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RailsConf 2017: Distributed & Local: Getting the Best of Both Worlds by Ben Klang Our company is traditional in many ways, one of which being the need to come into the office each day. Our team of software developers bucks that trend, spreading across 6 states and 4 countries. Dev teams consider themselves "Remote First", while DevOps and Application Support are "Local First." Each has adopted tools, habits, and practices to maximize their configuration. Each style has learned valuable lessons from the other. This presentation is about how our teams have evolved: the tools, the compromises, the wins and losses, and how we successfully blend Distributed and Concentrated teams.
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The presentation "Distributed & Local: Getting the Best of Both Worlds" by Ben Klang at RailsConf 2017 explores the dynamics and benefits of hybrid work environments where some team members are remote while others are local. Klang shares insights from his experiences in leading teams across multiple states and countries, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between remote and local work styles. Key Points Discussed: - **Team Structures**: Klang categorizes teams into local, remote, and mixed formats. He highlights that while local teams tend to have higher efficiency due to face-to-face communication, remote teams offer broader hiring possibilities and increased job satisfaction for employees seeking flexibility. - **Experience at Power Home Remodeling**: Klang provides a real-world example from his current role, where the tech department includes 51 employees across six states and four countries, underscoring the company’s remote-first approach combined with local presence for certain roles. - **Advantages of Remote Work**: - Opportunities for hiring from a larger candidate pool, enhancing diversity. - Better work-life integration, allowing employees to manage personal commitments effectively. - Increased job satisfaction leading to lower turnover rates. - **Challenges Faced**: Communication emerges as the principal hurdle in remote work environments. Klang humorously notes that communication appears as a recurring theme, citing time zone differences and the potential for misunderstandings as central issues. Effective communication is vital and requires proactive management, especially in mixed teams. - **Effective Practices**: Klang discusses strategies for optimizing both local and remote teams, including: - Keeping teams small (around three to five people) to maintain effective communication. - Utilizing tools such as video conferencing, daily stand-ups, and shared documentation to keep everyone on the same page. - Encouraging occasional face-to-face meetings, lunch and learns, and team-building activities to foster personal connections. - **Conclusion and Recommendations**: Klang concludes that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in hybrid teams. Organizations must continuously evaluate and adapt their structures and processes to accommodate the evolving needs of their teams while recognizing the unique advantages of both local and remote configurations. Ultimately, Klang's talk emphasizes that being intentional about communication and collaboration tools can significantly enhance the productivity and satisfaction of hybrid teams.
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