Exploring a Consultant Mindset for Developers

Some developers are called on to just do; to execute. We aren’t (code) line cooks though—and that approach to projects won’t produce the best results. Instead, developers should treat each product and project as a consultant would.

A Consultant Mindset for Developers: A Definition

A consultant mindset for developers means adopting methods, tools, and technologies that are appropriate for a holistic, long-term plan. Developers with a consultant mindset can see the forest and the trees.

Foresight Through Context

A great developer prioritizes the long-term sustainability and success of the product. You’re not developing in a vacuum but in an ever-evolving miasma of actions and reactions. So leverage your expertise to work out a project’s context and build for maximum benefit. Welcome to a consultant mindset.

Take a Closer Look: Explore Case Studies

At Sparkbox, we embrace the idea that every developer should have a consultant mindset. Here are some examples of how we’ve used this approach to create innovative, stable, successful end results.

The Future is Now

Learn how a consultant mindset shaped a migration we tackled with a client. Instead of doing only what was most expedient, we helped prepare them—through an iterative, deliberate, holistic approach—for the future they envisioned.

Tech for Today, Tech for Tomorrow

The sustainability of a product is just as important as delivering an MVP quickly. So when a client approached us about an untested framework, we pumped the brakes. Everyone—especially the client—is glad we did.

Engagement, Not Just Execution

When it comes to leveraging a consultant mindset, tech stacks and future-proofing is important. So is collaboration. Learn how to use a consultant mindset to listen and enhance engagement outcomes.

Mid-Project Pivots Can Be Opportunities

Every project is going to hit a bump or two along the way. Learn how we handled a mid-project bottleneck during an engagement. With the right consideration and creativity, a snag becomes an opportunity.

Small Changes, Big Results

Approaching projects and products with a consultant mindset doesn’t have to mean paradigm-shifting ideas and actions. It can mean doing what’s right for that unique moment. Small tweaks for this client made a big impact.

Get Your Footing: Learn to be Your Own Consultant

This approach is not limited to just client/vendor relationships. Even if you’re part of an internal team, you can improve your projects with a mind toward creative, innovative, contextualized solutions—and encourage others to do the same.

The Smoother the Seam, the Better

A seam is the place where the work on a product or project meets—like the frontend and backend. Identifying and smoothing out these seams reduces blockers and speeds up development.

The Programming Feedback Loop

Shorter feedback loops can ensure that you’re always moving in the right direction. A contextual, bird’s eye view of your process and project can drastically improve your productivity.

Serverless Architecture: One Dev Reflects

A consultant mindset isn’t just about thinking critically in the moment. It’s also about reflecting on what you did once the job is done. Here, one Sparkboxer reflects on serverless architecture and its place in future solutions.

Real-World Feedback for Real-World Results

Being open to real-time feedback from users is integral to a successful project. Learn how a scorecard feedback method creates a user/developer loop that can yield great results.

An Idea the Whole Team Can Appreciate

The only thing better than one person with a consultant mindset is an entire organization with a consultant mindset. Ready to spread the word? From ways to advocate for project improvements to diving deeper into what makes the mindset work, get ready to transform the way you and your team work.

Working with Sparkbox

Take a look at how we get to work here at Sparkbox with onboarding, iteration, and offboarding. Yep, having a consultant mindset is kind of our whole thing and it gets serious results. Trust us.

Talking it Out

Critical thinking may come with difficult conversations. Learn how to advocate for your ideas without burning any bridges in the process.

Solving Problems Creatively

The ability to think quickly and outside the box is integral to a mindset that allows you to be adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking. Here are five techniques we use at Sparkbox to keep our creative juices flowing.

Product Champions

A cousin to a consultant mindset is the idea of the Product Champion—a person that steps up to push a product or project forward toward the finish line. A Product Champion with a consultant mindset is an unstoppable force. Please use your power responsibly.