97 Things Every Java Programmer Should Know

Chapter 9. Build Diverse Teams

Ixchel Ruiz

Years ago, a good doctor knew it all, did it all: set a fracture, performed surgery, drew blood. A good doctor was independent and self-sufficient, and autonomy was highly valued.

Fast forward to today. Knowledge has exploded, surpassing the individual and bringing about specialization. In order to provide an adequate solution from beginning to end, many specialists will be involved, and different teams will have to interact.

This is true in software development as well.

Cooperation is now one of the highest-valued traits in “good” professionals. In the past, independence and self-sufficiency was enough to be “good.” Now we all need to behave like pit crews: team members.

The challenge is to build teams that are both successful and diverse.

Four types of diversity—industry background, country of origin, career path, and gender—positively correlate with innovation. In a homogenous team, regardless of academic background, there may be redundant perspectives. Women, for example, bring disruptive innovation.

How big is the impact? In management teams with a high gender diversity, an increase of 8% in revenue from innovation has been observed.

Differences among group members can also be a source of insight—members with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas increase the pool of information, skills, and networks. With more perspectives, ...