Building Technical Teams That Actually Work Together

Technical skills are essential – but they're not enough. Teams that actually work together share trust, clear communication, and a sense of shared purpose. In our experience working with tech teams across East Anglia, the difference between high-performing and struggling teams often comes down to how well individuals collaborate.

When we recruit for technical teams, we look for more than technical brilliance. We assess collaboration skills, adaptability, and how candidates respond to challenges. The best hires know a problem shared is a problem halved – they bring their team along on the journey to solutions.

What does this look like in practice? We explore how candidates have worked in cross-functional teams, handled conflicting priorities, or navigated technical disagreements. We ask about times they've had to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, or when they've had to learn from colleagues with different expertise.

The interview process itself can reveal collaboration skills. Do they ask clarifying questions? Do they build on your scenarios or just provide direct answers? Are they curious about the team they'd be joining and the challenges they'd face together?

Communication style is another crucial factor. Technical teams need people who can articulate ideas clearly, give and receive feedback constructively, and know when to escalate issues versus solve them independently. This balance of autonomy and collaboration is what separates teams that deliver consistently from those that struggle with coordination.

We also look at how candidates approach learning and knowledge sharing. The best team members are those who document their work, mentor others, and aren't threatened by colleagues' expertise. They see the team's success as their success.

Company culture plays a huge role here too. Teams that work well together usually have psychological safety – people feel comfortable admitting mistakes, asking questions, and proposing bold ideas. When recruiting, we help employers articulate this culture and identify candidates who will thrive within it.

If you're tired of silos and miscommunication slowing down delivery, let's talk about building a team that works as one.