—
At 10x Management, we can occasionally (maybe more than occasionally) trumpet the upsides of engaging tech freelancers for companies and organizations of all stripes. But what about the downsides? Frankly, it’s not a topic we discuss a lot. But there are certainly downsides to consider and hesitations that we encounter on a frequent basis. In this article, we’ll dive into two hesitations/downsides we hear about, and how, through our decade-plus of experience, we’ve learned to manage and mitigate these risks.
Risk One: Lack of Commitment and Short-Term Focus
Contractors may prioritize completing their specific, assigned tasks over the long-term goals of the company. In theory, this can lead to a lack of investment in the company’s vision and culture.
Remedy: Strong Communication and Meaningful Relationships
Let’s start by acknowledging that Downside One may not be much of a downside for many companies and organizations. Very often, you may want a contractor to come in, deliver the work in a timely and high-quality manner, and part ways. Flexibility and short-term commitment are a major advantage of engaging freelancers after all. But for those concerned about a lack of commitment and short-term focus from contractors, we can suggest the following:
- Foster Strong Communication: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and feedback. Use video conferencing to build a rapport.
- Build Long-Term Relationships: It may sound simple, but stay in touch with high performers. Keep the lines of communication open and keep the door open for future collaborations! This will incentivize the contractor to contribute in a meaningful way to the company’s vision and culture.
Risk Two: Knowledge Transfer Issues
When contractors finish their projects, they’ll take their knowledge and insights with them, potentially leaving gaps in understanding.
Remedy: Documentation, Exit Interviews, and Handover of Responsibilities
When a contractor’s engagement ends, conduct exit interviews and knowledge transfer sessions to capture their insights and experiences. Schedule dedicated meetings where contractors share critical insights, lessons learned, and any outstanding tasks.
Documentation of work processes is critical. Ensure that freelancers clearly outline the work that they’ve completed in a manner that you choose.
Lastly, have the contractor outline recommendations for who should take over any pending responsibilities. Designate a full-time employee to be the main point of contact for any follow-up questions or clarifications after the contractor departs.
Conclusion
While the potential downsides of engaging freelance tech talent are real, there are steps that companies can take to proactively address those concerns. Clear communication is at the top of the list, as well as robust documentation, knowledge transfer sessions, and a concise delegation of responsibilities for when a project is complete.