Books Slideshow: How to Manage Agile IT Teams

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.