How do you manage technology complexity?
In the rapidly evolving field of technology, one constant challenge that professionals grapple with is managing complexity. This complexity is an inherent part of the technology landscape, growing in tandem with advancements and innovations. The ability to manage this complexity effectively is not just a skill – it is an art.
Controlling the Growing Complexity
Over time, as a technology leader, the development process you oversee tends to become more convoluted and costly. You are no longer dealing with a simple, minimal codebase. Instead, you have to contend with a sprawling web of source code, dependencies, and integrations – all of which contribute to a growing complexity. This intricacy is not necessarily a negative aspect; it is merely a reflection of expansion, advancement, and evolution. However, it is your imperative as a leader to ensure that this growth does not spiral out of control, but rather, remains within manageable bounds. Managing this increasing complexity effectively is a vital aspect of leadership in technology.
Navigating the Complex Waters of Leadership Decisions
It's no secret that solving the issue of managing technology complexity is a daunting task. As a leader, be prepared to make decisions that may not always be popular. Sometimes, this involves opting for technologies that may seem mundane or 'boring' compared to the newest shiny objects on the market. The challenge here lies not only in making these tough choices but also in convincing your team of their necessity. This ability to stand by your decisions and persuade others of their value forms a crucial part of navigating technology complexity.
Time – A Framework to Measure Complexity Management
One practical way to gauge whether you're effectively managing complexity is to measure the time it takes to deliver an abstract feature. If this duration remains approximately consistent within a 1-year timeframe, it is a good indication that you are successfully keeping complexity at bay. This benchmark serves as a tangible, quantifiable framework that you can utilise to assess your complexity management strategies.
Strategies for Managing Complexity
When it comes to managing complexity, a few key strategies should form the backbone of your approach. These include eliminating legacy features that are no longer serving their purpose, dedicating specific time for refactoring, systematically updating dependencies, and planning architecture before implementing features. Each of these tactics plays a critical role in managing complexity, helping streamline processes, reduce cost, and ultimately, contribute to your technology project's overall success.