The success of a development project’s objectives depends largely on the way teams are organized and mobilized. A well-structured team aligned with project needs is a powerful force that can lead to remarkable results. Team organization has a direct influence on the success of objectives, and must be constantly adapted to changing project needs.
Before even discussing the team structure, it is necessary to clarify the project objectives in a concise, collective manner. This clarification must be made from the outset, involving all stakeholders, from the sponsor to the team members. A clear expression of requirements ensures that every team member fully understands what is expected and why it is important. This eliminates ambiguities and misunderstandings that could hamper the project’s progress, and prevents the team from wandering off in different directions, compromising its ability to propose appropriate solutions and deliver the expected value quickly.
Once the objectives have been clarified, the next step is to organize the team so that it is aligned with these objectives. Each team member must understand his or her specific contribution to achieving these objectives. This involves not only defining clear roles and responsibilities, but also fostering an environment where collaboration and communication are encouraged. The aim is to transform the team into a cohesive, motivated unit, working together towards a common goal.
Team organization cannot be static. It must be flexible and capable of adapting to changing project needs and circumstances. Team members must be ready to adjust their way of working, their communication and their collaboration to meet the challenges encountered along the way. This ability to adapt is imperative to maintaining the team’s performance throughout the project.
To ensure the project gets off to the best possible start, it is recommended to call in a team organization expert who will develop an appropriate strategy and bring his or her expertise to bear in setting up a solid organizational structure from the outset. What’s more, he or she can provide ongoing monitoring to help the team adjust its organization to the changing needs of the project, thus guaranteeing long-term performance.
Even if it’s not the only one, agility is very often an effective response. By training all project stakeholders in the principles of agility, the team can better anticipate and react to changes, thus helping to achieve the project’s objectives. Here again, an expert can help the project find the organization best suited to the issues at stake.
Editor :
Jean-Marc Larroque – Agile coach, Scrum Master, trainer and e-Commerce Web technologies consultant at Clever Age Discover Jean-Marc’s blog for more Agile content.