Software delivery excellence as a team w/Oura

In this LinkedIn Live session from Codingscape, host Lauren Mason Carris and guest Ben Stendahl – a veteran software engineer and the Senior Director of Engineering at Oura – dive into the human side of technology. 

They cover:

• Insights from the Senior Director of Engineering at Oura
• Mindset and practices for delivery on technical goals as a team
• How to align team and individual goals for consistent results
• Live Q&A

Their conversation spans modern application development, health tech innovations like the Oura Ring, and strategies for setting, aligning, and celebrating both individual and team goals in the tech world. 

They also touch on the evolving landscape of remote work, goal management, and the future of health and AI.

Watch excellent software delivery as a team w/Oura

Or read through a quick summary of the conversation below.

Overview of Oura and health tech innovation

Ben explains what Oura is and how it leverages technology to improve personal health. The discussion highlights the Oura Ring – a wearable device designed to track sleep, activity, and overall wellness passively.

• Oura’s core offering – The Oura Ring tracks sleep, activity, and health metrics in a non-intrusive, continuous way.
• Data-driven insights – The device collects long-term data and delivers it in an easily digestible format through its app.
• Health & technology convergence – Emphasis on using tech to empower individuals to live healthier lives without overwhelming them with notifications.

Setting and managing goals in software teams

Here, the conversation shifts to the philosophy of goal setting within tech teams. Ben discusses the value of breaking down large, aspirational goals into achievable short-, medium-, and long-term targets.

• Big audacious vs. incremental goals – While bold long-term goals inspire, breaking them into smaller, measurable milestones helps maintain motivation.
• Deferred gratification – Recognizing that results may take time, but celebrating small wins keeps teams engaged.
• Balanced approach – Mixing immediate, short-term wins with longer-term objectives ensures continuous progress.

Balancing individual and team goals

This section explores the integration of personal growth with team objectives. Lauren and Ben note that in today’s work culture, personal and professional goals are often intertwined, especially in remote and distributed environments.

• Blurring of boundaries – Today’s work culture demands that personal goals and professional responsibilities coexist.
• Shared accountability – Encouraging team members to share their personal aspirations can build a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Team synergy – Recognizing that a team is a collection of individuals, success is achieved when personal strengths and collective efforts align.

Aligning goals and communicating effectively

Ben emphasizes that for goals to be effective, they must be clear, measurable, and time-boxed. This section covers the critical elements required to ensure alignment and avoid common pitfalls in goal setting.

• Clear objectives – Avoid “squishy” goals by clearly defining what success looks like.
• Measurability – Set quantifiable targets (e.g., binary milestones or percentage improvements) so progress can be tracked.
• Time constraints – Establish deadlines to keep priorities in check and prevent goals from drifting.

Handling missed timelines and adjusting goals

Recognizing that setbacks are inevitable, Ben discusses strategies for managing missed deadlines and shifting goal posts without losing momentum.

• Early communication – Encourage teams to flag risks and potential delays as soon as they arise.
• Risk management – Evaluate the impact of delays and adjust timelines or scope as needed.
• Maintaining morale – Even if a target is missed, celebrate intermediate successes and recalibrate with new, realistic deadlines.

Celebrating achievements on remote and distributed teams

With remote work on the rise, celebrating achievements requires new strategies. Both Lauren and Ben share ideas on how to acknowledge individual and team successes in a virtual environment.

• Dedicated recognition channels – Using shout-out channels or dedicated newsletters to publicly acknowledge achievements.
• Personalized tokens – Small gifts or tokens of appreciation help individuals feel valued even when working remotely.
• Cultural impact – Celebrations reinforce team identity and motivate ongoing performance, crucial for remote and distributed teams.

Future trends in health tech and AI

Looking ahead, the conversation explores the broader shifts in technology. Ben reflects on the consolidation of tech giants and the growing emphasis on personal data ownership, while also discussing the disruptive potential of AI.

• Tech consolidation – The web has evolved from a fragmented landscape to one dominated by a few major players.
• Personal data ownership – A trend toward reclaiming control over personal data, especially in the context of health.
• AI revolution – Emerging AI technologies are set to reshape how we solve problems in tech and health, opening new opportunities and challenges.

Lightning round – Tools, vision boards, and personal goals

In a fun, rapid-fire segment, Ben shares his favorite tools and practices for goal tracking, the benefits of creative vision boards, and some of his own personal ambitions.

• Favorite tools – Uses apps like Headspace for mindfulness and emphasizes the ongoing need to learn new technologies.
• Vision boards – Valued for unlocking creativity and serving as a visual reminder of audacious personal and professional goals.
• Personal goals – Includes earning a technical certification (TensorFlow) and improving personal health through better sleep habits.

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