Persistency, in the context of team dynamics, involves the practice of maintaining team continuity over an extended period rather than disbanding and reforming as projects evolve. ENIOLA BOLUOGUN shares his thoughts on persistent agile teams.
Agile methodologies have transformed the landscape of product development.
Agile teams, characterized by their cross-functional nature and self-organizing structure, are empowered to make decisions, and adapt to evolving requirements.
Through the adoption of short iterations or sprints, agile teams can consistently deliver incremental value and receive early feedback in the development process.
This iterative approach facilitates swift course correction and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
Achieving true agility requires a shift not only in mindset but also in the organizational structure.
Persistent technical agile teams embody this shift by providing a dedicated and specialized focus on key components of product development.
Persistency, in the context of team dynamics, involves the practice of maintaining team continuity over an extended period rather than disbanding and reforming as projects evolve.
This sustained collaboration enables team members to cultivate strong relationships, deepen their understanding of the product or domain and harness their collective knowledge and expertise.
The adherence to persistency allows teams to attain a unique level of synergy and efficiency that proves challenging to replicate when confronted with frequently changing team compositions.
A prime example of this is the formation of dedicated API teams. APIs serve as the bridge between different software systems, enabling seamless communication and integration.
By establishing a team solely dedicated to API development, organizations can ensure that this crucial aspect is handled with expertise and precision.
This focused approach not only accelerates the development process but also enhances the reliability and scalability of the overall product.
Similarly, platform teams play a pivotal role in driving business growth. These teams are responsible for the underlying infrastructure and frameworks that support application development.
By having a dedicated platform team, organizations can streamline the development process, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more stable foundation for their products.
This, in turn, allows for quicker iterations, faster time-to-market, and the ability to respond swiftly to market demands.
The persistence of these teams is crucial for sustained success. Unlike traditional project-based teams that disband after completing a specific task, persistent technical agile teams are long-term entities with a continuous focus on their specialized domains.
This continuity not only builds deep domain expertise, but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among team members.
The benefits extend beyond the technical realm. By having dedicated teams for API and platform development, organizations create cross-functional units that promote collaboration across departments.
This interdisciplinary collaboration breaks down silos, fostering a culture of shared goals and collective responsibility.
Furthermore, persistent technical agile teams contribute to a more predictable and sustainable development pace.
The iterative nature of agile methodologies combined with the dedicated focus of these teams allows for a faster feedback loop, enabling organizations to adapt swiftly to market changes and customer feedback.
In conclusion, the establishment of persistent technical agile teams, specifically dedicated API and platform teams, are a strategic move towards increasing productivity gains and fueling innovation.
By prioritizing expertise, collaboration and continuity, organizations can navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with agility and resilience, ultimately ensuring sustained success in a rapidly changing world.
*Eniola Boluogun is Delivery Manager, Skipton Building Society, United Kingdom.
