How to Successfully Manage a Software Development Team

10 Software Development Team Management Strategies with Examples

To get started, let’s discuss the most common strategies that will help you manage the software development process most efficiently. We will provide hypothetical project examples and will help you understand how to adjust your software development management style accordingly.

Directive Strategy

It is a project management approach characterized by a top-down, authoritarian leadership style where the project manager provides specific instructions and closely monitors the work of each team member. This approach is particularly suitable for situations where quick decision-making, clear guidance, and strict adherence to protocols are essential for project success.

Implementation Example 

A directive strategy is a great option for a scenario like developing a critical software patch to address a security vulnerability. Security vulnerabilities pose significant risks to systems, data, and users, requiring immediate and decisive action to mitigate potential threats. Any hesitations here can harm not only the particular subproject but an entire organization and its customers.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Providing clear and detailed instructions to the team regarding the scope of work, the specific security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, and the protocols and procedures to follow.
• Knowing how to manage developers closely to ensure that they are following the prescribed security protocols, coding standards, and best practices, including regular check-ins, code reviews, and monitoring progress against established timelines.
• Given the critical nature of the project, the project manager must actively identify and mitigate potential risks that could compromise the security patch’s effectiveness or delay its delivery.

Participative Strategy

This one is commonly referred to as participative or democratic leadership strategy. Here, the project manager actively involves team members in decision-making processes, encouraging their input and fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among the team. This style of software development management is particularly effective in projects that require creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Olexandr Boyko

Delivery Director at SPD Technology

“Here at SPD Technology, we use participative strategy quite often. We believe that everyone’s input should be considered and valued to boost the morale of each individual. For this goal, we leverage SCRUM activities like daily standups, grooming, and planning sessions, in which ideally all developers are present, for setting up a workflow and communication process that allows promoting everyone’s contribution.

In addition to that, our client demos are shown by different people. We allow different experts to show the results to clients, and it is not just about encouraging participation and improving engagement and motivation, it is also about wider communication with each expert being able to comment on features and propose ideas.”

Implementation Example

This strategy is a great fit for such creative activity as designing a new User Interface for an application, which is an essential element of outsourcing web and mobile app development. Within the framework of such a creative task, each team member should be welcome to share their vision and ideas. 

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Conducting brainstorming sessions where team members are encouraged to freely share their ideas, insights, and creative concepts.
• Organizing design workshops where team members collaborate on creating UI mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. During these workshops, team members work together to refine ideas, iterate on designs, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.
• Leveraging collaboration tools like digital whiteboards, design collaboration platforms, and project management software to facilitate remote teamwork and improve communication.

Transformational Strategy

This one is also known as transformational leadership. The project manager, here, should inspire and motivate the teams by emphasizing a compelling vision, fostering innovation, and promoting individual growth. This leadership style is particularly effective in projects that require creativity, vision, and the pursuit of breakthrough solutions.

Implementation Example 

Transformational strategy is vital in a startup environment when building a next-generation product that aims to revolutionize an industry is required. According to Exploding Topics, only one in ten startups survives, so proper implementation of this strategy is critical.  

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Articulating a bold and inspiring vision for the product, painting a vivid picture of its potential impact on the industry and the value it will bring to customers.
• Creating an environment where experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged, empowering team members to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Cultivating a shared sense of purpose and belonging within the team, communicating the importance of each team member’s contribution to the project’s success, and fostering a strong sense of collaboration.
• Investing in the professional growth of each team member, providing opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and career advancement.

Olexandr Boyko

Delivery Director at SPD Technology

“Task delegation is also a powerful project management tool for empowerment and the promotion of individual growth. In our company, experts can try different roles. For example, a proactive back-end developer, when there is a necessity and agreed decision with a Tech Lead to do so, can take responsibility for creating an architecture for a certain feature of a product.

At SPD Technology, we have a Talent Management Department. Combined with the efforts of the People Manager, they create individual PDP (Personal Development Plan) for each expert working in a team. PDP allows an expert to constantly grow and extend their competencies while working within the confines of a product. An expert can try a new framework, switch to automated testing, try a Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach, or anything else that could unlock individual growth and match the goals of a product.”

Servant Leadership Strategy

Servant leaders prioritize the well-being, growth, and development of their team members above all else, creating a supportive and empowering environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve their goals. Rather than asserting authority or control, they focus on supporting and enabling others to reach their full potential. This approach is particularly effective in projects that require collaboration, empowerment, and a high level of trust. 

Implementation Example

Let’s take a major update to an existing software platform, as an example of implementation of this strategy. 

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Addressing any challenges or roadblocks that arise, and ensuring that team members have the support they need to execute their tasks effectively.
• Offering guidance, mentorship, necessary project management software, and resources, as well as being available to listen to concerns and provide assistance whenever needed.
• Encouraging initiative and creativity, allowing team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the project.

Laissez-Faire Strategy

With this one, leaders take a hands-off approach, providing minimal guidance and allowing team members significant freedom in decision-making and task execution. This management style is effective when team members are highly skilled in their respective areas, self-motivated, and capable of working independently. 

