Development team structures

[Drakkon]

Recently our boss took an "early retirement" and in turn it left us with no leadership. The "interim" person put in place has left it up to the team to decide how to structure themselves - with the one stipulation - no one person can be put "in charge" of everyone and all projects. The only teams I have ever been in always had a lead of some sort - not sure how you can function efficiently without one. Two team meetings and we are no closer to a decision seems like.

Looking for some ideas on how to structure something like this. I work in a shop that develops small educational simulations and graphics - mostly deal with flash and graphics - very small projects never taking more than a week. We have 4 main proposals so far - All (7 of us - graphics, animators, programmers) must be present when any project is proposed, vote on a council of 2 to take the "lead" role on all projects, free for all (whoever is first to the project takes the lead on it), or assign each team member a subset of areas (i.e one person handles flash programming, another web programming, another illustrations, another photos, another database, etc) to cover and "lead" on.

 

[Markbnj]

People like your new boss amuse me. Teams of any sort have always needed leaders, and the best work has always been done under inspired leadership. The people who don't like the idea of leaders are usually those who aren't good leaders. Anyway, suppose you're stuck with it. As to the current idea, I dislike strongly any hint of councils and votes.

 

[Kirby]

As to the current idea, I dislike strongly any hint of councils and votes.

Agreed. Look at Congress' efficiency in getting things done. 😛

 

[KIAman]

Sounds like you got initiative to identify the problem statement and solicit information and advice. Step right in and take charge yourself.

 

[Cogman]

Sounds like you got initiative to identify the problem statement and solicit information and advice. Step right in and take charge yourself.

Yes, Fill the power gap, become the supreme dictator!

Someone HAS to be in charge of everything. If not, you could have two teams go opposite directions with no way of bringing them together (essentially making too many "leaders").

A good team setup should look like a good procedural program. Each person has a specific well defined task and relationship to people under them. With one main() person to rule them all.

 

[BoberFett]

Yes, Fill the power gap, become the supreme dictator!

Someone HAS to be in charge of everything. If not, you could have two teams go opposite directions with no way of bringing them together (essentially making too many "leaders").

A good team setup should look like a good procedural program. Each person has a specific well defined task and relationship to people under them. With one main() person to rule them all.

The world would be a better place if it was run by programmers.

 

[Cogman]

The world would be a better place if it was run by programmers.

🙂 Say what you like, but dictators get stuff done.