In the realm of technology, the relentless pace of evolution is both exhilarating and challenging. From the excitement of new Threadripper CPUs to the subtleties of collection expressions in C# 12, the constant influx of innovations fuels my passion. However, as priorities escalate and pressure compounds, the space to explore these innovations diminishes. The struggle to innovate under such circumstances is all too familiar, resonating with many of us in the tech industry.

At DigiOutsource, we identified this challenge manifested particularly insidiously—attrition. The technical leadership was so immersed in day-to-day duties which, compounded with the fact that the teams were under immense pressure, made fostering an environment for innovation a challenge on its own. It wasn’t solely due to the teams being under pressure, but rather the tech leadership being so immersed in challenges that fostering an environment for innovation fell by the wayside. When you find yourself trapped in a space devoid of opportunities for learning, growth, and experimentation, seeking an exit becomes inevitable. Acknowledging this, we refused to defer the issue until a more convenient time. Instead, we decided to prioritise wins to reignite our team members’ passion for what they love—innovation.

The Plan

We harnessed the collective wisdom of our senior engineering team, consisting of architects and engineering leads, to address the predicament. Empowered by our Head of Tech, we devised a strategic plan to reclaim the space for innovation.

Brown Bag Sessions

Credit to Niels Berglund for inspiring this initiative. Brown Bag Sessions, essentially lunch and learn gatherings, became a cornerstone of our approach. Starting with a monthly cadence (soon shifting to fortnightly due to overwhelming interest), these sessions allow anyone to volunteer and share insights. Participants bring their lunches, dial in, and engage in knowledge-sharing, fostering continuous learning.

We’ve already explored topics such as cloud adoption, documentation automation, and machine learning, with more upcoming sessions.

Redefining Career Growth Paths

While not directly involved in this initiative, a working group dedicated to clarifying growth paths and engineering expectations emerged. By eliminating ambiguity, we aim to empower our engineers to focus on their passions without the distraction of uncertain career trajectories.

Encouraging Fail-Fast Mentalities

Kudos to Alastair van Leeuwen and David Beukes for championing the importance of embracing failure. Understanding that innovation thrives on a willingness to fail, we actively promote a fail-fast mentality. Failing is not a setback but a learning opportunity, creating a safe space for experimentation and pushing boundaries.

Bounty Board

A long-contemplated idea now approaching launch, the Bounty Board adds a dynamic element to our innovation strategy. This platform allows individuals to post their challenges, encouraging collaboration to find solutions. Completed bounties earn recognition and points on the board, fostering a culture of problem-solving and acknowledging achievements.

The Academy

Last but not least, we introduced The Academy—a comprehensive Confluence space catering to engineers’ diverse needs. It houses how-to articles, internal tech blog posts, the bounty board, reference architectures, requests for comments, and more. This centralised hub is designed for contribution and consumption, providing a go-to resource for engineers at any stage of their journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you find yourself trapped in a space stifling innovation, engage with your leadership. You might discover exciting plans in the pipeline waiting to be explored.

If any of these ideas resonate with you, share your thoughts. I don’t claim sole credit for these initiatives; I work with exceptionally talented individuals, and undoubtedly, similar ideas have thrived in other innovative spaces. Together, let’s propel the spirit of innovation even in the face of mounting pressures.