A project manager is transitioning a traditional team to Agile and is struggling to foster a collaborative and self-organizing environment. Team members are still waiting for explicit instructions and are hesitant to make decisions. Which Agile principle should the project manager emphasize most to address this challenge?
- ABuild projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
- BWelcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.
- COur highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
- DDeliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
The principle 'Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done' directly addresses the need for self-organization and empowering team members to make decisions. It emphasizes trust and providing a supportive environment, which is crucial for a team transitioning from a command-and-control structure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This principle focuses on responsiveness to change, not the initial empowerment of the team to self-organize.
- C. This principle focuses on customer satisfaction and delivery cadence, not directly on team self-organization.
- D. This principle focuses on delivery frequency, not the internal dynamics of team self-organization.
Empowered Individuals Principle
An Agile principle advocating for building projects around motivated individuals, providing them with the necessary environment and support, and trusting them to perform their work effectively.
- Fosters self-organization and autonomy.
- Requires trust from leadership.
- Promotes a supportive and enabling environment.
Memory trick: To grow a self-organizing team, plant trust, provide support, and let them bloom.