Developers are a misunderstood bunch. We are typically seen as the individuals who are sent to the dungeon to do nothing but code and only show our faces when things break. Part of the responsibility for this stereotype falls at the feet of developers, and part of the responsibility lies with business owners who employ them.
As developers, we get labeled by our peers as OCD, introverted, and secretive because the tools we utilize feel foreign to people outside of the development space. What people don’t realize is that those tools, our code, have a greater purpose than just to build websites and apps.
Developers should realize that our upward mobility is not just tied to the number of lines of code we write, but also to the problems these lines of code help to solve. In other words, developers need to see themselves as problem solvers first and foremost. In my opinion, the term web development should almost be synonymous with business development.
Conversely, business owners and clients need to realize that when they hire quality developers, they aren’t just getting individuals with technical expertise. The true value they are receiving when they hire a great developer is they get someone who can help a client find a solution to a business problem, someone who will help a business expand their customer base, and also someone who will make the business as efficient and effective as possible.
All of these things have a direct impact on the thing that businesses care about most: their bottom line.
So what does this all mean in terms of your business?
First, it means there could be several opportunities your company may be overlooking. Your developer may have great insights about business solutions or marketing strategies that you might not have even considered.
Secondly, your developers need to take the initiative to help create a culture of collaboration with clients and coworkers, as well as to make their thoughts and opinions known, especially in areas where coding isn’t involved.
When it comes to tech, developers have already built authority because not many people understand it. But when your developers bring quality insights about business solutions, you might end up creating new channels of dialogue that will benefit everyone.
Although many developers might enjoy separating themselves from clients and coworkers, the more business savvy and successful ones will integrate themselves into the business side of things as much as possible. The synergy that will form when developers and businesses communicate on a higher level will be much more impactful to businesses.
