Managing Up - With Wycliffe Hall

Managing up on an agile team refers to the practice of effectively communicating and collaborating with higher-level managers, stakeholders, or leaders within an organization to ensure alignment, support, and success of the agile initiatives. It involves building strong relationships, influencing decision-making, and providing transparent information to those in higher positions. Here are some key aspects of managing up on an agile team:

1. Clear Communication: Establish open and transparent communication channels with higher-level managers or stakeholders. Keep them informed about the progress, challenges, and achievements of the agile team. Clearly articulate the goals, benefits, and value delivered by the team's work. Regularly provide updates through reports, presentations, or informal discussions.

2. Aligning Goals and Expectations: Understand the objectives and expectations of higher-level managers or stakeholders. Align the team's goals and initiatives with the broader organizational goals. Seek clarity on priorities, constraints, and key success factors. Discuss and negotiate expectations to ensure they are realistic and achievable.

3. Building Relationships: Invest time and effort in building positive relationships with higher-level managers or stakeholders. Engage in active listening, understand their perspectives, and show empathy towards their concerns. Establish trust by delivering on commitments and demonstrating competence. Regularly seek feedback and act upon it.

4. Influencing Decision-Making: Provide valuable insights and data-driven information to support decision-making at higher levels. Clearly articulate the impact and value of agile initiatives on the organization's objectives. Present persuasive arguments based on evidence, customer feedback, or market trends. Collaborate with other team members to gather collective input and present a united front.

5. Anticipating and Managing Risks: Identify and proactively address potential risks or concerns that may impact the team's progress or the success of agile initiatives. Communicate early about challenges, dependencies, or roadblocks that require support or intervention from higher-level managers. Propose solutions or alternatives to mitigate risks and maintain project momentum.

6. Seeking Support and Resources: If the team requires additional resources, tools, or support to achieve their goals, effectively communicate these needs to higher-level managers. Justify the need by highlighting the potential benefits, ROI, or impact on customer satisfaction. Collaborate with managers to identify ways to secure the necessary resources and overcome any organizational barriers.

7. Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by sharing lessons learned, successes, and failures with higher-level managers. Showcase the team's adaptability, responsiveness, and ability to embrace change. Actively seek input from managers on areas of improvement and leverage their experience to drive growth and development.

Remember, managing up is not about manipulating or controlling higher-level managers but rather about establishing effective communication, building trust, and fostering collaboration. It is a way to create a shared understanding and gain support for agile initiatives, ultimately driving organizational success.