In the dynamic world of software development, setting ambitious targets is commonplace, but aligning them with the ground realities of development work is crucial for success. Recently, a CEO of a software development company my good fried work in as technical lead set a bold target for Q3: to sell 500 Man Day Work (MDs). Let’s dive into the intricacies of this goal and explore how we, as technology leaders, can navigate the challenges it presents.

Understanding the Target

The target translates to delivering 166 MDs per month. The breakdown is such that 75% (124 MDs) should come from developers, with analysts and consultants contributing the rest. However, the real challenge lies in the utilization of developers’ time. Bare in mind there is 4 full time developers working for the company.

The Time Utilization Conundrum

A typical developer’s day, based on industry averages, is an 8-hour mix of coding, task preparation, debugging, meetings, code revision, and documentation. Out of the total 168 hours in a month, sellable time is approximately 75%, equating to 16 MDs in an ideal month. This “ideal month” is a month with no holidays, sick days, or unforeseen tasks – a rarity in reality.

Reality Check: The Gap Between Target and Reality

With a team of four developers, the maximum output in an ideal month would be 64 MDs. However, practical constraints like holidays and sick days reduce this to about 12 MDs per developer per month. This starkly contrasts with the set target, where our team can only realistically contribute 48 MDs, far below the 124 MDs expectation.

Addressing the Management: Communication is Key

As a CTO, it’s imperative to communicate this gap to the management effectively. The approach should be factual, highlighting the discrepancy between the ideal and actual scenarios. It’s essential to emphasize that while the targets are aspirational, they need to be tempered with the realities of software development cycles.

Strategies to Bridge the Gap

1. Resource Augmentation: Consider hiring more developers or engaging with freelancers to meet the shortfall. This step, however, requires careful budget analysis and consideration of long-term commitments.
2. Process Optimization: Streamline development processes to enhance efficiency. Implement agile methodologies, if not already in place, to improve time management and productivity.
3. Invest in Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like code reviews and testing. This can free up significant developer time for more critical tasks.
4. Reassess the Target: Engage in a dialogue with the CEO and stakeholders to reassess the targets based on practical constraints and existing resources.
5. Focus on Training: Invest in skill development. More skilled developers can potentially increase the sellable time percentage.
6. Enhanced Project Management: Implement stricter project management methodologies to avoid project overruns and unexpected delays.
7. Transparent Reporting: Keep stakeholders regularly updated with transparent reporting on progress and challenges. This fosters trust and aligns expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting ambitious targets is crucial for growth, but aligning them with the operational realities is what defines success. As CTOs, our role transcends beyond technology; it’s about being the bridge between ambitious business goals and the practical world of software development. By adopting a strategic approach and open communication, we can not only meet but exceed expectations, driving our organizations towards sustainable growth and innovation.