Form Self-Organizing Agile Teams
Self-organizing teams in Agile methodology take responsibility for executing the work and deciding how to do so. This requires confidence and commitment from each team member and a shared sense of responsibility and accountability. Training, coaching, and mentoring are necessary to become effective self-organizing teams. Teams can choose their processes and tools, which may differ from others in the organization. However, communication and collaboration can be improved by agreeing on a common platform. Mentoring can also help high-performing teams continue to grow and develop.
Self-organizing Agile Teams are fundamental in Agile methodologies, especially in Scrum. These teams are empowered to make decisions on meeting their goals and commitments without being directed by external entities. The idea is that the group, being closest to the problem, is best suited to figure out how to solve it.
Self-Organizing Agile Teams
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Autonomy | The team decides how to convert the product backlog into increments of functionality. They choose the work methods, tools, and collaboration techniques. |
| Cross-functional | The team has all the necessary skills (design, development, testing, etc.) to deliver a potentially shippable product increment by the end of a sprint. |
| Collaboration | Team members work closely daily, sharing knowledge and assisting each other to achieve the sprint goal. |
| Continuous Improvement | After each sprint, the team reflects on its performance and seeks ways to enhance through the sprint retrospective. |
| Accountability | After each sprint, the team reflects on its performance and seeks ways to enhance it through the sprint retrospective. |
Forming Self-Organizing Agile Teams
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Hire the Right People | Seek individuals open to change, team players, and those with a growth mindset. |
| Provide Clear Goals | Offer direction by ensuring the team understands the goals, even though they decide how to achieve them. |
| Trust the Team | Management should have faith in the team to make decisions and be responsible for their outcomes. |
| Provide Tools and Training | Equip the team with essential tools and ensure they’re trained to use them effectively. |
| Encourage Open Communication | Create an environment where team members can freely express opinions, concerns, and ideas. |
| Limit External Interference | Shield the team from external distractions, allowing them to concentrate on their commitments. |
| Foster Collaborative Culture | Promote team-building activities and cultivate an environment where collaboration is standard. |
| Empower the Team | Grant the team decision-making authority and avoid micromanagement. |
| Feedback Loop | Management should believe in the team to make decisions and be responsible for their outcomes. |
| Continuous Improvement Mindset | Motivate the team to consistently seek ways to refine their processes, tools, skills, and interactions. |
These tables provide a structured overview of the characteristics of self-organizing agile teams and the steps to form such groups.
In essence, self-organizing agile teams empower the team, trust them to make decisions and hold them accountable for results. When done right, it can lead to highly motivated teams that deliver high-quality products efficiently.