekking through the forests of Lapland.