Understand the Challenges in running distributed Agile Delivery Teams

"Agile" is an iterative approach to project management that emphasises collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Agile has been adopted by many organisations across many different technology and business projects due to its potential to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase speed of delivery.

Managing an agile project with a distributed or remote working team presents a unique set of challenges and risks. Distributed teams are often spread across different geographic locations, time zones, and cultural backgrounds, which can make coordination and communication difficult. Additionally, distributed teams may lack the face-to-face interaction that is often essential for successful collaboration.

While it remains often the best approach, there are challenges and risks associated with managing an agile project with a distributed team. In this CxO, SRO and Programme Manager guide, we will provide some tips and best practices for overcoming these challenges and minimising the risks.

Challenges

• Communication: Communication is one of the most important aspects of project management, and this is especially true for distributed teams. Due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, it can be difficult to ensure that each team member is on the same page. This can lead to misunderstandings and delays, which can have a serious impact on the project timeline and budget.

• Cultural Differences: Distributed teams often consist of members from different cultural backgrounds and time zones. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts as team members may not have the same understanding of certain processes or terms. Additionally, cultural differences can lead to communication issues, as team members may not be familiar with the language or communication style of other team members.

• Trust and Motivation: Building trust and maintaining motivation can be difficult for distributed teams, as team members may not have the same level of visibility into each other's progress. This makes it difficult for team members to feel connected to the project and their team, which can lead to lower motivation levels and a lack of collaboration.

Risks

• Security: Security is a major concern for distributed teams as members may be accessing sensitive data from different locations. This can lead to an increased risk of data breaches and other security issues. It is important to ensure that team members are using secure communication channels and that all data is properly secured.

• Delays: Delays are a common problem for distributed teams, as communication issues and cultural differences can lead to slower decision-making and slower progress. This can have a serious impact on the project timeline and budget.

• Costs: Managing a distributed or remote team can be expensive, as there may be additional costs associated with setting up the necessary infrastructure and communication channels. Additionally, distributed teams often require more resources, such as project managers and additional training, which can further increase costs.

Best Practice for Distributed Agile Teams

1. Clear Communication: Clear communication is essential for successful collaboration between distributed teams. It is important to ensure that all team members are aware of the project goals, timelines, and expectations. Additionally, team members should be encouraged to share their progress and discuss any potential issues or challenges.

2. Trust and Motivation: Building trust and maintaining motivation can be difficult for distributed teams, so it is important to have regular check-ins and team-building activities. Additionally, team members should be given regular feedback and recognition for their work.

3. Technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for distributed teams, as it can facilitate communication and collaboration. It is important to ensure that all team members have access to the necessary tools and resources, and that they are familiar with how to use them.

4. Security: Security is a major concern for distributed teams, so it is important to ensure that all data is properly secured and that team members are using secure communication channels. Additionally, team members should be aware of the potential risks and be vigilant about protecting their data.

Conclusion

Distributed teams can offer many benefits, but they also present unique challenges and risks. It is important to be aware of these potential issues and to develop strategies for overcoming them. Clear communication, trust building, and the practical application of technology can all help to ensure the success of an agile project with a distributed team. As an SRO, Programme Manager or Delivery Lead, picking and managing delivery against the right KPIs can help promote the right behaviours, and ensure improvements in quality and performance.

---

References:

• Gibson, C. (2016). The Benefits and Challenges of Working with a Distributed Agile Team. Retrieved from https://www.agileconnection.com/article/benefits-and-challenges-working-distributed-agile-team

• Kraig, S. (2020). The Challenges of Managing a Distributed Agile Team. Retrieved from https://www.scrumalliance.org/community/articles/2020/january/the-challenges-of-managing-a-distributed#:~:text=Communication%20is%20one%20of%20the,can%20lead%20to%20misunderstandings%20and

• Liu, P. (2020). 5 Tips for Successfully Managing a Remote Agile Team. Retrieved from https://www.atlassian.com/blog/project-management/successfully-manage-remote-agile