IT development thrives on continuous learning, yet teams often stagnate. Illia Smoliienko, CSO at Waites, shares insights on fostering growth. He emphasizes that while some roles benefit from routine, a team needs at least 80% actively developing their skills to maintain a competitive edge and avoid stagnation within the team.
Small actions spark development. Mandatory code testing, for example, pushes developers to refine their logic and seek better solutions. However, even testing can become routine. Recognizing the reasons behind stagnation is crucial, whether it’s burnout, lack of motivation, or external challenges.
Smoliienko advocates a case-by-case approach. Offer new project contexts, present challenging tasks that demand creative thinking, and provide learning resources. Adjust expectations based on individual goals. A structured development plan, reviewed bi-annually, aligns company needs with developer interests.
Systematic integration of learning into daily work is key. This includes daily technical digests, dedicated time for experimentation during sprints, internal knowledge-sharing sessions, and external training. Overcoming overload is crucial; developers need energy to learn effectively.
Ultimately, Smoliienko believes development starts with open dialogue, understanding individual motivations, and valuing diverse perspectives. Encourage critical thinking and constructive disagreement to foster team growth and innovation. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.
