Top 5 changes a Project Manager should make to work in agile projects

Hello and welcome to my first blog post. I have over 15 years of experience in managing complex IT projects and programs in the US and Canada. In this post, I will be discussing the top 5 changes a project manager should make to work on agile projects. As organizations continue to adopt agile methodologies, project managers must adapt to remain effective.

Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace a Collaborative Work Culture Agile emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. Therefore, a project manager must work to promote collaboration among team members. The project manager should encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. The project manager must also ensure that everyone understands the project’s objectives, goals, and deliverables.
2. Adopt an Iterative Approach: Agile is an iterative process, meaning that it involves ongoing cycles of planning, execution, and evaluation. Project managers must embrace this approach and break down their projects into smaller iterations or sprints. This allows for ongoing feedback and course correction, ensuring that the project remains on track.
3. Become a Servant Leader: Agile emphasizes servant leadership, where the project manager acts as a facilitator rather than a command-and-control figure. The project manager should focus on removing roadblocks and empowering the team to make decisions. The project manager must trust the team and allow them to take ownership of their work.
4. Utilize Visual Management: Agile emphasizes the use of visual management tools such as Kanban boards, burndown charts, and other visual aids to track progress and make decisions. The project manager should ensure that the team has access to these tools and understands how to use them effectively. Visual management helps to increase transparency and collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
5. Prioritize Continuous Improvement: Agile is all about continuous improvement. Therefore, the project manager must prioritize this in their work. The project manager should encourage the team to reflect on their work regularly and identify areas for improvement. The project manager should also look for ways to improve their skills and knowledge to ensure they remain effective in their role.

To sum it up, embrace a collaborative work culture, adopt an iterative approach, become a servant leader, utilize visual management, and prioritize continuous improvement. Project managers can adapt to agile methodologies and ensure project success by making these changes. Thank you for reading!