At AgilityFeat, we’ve been building Latin American development teams for US companies since 2010, offering staff augmentation and Build-Operate-Transfer models as a flexible way to expand technical capabilities without the overhead of traditional hiring. One thing we’ve learned? Language matters – especially when it comes to how we refer to our team members.
We avoid using the term “resources” with our clients, actively choosing words like “team members” or “talent” instead. This isn’t just semantics – it’s about recognizing the skilled professionals who bring your projects to life. When you think of someone as a “team member” rather than a “resource,” you’re acknowledging their humanity, expertise, and unique contributions.
I’ll admit it: the term “resources” is a personal peeve of mine. When a prospective client refers to engineers as “resources,” it raises a red flag. Not because they mean harm – most use the term out of habit – but because this simple word choice often reveals deeper assumptions about how teams will work together.
Calling engineers “resources” inadvertently casts them as interchangeable parts in a machine, as if they were items to be allocated rather than professionals to be collaborated with. This mindset, however unintentional, creates an invisible barrier between “us” and “them” that can stifle creativity, dampen motivation, and limit what teams can achieve together.
Creating True Team Dynamics
The most successful projects we’ve seen share one key trait: clients who understand that staff augmentation isn’t just about filling seats – it’s about bringing in skilled professionals who can seamlessly integrate with their existing teams. When you need to scale quickly or add specific technical expertise, you shouldn’t have to choose between speed and quality. Our approach lets you do both.
When engineers feel safe raising concerns, discussing challenges, and contributing ideas, magic happens. They spot potential issues early, suggest creative solutions, and take genuine ownership of the project’s success. This isn’t just feel-good talk: it’s about building the foundation for better software.
The Cultural Bridge
Being a US-based company with offices in Panamá and Colombia and team members throughout Latin America has taught us something valuable: respect and inclusion transcend borders. Our staff augmentation model gives you access to a deep pool of Latin American talent while avoiding the complexity and overhead of international hiring. But more importantly, when you treat remote team members as valued professionals rather than distant “resources,” geographical distances shrink and cultural differences become strengths rather than barriers.
We’ve seen this play out countless times. Engineers who feel like true team members:
- Proactively raise concerns before they become problems
- Share knowledge that improves the entire team’s capabilities
- Bring fresh perspectives that lead to innovative solutions
- Stay engaged and committed to project success
- Build lasting relationships that extend beyond single projects
Making It Work
Want to build a truly collaborative team? Here’s how to make staff augmentation work better than traditional hiring:
- Include contract engineers in strategic discussions, not just daily standups
- Share context and background, not just tasks and deadlines
- Celebrate wins together, regardless of where team members are based
- Create opportunities for informal interaction and team building
- Listen to and act on their feedback and suggestions
I’ll be talking more about “What to Share With Your Contract Development Team’ in my next post. Stay tuned!
The Bottom Line
After 14 years of building cross-border teams, we’ve learned that successful staff augmentation isn’t just about matching technical skills – it’s about creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to do their best work. The language we use is where that begins.
Ready to Build Something Great Together?
Let’s talk about building a development team that feels like a true extension of your company – not just a collection of “resources.” Whether you need to scale quickly or add specific technical expertise, we can help you build a team that delivers results without the overhead and complexity of traditional hiring. Schedule a free consultation to explore how our approach to team building can help bring your projects to life.
Remember: Great software comes from great teams. And great teams start with treating every member – contractor or employee, near or far – as a valued professional who contributes to your success.
