How we differentiate seniority levels and pick the right people for your team

In the ever-evolving world of technology, every company is an IT company as they need software to operate. Therefore, an IT team can make or break a company's success.  

A critical component of any high-performing IT team is its composition, especially concerning the seniority of its members. There are two common question we get from our potential clients:

• How do you pick people for the team and make sure they are the right seniority?  
• How do you differentiate the seniority level? How do you know that senior is senior - what does that exactly mean?

Well, this post will explain everything.

It’s actually not at all arbitrary but here at Enlight, it’s precisely defined.  

The seniority levels within Enlight Engineering are structured into distinct roles, each with its unique set of responsibilities and expectations. These levels are described based on:

• Task: The nature and complexity of tasks an individual is expected to handle.
• Project: The depth of their involvement and contribution to projects.
• Process: Their engagement with and enhancement of company processes.
• Result: The outcomes and deliverables they are accountable for.

By providing this structured overview, we aim to ensure clarity during performance reviews, set clear benchmarks for promotions, and establish transparent expectations for both our team and our clients.

To see our detailed description of seniority level overview and how we differentiate them, click here.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS & IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DIVERSE TEAM

Now that we know what we mean when we say senior, intermediate (medior), junior and team lead, let’s talk about some common misconceptions and the importance of having a diverse team.

While some may argue that a team filled with senior-level professionals is the ultimate dream, reality tells us a different story. A team solely comprised of seniors may resist change and innovation, hindering progress. Senior team members are undoubtedly skilled, but not all the tasks require their level of skills and knowledge. They should be involved in the tasks that require their expertise, while the rest should be divided among intermediate developers and juniors. That will allow each of them to be motivated with new challenges and tasks which are at or just a bit above their level of knowledge.  

In a rapidly evolving IT landscape, collaboration across seniority levels is key to addressing diverse challenges effectively.

Having the right seniority level in an IT team benefits both you, as the client, and us, as an IT company.

Seniors bring experience and expertise, which is key for advanced problem-solving. On the other hand, intermediate developers (mediors) and juniors are crucial because they will efficiently execute smaller and less complicated yet important tasks.

Intermediate developers (mediors) are able to handle a lot of development work and even mentor younger colleagues. A lot of responsibility and software development work is assigned to them while seniors are usually overseeing the projects and juniors need to learn and have mentor’s support.  

BENEFITS OF HAVING A DIVERSE TEAM

Here are a few benefits of a diverse team (when it comes to seniority level):

Cost-Effective Resource Allocation

Maintaining a team comprised entirely of senior-level professionals can be expensive. By including junior and mid-level team members, you can optimize resource allocation. Junior team members can take on less complex tasks, allowing senior members to focus on strategic initiatives. This balance ensures that your team operates efficiently and cost-effectively.

Innovation and Fresh Perspectives

While senior team members provide a wealth of experience, junior and mid-level employees often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. They may not be bound by conventional thinking and can offer creative solutions to complex problems. This dynamic allows the team to think outside the box, adapt to changing technologies, and stay ahead of the curve.

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer

One of the most significant advantages of having a mix of seniority levels in your IT team is the potential for mentorship and knowledge transfer. Senior-level professionals bring years of experience and expertise to the table, which can be invaluable for junior and mid-level team members. This mentorship fosters a culture of continuous learning, where knowledge and skills are passed down, ensuring the growth and development of the entire team.

A well-balanced IT team that includes a mix of seniority levels can be a source of inspiration and motivation for all members. It allows everyone to work on the tasks that are challenging and motivating for them, so they can further grow and develop while they’re developing a software product.  

HOW DO WE DECIDE WHICH MEMBERS SHOULD BE IN A TEAM

After we’ve agreed that we will work together, we have a meeting to fill out the Init checklist. This is a document with many important questions that will make sure that we get your requirements correct.  

Based on that, we create a WETP (Work Estimate Team Proposal), which is a detailed table with specifications of which skills and knowledge each team member needs to have based on the project requirements.  

After we’ve assessed and assigned people, we have another call with you (client) to check if you agree. We explained this process in detail in this blog post: This is the process of finding the right people for your next project.

How do we define a high-performing team?

We believe a high-performing team should be:

• Seasoned - to have the know-how, problem-solving skills and to know technology
• Performing- to be focused on business values and to cooperate well  
• Adaptive - to have a culture we call “continuous improvement” where we address problems, give feedback and we’re all trying to learn and improve as we go
• Efficient - to accept responsibility, be self-organized, cross-functional and be able to handle difficulties  

Here at Enlight, we take it seriously to pick the right team members for a project - we do it with the utmost care, following our proven methodology.  

In the world of IT, the importance of having the right mix of seniority in your team cannot be overstated. Diversity in seniority levels brings mentorship, innovation, and cost-effective resource allocation to the table.  

Moreover, it dispels common misconceptions, highlighting team members' unique contributions at all seniority levels. By achieving this balance, the IT team can be motivated, and able to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape, ultimately leading each project and your organization to success.