Implementation Example 

A great fit for this approach is a particular subproject that requires narrow expertise, like developing a custom web application for an internal tool. Software developers should have a deep understanding and technical skills and should be able to complete this task without much intervention from the manager.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Providing minimal guidance and direction to the team, allowing them to take the lead in defining project goals, timelines, and deliverables. Instead of micromanaging, the project manager serves as a resource and sounding board for team members, taking away administrative tasks hassle.
• The project manager still monitors progress and provides support as needed to ensure that the project stays on track. Regular check-ins and updates may be scheduled to keep the project manager informed of progress and any potential issues that arise.

Transactional Strategy

In this approach, leaders focus on setting clear expectations, establishing structured systems for task completion and accountability, and providing rewards or consequences based on performance. Transactional leaders use a “give and take” approach, offering rewards or incentives for achieving specific goals and enforcing consequences for failing to meet expectations.

Implementation Example 

It is a great strategy for integrating third-party APIs into an eCommerce platform. By the way, this strategy has proven to be beneficial for us working in eCommerce, as we successfully developed and deployed the Merchant Portal for one of our clients, a Global Gift Cards Distribution Company.

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Explore Case

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Setting clear performance metrics, objectives, and milestones for the team, and defining technical requirements, deadlines, and quality standards for the project.
• Creating detailed project plans, defining roles and responsibilities, and implementing workflows to ensure efficient execution of tasks.
• Offering rewards or incentives to team members for meeting key objectives and milestones. For example, team members may be rewarded for successfully integrating a specific API within the allotted time frame or for achieving improvements in system performance as a result of the integration.

Coaching Strategy

Within the framework of this strategy, leaders focus on developing their team members’ skills and abilities through mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback. They actively support individual growth and professional development, aiming to empower team members to reach their full potential. 

Implementation Example 

This management style is particularly effective in projects that involve learning new technologies or methodologies and overcoming unfamiliar web application development challenges, so let’s take, as an example, migrating legacy systems to a cloud-based infrastructure.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Assessing the skills and knowledge gaps within the team. This may involve conducting skills assessments, discussing career aspirations with team members, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Conduct regular mentorship sessions and one-on-one meetings, sharing best practices, offering advice, and providing feedback to help team members develop their skills and overcome current challenges.
• Facilitating technical training sessions or workshops to help team members gain the knowledge and expertise needed.

Collaborative Strategy

In this style, the emphasis is on fostering teamwork, cooperation, and synergy among team members. Leaders actively facilitate collaboration, encourage knowledge-sharing, create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged to achieve project goals. 

Implementation Example 

This approach is particularly effective in complex projects that require cross-functional teamwork and integration of various components, such as developing a multiplayer online game with complex gameplay mechanics.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Organizing cross-functional, hybrid teams, each responsible for different aspects of the development process. 
• Fostering collaboration among team members by creating opportunities for interaction and knowledge sharing.
• Valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging team members to bring their unique insights and ideas to the table.

Olexandr Boyko

Delivery Director at SPD Technology

“We have multiple projects, where the Project Manager delegates some of the tasks to be more effective. For example, when PM combines the roles of Project Manager, Tech Lead, and People Manager, it is reasonable to delegate scope management of the particular sprint to some expert, or even delegate the meeting facilitation for the scope grooming. A back-end developer with a positive attitude can easily take over such tasks, and in real-life scenarios, it happens very often.”

Situational Strategy

This is a management approach where leaders adapt their style based on the specific needs of the situation and the capabilities of their team members. This flexible approach allows leaders to assess each unique situation and adjust their leadership style accordingly to achieve the best outcomes. 

Implementation Example 

It can be very helpful in startup environments with the ever-changing needs of the project. In particular, for creating a software prototype for a startup with evolving requirements.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Adapting leadership style to suit the needs of the current situation. During periods of uncertainty or complexity, the project managers should provide more guidance, direction, and support to the team to ensure that everyone remains focused and aligned with the project’s goals.
• Empowering team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions autonomously when appropriate.
• Acting as a mentor and coach, providing encouragement, feedback, and assistance to help team members succeed.

Results-Oriented Strategy

Leaders employing this approach prioritize achieving tangible results and outcomes above all else. They focus on setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and holding team members accountable for delivering results. 

Implementation Example 

This approach is particularly effective in projects with strict deadlines, such as developing a mobile application for a client with time-sensitive requirements.

Key actions of the project manager for this use case include:

• Setting clear, measurable goals and milestones for the project, aligning them with the client’s requirements and deadlines. These goals may include key deliverables, functionality requirements, and specific deadlines for completion.
• Monitoring progress towards achieving the project goals and milestones using project management software, tracking the team’s performance, identifying any potential bottlenecks or obstacles, and taking proactive measures to keep the project on track.
• Adjusting resources as needed based on the project’s progress and requirements.
• Establishing clear expectations of each team member, providing regular feedback on performance, and addressing any issues or concerns that may impact the project’s success.