6 Myths about Agile Self-organized Teams Debunked
Self-organized teams are an important part of Agile methodology. However, the transition to self-organized teams can be difficult and frustrating, especially if you have the wrong ideas about how it should be done. In this article, we will look at 6 of the most popular self-organization myths and provide you with the truth about self-organization.
Myth 1: Self-organization only works with experienced team members
This is not true. Self-organization is successful only when the people on the team are willing and have the support to do so. A team member’s age or overall experience does not make them anymore willing or able to self-organize, although sometimes it makes the process easier. Sometimes, however, their work habits are so ingrained, that they can actually make it harder.
Myth 2: It is not necessary to have a leader
All teams need a leader, but in Agile, it is not necessary that it is a person in a position of authority over the team. An emerging leader will be a natural leader and will be prepared to help the team and motivate them to reach their goals. For this type of self-emerging leadership to occur, management must be patient and let the process play itself out.
Myth 3: Self-organized teams don’t need managers
It is not necessary that there are managers, but managers can offer a support system and provide a safety net when the team is not able to work without outside help. The management should not be a direct authority within the team, but they can help the team to success.
Myth 4: Everyone can do well in a self-organized team
Not everyone will be able to function well in a self-organized team. Being a part of a self-organized team required hard work and accountability, and not everyone is ready or willing to work this way.
Myth 5: It is easy to implement self-organized teams
Because of the way work has traditionally been done, where there is an authority figure who tells each person what to do, it is sometimes hard for people to learn to take initiative and control over their environment and their jobs and to take on extra responsibility. For these reasons, the transition to self-organized teams can be difficult for people.
Myth 6: The team’s performance will immediately improve
The truth is that the team’s performance will eventually improve. It is important that the process is not forced for the best long-term results. It will take time and effort.
Now that we have debunked the myths of self-organized teams, your organization will have a more clear expectation of the time, effort and patience that it will take to implement this method, and can hopefully have the insight to implement the method successfully.
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