Leading Knowledge Teams to be Agile

With the advent of lean thinking and agile methods, the old command-and-control structures are giving way to self-directed teams. Uncovering what makes these teams function effectively and what enhances or inhibits  collaboration are questions of growing importance.

Teamwork does not depend on group-bonding or a facilitator’s magic art. Teamwork is actually based on individual skills and attitudes that each team member can learn and master. Great teams are built around a series of conversations that help to define each individual’s role, agreements, and commitments to the team.

Becoming skilled at doing more with others may be the single most important thing you can do to increase your value.

How Does This Apply To Agile Methods?

Agile methods promote self-organizing  teams that require  personal—and team—responsibility. Methods like Scrum and XP advocate and depend on high-degrees of collaboration, yet these high-touch, low-tech methods give us very little guidance on the fundamentals of collaboration. The art and science of  effective teamwork is a set of skills that can and should be developed. Knowledge Team Leadership teaches you these fundamental skills.

Read more about how to develop your Knowledge Team Leadership skills for personal, team, and organizational agility.