A Lesson in Agile and Scrum Management
What is Agile?
Agile project management as well as scrum project management (go here to read more) is a less restrictive approach to project management. It caters for a far more interactive and flexible process. While this seems to go initially against the tradition of being organized, working to set time frames and within set parameters, there are instances when it is essential. It is most often used in projects that require the development of software. It is the most efficient form of project management for any project that includes high levels of change and risk over a short period.
This approach does also bring a new set of challenges to the table. With flexibility comes an increased chance of things going awry. To combat this, we must ensure the foundations of the team are built around honesty, excellent communication, and discipline. These attributes correctly implemented will ensure the whole team stays focused and keeps moving in the correct direction, even through periods of change.
How to benefit
The true key to success in project management is a balance. It means knowing not just the correct practices to implement, but also the correct importance and time that should be spent on each one. There are aspects of agile project management that will impact any project in a positive manner.
The increased focus on team management and group accountability always leads to a happier more productive team. More content team leads to a more productive team, which is never a bad thing.
The ability to adapt builds creativity and innovation at the ground level. This means problem solving and potential obstacles are dealt with much more efficiently. The increased interaction with customers allows the team to gain a better understanding and consistently deliver more reliable results. Planning for the unknown is an essential ingredient of agile project management. Creating contingencies for problems can't be a bad thing.
Build a team to suit your approach
When you are planning for a project with attributes suggesting Agile PM is the best way to proceed, then building your team with the project in mind can significantly increase the ease with which you work.
The ideal team will be energetic, innovative, and welcoming of change. Include all team members at every stage of planning, allowing you to ensure the deadlines can be met, and highlighting any potential problems that may need contingencies creating.
Once the project is underway providing you're in constant contact with all key team members. Making yourself available will minimize the time required to solve problems and answer questions, and maximize the effects of good communication and teamwork.
As you become more comfortable with agile projects, maybe by attending an Agile PM training course, you will start to see the way in which it can be used to benefit most projects. After all, is there a situation where more productive staff, flexibility, and creativity are a bad thing?
Agile project management as well as scrum project management (go here to read more) is a less restrictive approach to project management. It caters for a far more interactive and flexible process. While this seems to go initially against the tradition of being organized, working to set time frames and within set parameters, there are instances when it is essential. It is most often used in projects that require the development of software. It is the most efficient form of project management for any project that includes high levels of change and risk over a short period.
This approach does also bring a new set of challenges to the table. With flexibility comes an increased chance of things going awry. To combat this, we must ensure the foundations of the team are built around honesty, excellent communication, and discipline. These attributes correctly implemented will ensure the whole team stays focused and keeps moving in the correct direction, even through periods of change.
How to benefit
The true key to success in project management is a balance. It means knowing not just the correct practices to implement, but also the correct importance and time that should be spent on each one. There are aspects of agile project management that will impact any project in a positive manner.
The increased focus on team management and group accountability always leads to a happier more productive team. More content team leads to a more productive team, which is never a bad thing.
The ability to adapt builds creativity and innovation at the ground level. This means problem solving and potential obstacles are dealt with much more efficiently. The increased interaction with customers allows the team to gain a better understanding and consistently deliver more reliable results. Planning for the unknown is an essential ingredient of agile project management. Creating contingencies for problems can't be a bad thing.
Build a team to suit your approach
When you are planning for a project with attributes suggesting Agile PM is the best way to proceed, then building your team with the project in mind can significantly increase the ease with which you work.
The ideal team will be energetic, innovative, and welcoming of change. Include all team members at every stage of planning, allowing you to ensure the deadlines can be met, and highlighting any potential problems that may need contingencies creating.
Once the project is underway providing you're in constant contact with all key team members. Making yourself available will minimize the time required to solve problems and answer questions, and maximize the effects of good communication and teamwork.
As you become more comfortable with agile projects, maybe by attending an Agile PM training course, you will start to see the way in which it can be used to benefit most projects. After all, is there a situation where more productive staff, flexibility, and creativity are a bad thing?