What defines progress in a software project? According to Alisson Vale in A Fórmula da Eficácia, progress isn’t measured by how much code is written or how fast features are delivered—it’s about solving the correct business problems. This principle challenges Tech Managers to rethink traditional success metrics and focus on delivering significant outcomes. Providing the “right thing” is exponentially more valuable than merely giving what was asked.
The first step for a Tech Manager to implement this concept is shifting the team’s mindset from “execution” to “impact.” It involves creating a culture where every team member understands the purpose behind their work. Why is the software being built? What problem is it solving for the business or the customer? By clarifying this purpose, Tech Managers can align their teams around solving the correct issues, not just executing tasks on a backlog. A clear purpose fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that efforts are directed toward outcomes that move the needle for the organization.
Tech Managers can prioritize problem-solving over task completion. This means embedding practices such as regular business-driven retrospectives to evaluate whether delivered solutions address core business challenges. Collaborative planning sessions with stakeholders can help teams ask the right questions: “Is this feature solving the intended problem? Are we delivering value or just building functionality?” This focus on iterative learning and adaptability ensures that the team consistently delivers meaningful results.
Another critical aspect is measuring what truly matters. Instead of traditional velocity metrics, Tech Managers can track software’s impact on key business outcomes. Are customer complaints reduced? Do you know if business processes are streamlined? Is revenue growth being supported? Tech Managers ensure that their teams are aligned with organizational goals by tying software performance directly to business results, making their work indispensable.
Ultimately, the value of software lies not in the software itself but in its purpose. A Tech Manager who embraces this philosophy drives their team to greater effectiveness and positions the organization for long-term success. By focusing on solving business problems and delivering outcomes that matter, Tech Managers can unlock their team’s full potential and ensure that every effort contributes to the company’s broader mission.