Coordination, Collaboration, Cooperation - Motion Picture Arts vs Internet Technologies

TL;DR:

1. FAANG, or no-FAANG, on-shore or off-shore, “Poor Resource Planning” exists everywhere, compounded by technical incompetency.
2. What other root causes contribute to the persistent failures in Coordination, Collaboration, and Cooperation in the workplace?

The Success of the Motion Picture Arts Industry

Have you ever wondered why the Motion Picture Arts industry, particularly television shows and movies, seems to thrive despite the complexity of its operations? The answer lies in their effective management of production silos. From writing and artwork to set design, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and camera work, the industry has mastered the art of collaboration within tightly knit teams. Each aspect of production is not only vital but also seamlessly integrated into the larger creative vision, allowing for streamlined operations from pre-production through post-production, CGI, and editing.

In contrast, the technology sector, particularly software engineering, often struggles with similar complexities. Despite being one of the most lucrative career paths, with a reputation for attracting the brightest minds, we find ourselves grappling with persistent issues of poor coordination, collaboration, and cooperation.

The Challenges We Face

1. Resource Planning and Technical Competency

Whether you’re part of a FAANG company or a startup, on-shore or off-shore, “Poor Resource Planning” is a universal challenge. In software development, we often encounter a shortage of talent, leading to rushed hires and a lack of training. This situation is exacerbated by the perception that software engineers are inherently competent, leading to complacency among teams.

2. The Demand-Supply Gap

The software engineering landscape is characterized by a significant demand-supply gap. With high demand and a limited supply of skilled professionals, many developers can afford to be less productive. The ease of job mobility fosters a mindset where employees prioritize finding new opportunities over engagement and contribution within their current roles.

3. Interview Practices

Our interview processes often focus heavily on technical skills, such as data structures and algorithms, while neglecting the importance of cultural fit, attitude, and overall aptitude. Technical skills can be taught, but changing a person’s mindset is considerably more challenging. A lack of emphasis on these traits can lead to hiring individuals who may not align with the team’s dynamics.

4. Passion vs. Profit

In the media production industry, professionals often choose roles based on passion rather than financial incentives. This intrinsic motivation fosters a culture of commitment and creativity. Conversely, many tech professionals prioritize salary over passion, which can result in a disconnection from their work and the team.

5. The Nature of Skills and Onboarding

In tech, the same skill set can be applied across various projects, necessitating time to understand business contexts, processes, and team dynamics. In contrast, professionals in the film industry have a more straightforward transition: the skills they possess are universally applicable, making onboarding relatively quick and painless.

6. High Expectations from Upper Management

Lastly, the tech industry suffers from unrealistic expectations set by upper management and market pressures. The constant push for immediate profits and rapid results stifles strategic thinking and long-term planning, leading to chaos and inefficiency.

Moving Forward

To enhance our Coordination, Collaboration, and Cooperation, we must address these root causes. Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Revamp Interview Processes: Shift the focus to include cultural fit and attitude assessments alongside technical skills.
• Foster a Passion-Driven Culture: Encourage employees to align their work with their passions and interests, possibly leading to more engaged teams.
• Invest in Onboarding and Continuous Learning: Create structured onboarding processes that help new hires integrate into the team effectively, while also offering ongoing professional development.
• Align Management Expectations: Advocate for a more strategic approach from upper management, focusing on long-term goals rather than immediate results.

Conclusion

The Motion Picture Arts industry exemplifies successful coordination and collaboration through a clear understanding of roles and a shared commitment to the creative vision. By learning from their methodologies and addressing the unique challenges in the tech industry, we can foster a more cohesive and productive work environment.

What are your thoughts on the challenges we’ve discussed? Are there other factors you believe contribute to the struggles in tech collaboration? Let’s continue this conversation!