Collaborative Work for Hybrid Agile Teams
A massive 71% of companies in the U.S. have converted to and now use the Agile project management strategy. And it's easy to see why: with a 64% success rate, it outperforms its nearest competing methodology - the waterfall strategy - by nearly 1.5 times! It's even reported that companies who have adopted the Agile methodology have seen a 60% growth in profits!
But the rise of remote and hybrid working since the Covid-19 pandemic has threatened one of the very core ideas of Agile Teams - to work face-to-face.
If you're concerned about how hybrid work might affect the Agile collaboration strategy you've worked hard to implement, then look no further. Read on to find out how hybrid working doesn't have to be a bad thing for your Agile teams.
Embrace Technology for Agile Teams
One of the very key aspects of Agile working is collaboration, and — specifically — face-to-face collaboration. Remote working very much gets in the way of that. That being said, if there's one thing the Covid-19 pandemic taught us, it's how to work (effectively) with others remotely without the benefits of in-person collaboration.
In recent years there has been a massive surge in online meeting technology, and now we're seeing that type of system being merged with project software. With that being the case, even when working with a hybrid Agile team — collaboration already seems more possible.
Some of the key features of an online Agile productivity tool are:
strong visuals of features and requirements
a variety of templates for different frameworks, approaches, and methodologies
ability to connect different teams
ability to predict completion dates
ability to prioritize tasks
integration with other tools/apps (popular Agile programs include Jira, Rally, and AzureDevOps)
In essence, the goal is to create an online space that replicates the office. A space where sharing ideas, messages, and concepts can be done with ease and simplicity and is accessible to anyone who needs it. Whether it be planning sprints or customizing workflows, the software should be one that is intuitive and won't hold back productivity. In fact, the key is finding one that will instead improve productivity.
Although it can feel like the unknown at first, embracing technology and working with Agile online can vastly improve your team's productivity and ensure a seamless transition to the overall vision.
Don't Underestimate the Power of Team Building
Even if your Agile collaboration is still mostly in-person, it is of utmost importance that the team feel connected. Understanding each other's nuances, ways of working, and tone of voice can directly impact the success of the project. Also, it's common knowledge that working with people you get along with and understand not only makes life a lot easier, but improves positive collaboration, too.
When it comes to remote and hybrid work, this idea should be prioritized even higher. So much of our communication is non-verbal and relies on body language, and when that is taken away, it can feel disconnected or insincere. It might seem like organizing a team-building event might be a waste of precious project working time, but if working with Agile online is going to work for you, it's a necessity.
It seems counterproductive, but including aspects of non-business time within the project parameters will keep your team connected, feeling valued, and motivated. The term 'team building' can encompass a lot, and doesn't mean you need to be organizing thrilling outdoor adventures every other week for your team to partake in - unless you want to, that is!
Team building can be as simple as including ice breakers at the start and end of a meeting. Or even organizing a catch-up specifically to work on getting to know everyone better. Simply reminding the team how valued they are will go a long way!
Ensure Meeting Equity is Achieved
Another aspect of project management made harder by remote and hybrid working has been meeting equity. When the whole team is in the same place, in the same room, with the same equipment, and looking at the same whiteboard, the experience of each person is the same. That can't be said when half the team is outside the room.
In hybrid workplaces, it's entirely possible that you have half of the team in the office together and the other half dotted across the country. One in their living room, one in the garden, one in a coffee shop. All in different counties and with different WiFi connections.
With that in mind, it's paramount that meeting equity is seen as a priority and sorted early on in (if not before) the project. One way of doing that is to ensure the team is well-connected, as noted above, but other areas that will need to be considered and actioned are much more concrete. Namely, investing in the right software and tools.
Ensuring that all participants of the project have the right devices, subscriptions, webcams, etc., will help build a more equitable workplace and ensure each person can work to their best abilities.
Welcome Digital Transformation and Improve your Hybrid Agile Performance Today!
The rise of remote and hybrid working does not mean the end of your Agile project management!
Agile teams can work effectively with a hybrid working situation with the right care and technology. Ensuring the team has an equitable experience, the right technology is used, and the team feels connected means your growth will not be affected.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, hybrid working has taken a rise, and all research suggests it's here to stay. Don't let that get in the way of your Agile teams' efficiency.
Contact us now to book a demo with one of our experts to see how Stormboard can be the perfect tool your your Hybrid Agile teams!
