When working on an Agile project, it is critical for the team to communicate effectively. Project communication is one of the most critical success factors for any project, regardless of the project management methodology. In fact, it is said that around 80% of a project managers job is communicating. It plays an even greater role when running an Agile project due to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of it. So what do the Agile Principles and Values tell us in regards to managing an Agile team and the users and stakeholders? We are going to look at 4 of these values and principles in further detail.
- Business people and developers work together daily throughout the project
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need and trust them to get the job done
Business people and developers work together daily throughout the project
Building a project team that is founded on collaboration and trust between the development team, users, and stakeholders is very important for the project to be a success in an Agile environment. To be effective, you will need to build a strong cohesive team and engage everyone in the process. People feel more motivated when they are involved in decision making. When everyone is engaged in a solution, there is a shared sense of ownership and much more effective than just one person making all of the decisions independently.
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
In an Agile environment, communication is very open and transparent. It is a partnership with your business partners, users, and stakeholders. In traditional waterfall methodologies, communications is controlled by the project manager who is more of a gatekeeper and in some cases a bottleneck for communication. Agile methods take an open and transparent approach and this is due its dynamic environment. When the team moves at a fast pace, communications must also be fast and direct.
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Customers need to be engaged and have a good partnership with the project team. There should be an open line of communication with customers, stakeholders, and users. In the Scrum framework, one of the key responsibilities for the Product Owner is to inspect and provide feedback to the developers during a sprint.
Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need and trust them to get the job done
There is a very high emphasis of teamwork in Agile led by the Scrum Master who is a Servant Leader. Building an environment that values trust, respect, openness, commitment, and courage is very powerful energy for a high-performing team.
I encourage you to commit to these values and principles as well as all others that are listed in the Agile Manifesto.
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Reference: The Agile Manifesto. https://agilemanifesto.org/