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How to Manage Agile IT Teams

By Dennis McCafferty on 2011-02-04


Agile development is considered a methodology by which solutions are produced through collaboration among self-organizing and multi-functional teams, according to commonly referenced definitions. However, within too many organizations, a lack of effective management of these teams is the biggest obstacle to successful agile development, according to the book Management 3.0: Leading Agile Developers, Developing Agile Leaders (Pearson/Addison-Wesley Professional/Available now). Author Jurgen Appelo, a leading agile manager/expert, contends that in order to succeed, today's organizations must perform as living, networked systems. The secret, he says, is to primarily focus on people and relationships, as opposed to technology. The book provides an insightful examination of the essence of agile development, as well as takeaway steps for managers to consider in overseeing such teams. Appelo recently served as CIO of ISM eCompany, one of the Netherlands' largest e-business solution providers. He also produces one of Europe's top agile development blogs. Here are 10 fundamental qualities needed to manage agile IT teams.

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Social complexity


Managing agile teams is enhanced by understanding of the science of social complexity – the study of dynamics created within groups of people.

The big picture


Teams must be internally motivated to pursue agile goals, not by extrinsic rewards. Agile goals should be focused on organization-wide benefits, not a single special interest.

The right team


Your agile team members must have excellent motivation, time-management skills and attention to detail.

Timely feedback


Timely feedback for agile teams is critical. The less you delay praise/constructive criticism of a task, the better you reinforce your vision.

Everybody matters


Teams must be self-initiating and collaborative – collocation preferred – with roles defined/assigned so no person is considered just another replaceable cog in the machine.

Include customers


Agile development requires involvement and/or collaboration with customers throughout the entire project cycle.

Creative tension


Positive conflict – meaning internal tension that sparks debate, competition, creativity within teams – is a driving force of agile management.

Multiple points of view


Diversity of all parties involved can ensure a robust, multi-perspective POV of the project needs and capabilities.

The right tools


Adequate tools must be available for daily builds, integration and automated testing. Automation must also serve as substitute for repetitious activity performed manually. Tools that radiate information (burn charts, big-task boards) are highly effective.

Positive risk-taking


Encourage an environment in which team members feel free to propose ideas and take risks without fear of facing professional consequences should things go awry.

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