Embracing Agile Strategies: My Two Cents worth My Two-Decades in Project Management

Whether you're just starting your career or have been in the game for a while, I encourage you to explore these agile principles. They're not just tools; they're guiding stars that can lead your projects to greater heights.

In the dynamic world of project management my experience spanning over two decades I have learned the value of agile methodology and strategy. Today, I'm excited to share a story about change, growth, and the transformative power of agile strategies.

My growth journey with Agile, has 4 focal points and learnings associated with them. 

Agile Strategy 1: Iterative Development

I often feel like project management is much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. In the past, I used to plan every piece meticulously, hoping they'd fit perfectly. 

As my experience in field increases, I discovered the beauty of iterative development - breaking down the puzzle into smaller, manageable pieces. This approach has been a game-changer for me. It's like tackling one piece at a time, testing it, making it better, and eventually creating a masterpiece. 

It might age me but now I see project management as playing super mario (or any other video game with multiple stages). You are focused on one stage and after wrapping it up you move on to the next one. No one gets fixated on planning out the entire game. You are focused on short packaged goals. It's all about staying nimble and adapting as you go.

Agile Strategy 2: Collaborative Teams

Robert Kiyosaki is a an author of a very famous book “Rich Dad and Poor Dad”. He is of opinion that if you go solo in the business world you are fighting opposite to giant teams working for the same target. You are highly likely to fail thus his financial advice is collaborative efforts towards the same goal. He advice people with similar goals to form an alliance and work togather for success. I recommend the same for project management.

Projects are rarely solo endeavors. They're more like team sports. 

Fun Fact:  The term Scrum was borrowed from the game rugby. Look it up! 🏉

That’s because agile philosophy celebrates this by promoting collaborative teams. I've learned that when diverse minds come together, magic happens. It's not just about working side by side; it's about working hand in hand, sharing ideas, feedback, and a common mission. Collaboration fosters creativity, engagement, and, most importantly, a sense of camaraderie.

Agile Strategy 3: Customer-Centricity

Remember the saying, "the customer is king"? Well, in agile, it's not just a saying; it's a way of life. 

Customers are putting their money in your product and pocket. And especially if they are paying upfront to support the development of product, they aren't going to netflix and chill while you send them the bill.

They will not like to be just spectators; they're active participants aka shareholders throughout the journey. Regular feedback loops keep us on track, keep shareholders satisfied and ensure we're creating solutions that truly make our customers smile. It's not about just meeting expectations; it's about exceeding them by staying close to the heartbeat of your clients.

Agile Strategy 4: Embracing Change

Change can be a scary word in project management especially if you are in construction industry and are use to of waterfall methodology. 

But at agile it’s different, it's like a friend dropping by unexpectedly. Instead of dreading it, or resisting it we welcome it with open arms. We even keep extra cookies in closet in case they show up unannounced. 

Why? 🤔

Because change often brings opportunities for improvement! 

I mean think, why would stakeholder request changes? For better, right?

It doesn’t only improves the end product, it also offers challanges that are great opportunity for your team to learn and grow.

Therefore, agile project managers see challenges as chances to pivot, learn, and grow. 

It's about being flexible and adaptable, like a tree bending with the wind rather than breaking. It’s kind of our flex, you know. We are as flexible as bellarinas 😀.

A Fun Story: The Coffee Machine Crisis ☕

Now, let me share a story that perfectly illustrates how once during my career agile thinking literally saved the day. 

All my coffee fueled project builders know we worship the coffe machine, right?

Picture this: a big project, an even bigger deadline, and the office coffee machine going kaput. A disaster in the making, right?

In the old days, we'd have seen it as a simple equipment malfunction, but our agile mindset kicked in. Instead of waiting for a repair technician, we rallied our team for a brainstorming session, armed with post-its and markers. The challenge? To find a quick, innovative solution so that our caffeine-deprived colleagues could get back to work.

What happened next was a whirlwind of ideas, laughter, and a few questionable coffee concoctions. We temporarily transformed a conference room into a makeshift coffee shop with a creative DIY coffee station. 

It was fun, it was a bonding experience, and most importantly, it got everyone back to work with smiles on their faces.

Our coffee machine felt replaced, but come on! We all know only constant is the change and hence the agile.

Conclusion:

So, what's the big takeaway from my journey with agile strategies? 

It's a mindset to be mastered. A mindset that values progress over perfection, teamwork over solo acts, customer satisfaction over checkboxes, and adaptability over rigidity.

Let's keep this conversation going. 

Share your own experiences with agile methodologies and let's learn from each other. Because in the end, it's our collective wisdom and shared journeys that make our professional community stronger.