Agile methodologies have been used in software development for the past 20 years, and many industries have been adopting these practices for their projects. There are many ways through which organizations and team leaders can approach the management of teams under them. The different methods available to a team leader have their strengths and weaknesses and can be applied differently in varying scenarios.
Collaborative teams situated in different parts of the world have become a mainstay in today’s work world. There are several methods that can be used to manage teams, and agile practices are one of the methods that are used to manage teams. Agile practices were developed for software development teams but they can be applied to other industries and projects.
What Agile methodology looks like
There are distinct properties that set Agile practices apart from other managerial techniques. It is important to ensure that the particular methods being used on a particular project are the best practices for that industry. Unlike other traditional management methods like the Waterfall methodology, Agile practices give a team room to make changes to the project as they go.Â
Flexibility – The flexibility that comes with the application of agile methods allows a team to respond to changes quickly and effectively. The ability to adapt to the immediate needs of an ongoing project means that a team has to come together regularly to discuss progress and this builds better cohesion among team members. When a team is constantly and consistently in touch, it allows for better synergy and there is a better chance that a project will turn out well.Â
Team-oriented – Another defining characteristic of the Agile method is that it is centered around the needs of team members. The belief is that when team members are invested and motivated, they will give their best and that the opposite is true. When team members are motivated, they are more supportive of each other, they are focused on the goals set by the project, and they are more likely to be more productive. Achieving these almost perfect levels of motivation is not an easy task but the rewards of having a highly motivated team are priceless.Â
Communication channels – Communication is one of the pillars that hold up any organization. Workspaces today are made up of remote and hybrid teams where team members may be located in different parts of the world. To ensure that projects are executed well and on time, communication is paramount. When the Agile methodology is applied, communication becomes constant and this creates a better working environment. Good communication channels also create a stable working environment that allows team members to thrive.Â
Task prioritization – During the course of a project, priorities may shift according to the demands that will present themselves at a particular time. If a project is working according to a rigid project management method, it becomes difficult for team members to know which task or project point to prioritize. Using Agile practices, priorities can be shifted to reflect the current state of the project. Giving priority to the right project points gives a project the legs it requires to keep moving forward.Â
The application of Agile practices can allow an organization to transform its approach to project management. When working with remote or hybrid teams, it is important to have open lines of communication that allow a team to make quick-moving changes. The flexibility of Agile practices also creates a stable working environment and team members can prioritize tasks on a project according to their needs. No matter what the sector is, Agile methods may be the best way to approach your project.Â
