Booking the first available developers for a three-month project can mean missing someone with specialist skills the client needs. Another Account Manager may know about that experience, a previous client relationship, or a better team combination.
A quick discussion with the other Account Managers and a senior decision-maker helps you consider those options before committing the team.
Bench Masters coordinate developers on internal projects, balancing business priorities, skills and developer interests. Client Masters applies the same idea to substantial client bookings through a quick discussion among Account Managers and the relevant senior decision-maker. The Account Manager responsible for the client owns the decision.
Before booking developers for a new project lasting more than 1 month or involving 2+ developers, have a quick group chat with the other Account Managers and the relevant senior decision-maker. At SSW, include Adam in this discussion so he can contribute knowledge of specialist skills and client history.
Check with the proposed developers first, following the 3 T's: Time, Tech and Team.
Share:
Use Teams or your usual group chat. If a quick call would settle it faster, call.
Small bookings, routine extensions and minor team changes don't need this discussion. Revisit it if an extension or change substantially increases the commitment.
These decisions usually need to happen within the hour. Give a specific deadline for input. The Account Manager owns the decision and proceeds if others aren't available, then posts the outcome in the chat. No vote or separate approval is required.
Once decided, BCC the people consulted on the confirming email to the client. At SSW, BCC Adam and the other Account Managers. Using BCC keeps them informed without adding them to the client's reply-all thread.
The following group message uses a fictional client and developers:
Hey Adam and Account Managers,
Northwind needs 2 developers for an 8-week AI search project, starting Monday.
I recommend Priya for her AI search experience and Sam for the .NET integration. I've checked their availability and spoken with both about the time, tech and team.
I also considered Alex, but Priya has more relevant search experience. Does anyone know of a better fit or a commitment I've missed?
I need to confirm by 11 am, in 30 minutes. Happy to jump on a quick call. If I don't hear otherwise, I'll go ahead with Priya and Sam and post the outcome here.
✅ Figure: Good example - A group message gives the recommendation, alternatives and a clear deadline for input