Leading a project management team is not for the faint of heart. Between coordinating your team in focusing on the actual work, things can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Luckily, there are many different project management styles and approaches, so everyone can find their ideal workflow. One approach that has become popular in recent years is an Agile methodology that has expanded from its original use in software development to a wealth of other industries.
We’re many weeks into the COVID-19 crisis and, I don’t know about you, but things still feel chaotic to me. Part of it is trying to work from home while also homeschooling a 6-year old and 9-year old. Part of it is trying to keep up with all the recommendations and requirements from our public health officials. The big reason things feel chaotic to me, though, is all the uncertainty.
Major crises like our current situation is a real-life test of agility for many of us. As we look around at governments grappling with mitigation and businesses of every size pivoting their strategies, we see all of them dovetail back to this mantra: “Responding to change over following a plan.” While everything may feel hopeless at times, there are also inspiring examples of people and organizations who have shown resourcefulness and resiliency in their responses.
When it comes to managing your work, there are dozens and dozens of project management methodologies to choose from. But as you begin your research into which methodology is right for you, you’re probably going to see one particular word show up over and over again: Agile. It seems to shimmer in your peripheral vision like some sort of project management mirage. Is it real? Can all the avowed benefits of agile project management really be true?
