Hook, Line and Sinker: The Role of Line Management in Relation to Agile Teams

Abstract

If Agile is to be successfully introduced on a medium or large scale into any organization it is vital that there is a symbiotic relationship between line management and the Agile teams that carry out the work. Line management form the organizational hierarchies and silos in any major corporation and their interaction with the cross functional Agile teams, either permanent or temporary, that are formed by drawing resources from various organizational silos, is a key success factor on the Agile journey. This experience report outlines the dysfunctions that initially appeared between line management and the Agile teams early on in the Agile journey and the steps taken to help overcome them. It outlines the key steps taken to enable the change and the benefits that accrued from this journey.