When looking for an effective and unique method of managing a project, applying agile management techniques may prove to be beneficial. Agile Management focuses on quality assurance and constant self-improvement, only executing the methods that yield results and success. Flexibility within a project is key to each method within the scope of the Agile methodology.
When applying these practices to a project involving a customer base, it becomes essential to have an open line of communication between the project manager and the client. Agile project management reasons that early and frequent updates to the client regarding the project strengthens the relationship, exposes any concerns the client may have and leads to returning clients or referrals.
This particular Agile technique differs from most management styles in that it welcomes change, even late in development, as long as it benefits the client or gives them a competitive edge. Most management styles have a business model they follow for all clients with few, if any, changes. Agile management caters to each individual client and their specific needs. The purpose is to constantly improve and obtain results, even late in the game.
A key principle in Agile PM is to work quickly. Workers applying the Agile process to their projects will always favor the shorter timeline. Working quickly ensures that any changes or self-improvement tactics can be tested early. This gives the client up to the minute updates and an edge against competitors in the same market.
Communication and motivation is essential in this mindset. Project managers and clients or other workers must be in communication daily. Both parties must provide updates to one another and be motivated to receive new information. Agile Management is a fast paced and flexible path to success but only when all involved are truly open to accepting criticism, understanding changes or setbacks and working together to reach a common goal.
Simplicity is another key player in obtaining the positive results that agile management may provide. Disregard previous cookie cutter models of business and focus on getting the job done in the simplest way possible. By maximizing efficiency, the project needing management will take less time. This is time that could be spent on another project.
Project managers usually provide regular intervals to reflect on the efficiency of the project. When done correctly, these times to reflect may yield the most powerful results. Some employees go blind and submit to routines that have previously obtained results, without seeking the best way that the particular project they are working on can function.
When businesses throw away all previous models, they begin to see that the best teams are self-organizing. This ensures that the right people for the job are put together naturally. The most motivated people gravitate toward
tasks that they know they can accomplish. This type of management style favors work done in stages. Each stage is a new opportunity to correct and maintain the best work. The Agile Management methodology can be used in all fields of project management, from engineering to information technology.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post regarding Agile Management is based on the website Project Lane Ways. For archival purposes, a snapshot of the referenced webpage is available on the Wayback Machine: Wayback Machine Link