Qualities of a Good Agile Leader

Agile method of development

The agile method of development has been in practice for quite a lot of years and has now become the standard for most of all tech companies. But why is it that some organizations still struggle in Agile, While some others are big hits? Sometimes it’s really worse when a few teams assume they are Agile only because they practice agile concepts like frequent stand-ups and ex-post facto, but are miles away from being Agile in reality.

The agile method of development has been in practice for quite a lot of years and has now become the standard for most of all tech companies. But why is it that some organizations still struggle in Agile, While some others are big hits? Sometimes it’s really worse when a few teams assume they are Agile only because they practice agile concepts like frequent stand-ups and ex-post facto, but are miles away from being Agile in reality.

The agile method of development has been in practice for quite a lot of years and has now become the standard for most of all tech companies. But why is it that some organizations still struggle in Agile, While some others are big hits? Sometimes it’s really worse when a few teams assume they are Agile only because they practice agile concepts like frequent stand-ups and ex-post facto, but are miles away from being Agile in reality.

These differences are believed to be because of the leaders, from the Scrum Master, to the Delivery Manager or to the CTO all those who have the power/responsibility to lay down the foundations of an agile working culture in the organization.

So what qualities define a Successful Agile leader?

1. An Agile Leader should make sure that the aims and goals of the organization are clearly understood by everyone individual under consideration in the delivery of the project, this involves the customers or the scrum teams and stakeholders.
2. A leader is required to have Strong communication skills viz – storytelling capabilities and should be a good listener.
3. Passionate about learning new things and has an intense curiosity about the unknowns.
4. He/she is calculated risk taker.
5. Focused strongly on his/her priorities.
6. He/she is open to criticisms and takes it in the most positive way.
7. A good agile leader is responsible for creating an environment where small failures occur early and often during the development life cycle, and hence lowering down the danger of a huge failure occurrence at the end of the project.
8. He/she will make sure that the team is dedicated, focused and tuned to the individual work rather than multitasking.
9. A good agile leader will put in his cent percent so that the team delivers a high-quality product on time.
10. He/she should make the current and goal situation clear so that people can think and act autonomously.
11. The leader is expected to have a Positive attitude and an innate ability to be diplomatic in any circumstances.
12. The leader should place his faith in the capability of his/her teams, giving them real empowerment.
13. The Agile leader will not be afraid to show some vulnerableness.
14. The leaders work should be such that he/she inspires and motivates others.
15. The leader must be approachable and outgoing and open to suggestions even from his younger teammates.