Last updated on Jul 13, 2024

Here's how you can optimize your workload by delegating technical tasks to junior software engineers.

As a software engineer, you're well aware of the constant juggling act between developing new features, fixing bugs, and managing a team. But what if you could lighten your workload and foster growth within your team at the same time? Delegating technical tasks to junior software engineers is not just about offloading work; it's a strategic move that can lead to increased productivity and skill development within your team. Let's explore how you can effectively delegate to optimize your workload.

1 Identify Tasks

Begin by identifying tasks that are suitable for delegation. Look for repetitive, well-documented tasks that don't require deep domain knowledge or high-level decision-making. These could include writing unit tests, handling straightforward bug fixes, or updating documentation. By assigning these tasks to junior engineers, you not only free up your time for more complex issues but also provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. Ensure that the tasks have clear objectives and outcomes to set them up for success.

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Jona Loarte

Software Architect - Backend en NTT DATA | Backend Developer
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Recomiendo: 1. La tarea debe ser conocida: Esto con la intención de solucionar dudas en caso sea necesario. 2. Dar instrucciones claras y documentadas: En una plataforma de gestión de conocimiento, debe estar documentado la intención de la tarea y los pasos a seguir. 3. El plazo debe ser realista: Los plazos preferible que no se extiendan demasiado, no obstante, se debe tener en cuenta que quien lo realiza es probable que no haya realizado con anterioridad una tarea así entonces tampoco se debe acotar demasiado el tiempo. 4. Fomenta autonomía: Dentro de los límites de la tarea, sugiero darle autonomía para que pueda ser creativo también. 5. Evaluar, reconocer y agradecer: Analizar qué funcionó y también agradecer y valorar el esfuerzo.

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Tosin Seyi

Senior Software Engineer, Generative AI Art Creator
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Identify Tasks: Determine tasks suitable for delegation, such as routine coding, testing, and debugging. Assess Skills: Match tasks to junior engineers' skills and experience levels. Set Clear Goals: Define clear objectives, expectations, and deadlines for each task. Provide Guidance: Offer detailed instructions and resources to help juniors understand the tasks. Monitor Progress: Regularly check on their progress and provide feedback. Encourage Autonomy: Allow juniors to solve problems independently while being available for support. Foster Growth: Use delegation as an opportunity for skill development and learning. Review Work: Review completed tasks to ensure quality and provide constructive feedback.

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2 Provide Guidance

Once you've delegated a task, it's crucial to provide guidance to ensure it's completed effectively. Offer clear instructions, resources for learning, and set expectations for the quality and timelines. Encourage junior engineers to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. A mentoring approach can be beneficial, where you periodically check in and offer feedback. This will help them build confidence in their abilities and understand the standards required for the project.

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Jona Loarte

Software Architect - Backend en NTT DATA | Backend Developer
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Sugiero para ello: 1. Las instrucciones deben tener ejemplos. 2. Los canales deben ser abiertos con la intención de solucionar dudas de forma fluida. No utilicen emails para ello. 3. Brindar recursos para el aprendizaje. ¡El conocimiento debe compartirse! Si encontraste un buen hilo en stack overflow. Si encontraste un libro que vale la pena leerse y justo es del tema de la tarea delegada, invite a la lectura. Puede que parezca un disco rayado, pero más de 10 veces he recomendado leer el clean code de Robert C. Martin o los Domain Driven Design de Eric Evans y Vaughn Vernon. 4. La retroalimentación debe ser constructiva durante la ejecución de la tarea.

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3 Encourage Ownership

Fostering a sense of ownership in junior engineers is key to successful delegation. Encourage them to take full responsibility for the tasks they've been given. This includes problem-solving, decision-making, and seeking out resources independently. Ownership also implies accountability; they should understand that they are expected to deliver quality work within the stipulated deadlines. This sense of responsibility can be highly motivating and lead to personal and professional growth.

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4 Review Progress

Regularly review the progress of delegated tasks. This doesn't mean micromanaging but rather providing a safety net for junior engineers. Schedule check-ins to discuss any challenges they're facing and to assess the quality of their work. Use these reviews as teaching moments to guide them through any mistakes and reinforce good practices. This process will help them improve over time and take on more complex tasks in the future.

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Jona Loarte

Software Architect - Backend en NTT DATA | Backend Developer
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Recomiendo: 1. Dar seguimiento: Si la tarea es grande, establecer reuniones regulares. 2. Reforzar buenas prácticas: Destacar y alentar a usar buenas prácticas. 3. Apoyar en obstáculos: Una call de 5 minutos puede ayudar aclarar ciertas dudas. 4. Documentar el progreso: Si la tarea es grande, anotar el progreso. 5. En caso los resultados no sean los esperados, se debe tener en cuenta que los errores son oportunidades de aprendizaje. 6. Si la tarea es grande, establezca objetivos a corto plazo y revise el progreso gradualmente.

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5 Adjust Workloads

Be prepared to adjust workloads as necessary. If a junior engineer is excelling at their tasks, consider delegating more challenging work to them. Conversely, if they are struggling, take a step back to assess whether the task was appropriate or if additional support is needed. Workload adjustment is a dynamic process that requires attention to each individual's capabilities and development needs. It's about finding the right balance that benefits both the project and the engineer's growth.

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Jona Loarte

Software Architect - Backend en NTT DATA | Backend Developer
(edited)
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Recomiendo hacer scrum poker. Con la intención de no solo tener en cuenta la opinión del Senior que delegó la tarea. Sino también preguntar a quién realizará la tarea y al resto del equipo.

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6 Celebrate Successes

Lastly, don't forget to celebrate successes and acknowledge the contributions of junior engineers. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. Recognize their achievements in team meetings or through informal praise. Celebrating these milestones will not only boost morale but also encourage continued engagement and effort. It reinforces the value of their work and your trust in their capabilities, fostering a more cohesive and productive team environment.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can optimize your workload by delegating technical tasks to junior software engineers.

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1 Identify Tasks

2 Provide Guidance

3 Encourage Ownership

4 Review Progress

5 Adjust Workloads

6 Celebrate Successes

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Engineering

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