Agile Teams, Ways of Working, Growth Mindset, and Servant Leadership

Introduction

Agile ways of working provide the most flexible approach for achieving iterative progress. This methodology is well-suited for adapting to changing requirements quickly and effectively. Agile practices contribute to delivering high-quality products by continuously improving processes. This study aims to provide a clear understanding of Agile principles and the concept of agile ways of working. Additionally, it will explore the role of servant leadership and, finally, the importance of psychological safety within Agile teams.

Growth Mindset in Agile

When we talk about a growth mindset, the key idea is the ability to embrace challenges and setbacks as necessary steps toward personal and professional development. A growth mindset builds confidence by fostering the belief that with continuous learning and skill enhancement, one can grow in any field (TED, 2014). We believe that a good agile team must exhibit the following qualities.

During research projects, several dimensions of this mindset come into play, as outlined below:

• Challenges: At the beginning of any project or research, facing difficulties is common. These may include communication gaps that create confusion and poor coordination. Another major challenge is task management, which involves delays in earlier tasks, decision-making issues, and workflow disruptions (Mindsetworks.com, 2017). A growth mindset helps navigate these hurdles with resilience and a problem-solving attitude.

• Obstacles: Overcoming challenges in Agile teams requires a strategic approach. First, it's essential to assess the skills and knowledge of each team member. Tasks should then be distributed according to individual strengths and interests, ensuring that work aligns with the project’s requirements.

• Efforts: Every project demands consistent and focused effort. Agile teams must work hard to achieve quality outcomes. Creating a structured schedule with clearly defined tasks can help streamline the process. This approach enhances problem-solving and decision-making abilities, which are critical for long-term success (TED, 2014).

• Criticism: Accepting and learning from criticism is crucial for improvement. Team members must acknowledge mistakes and stay motivated to correct them. This process helps individuals and teams grow by ensuring that past errors are not repeated, ultimately leading to better results in future projects.

• Learning from Others: A growth mindset also involves being open to insights from other research teams. Observing and collaborating with others offers new perspectives and valuable lessons that contribute to continuous improvement.

From this discussion, we can conclude that this agile approach of a growth mindset helps teams improve.

More About Psychological Safety in Agile

We disagree with the statement that if you make any mistake, then it will stand against you in a team. If a team is working in proper collaboration, all the tasks are completed properly. If anyone makes a mistake, then the other team members help solve that problem instead of standing against the mistake.

Agile teams naturally foster a growth mindset through their collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture. Team members are mindful and always willing to help when challenges arise, whether it is in a report, project, or research, boosting confidence and promoting collective problem-solving. Their open-mindedness and diversity bring together people from various backgrounds, enabling unique approaches and innovative thinking.

Agile teams embrace risk positively, viewing it as an opportunity for success rather than a setback, which further encourages experimentation and learning. Mutual respect is a core value, where every member feels appreciated and no one attempts to undermine another’s efforts. Team members not only recognize each other's contributions but also motivate one another to grow and expand their skill sets. This atmosphere of trust, respect, and encouragement allows agile teams to continuously evolve and thrive, embodying the very essence of a growth mindset.

Servant Leadership in Agile

Wondering what is Servant Leadership in Agile? Servant leadership is the best way for agile teams to work in a well-led and high-performing team. Because it helps to get teamwork done in a very smooth manner. The servant leader is the one who has taken all the responsibility in such a manner that it will provide all the performance and operations perfectly. Servant leadership in Agile provides different kinds of attributes, which are very important. These attributes are the ones that help get the proper skill of leadership skills and also help to understand how to manage a team. The main attributes that help do all these things are as follows:

• Listening – Listening is one of the most powerful tools for effective communication, as it enables a better understanding of others’ perspectives. It plays a crucial role in enhancing leadership skills, since effective leaders must actively listen to their team members and consider different viewpoints to make informed decisions (Smith, 2015).

• Awareness – Awareness is a key attribute in developing leadership skills. A leader who lacks awareness of their team’s strengths, dynamics, and project-related details cannot lead effectively. Being aware helps leaders address challenges, support team collaboration, and ensure that the project meets its goals.

• Conceptualization – This quality is essential for future success in leadership. Conceptualization allows a leader to develop strategic plans and anticipate future challenges. With this ability, leaders can provide clear direction, solve problems efficiently, and instil confidence in the team, ultimately helping to achieve long-term objectives.

References

• Mindsetworks.com (2017). The Impact of a Growth Mindset. Mindset works. https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/Impact.  

• Smith, C., (2005). Servant leadership: The leadership theory of Robert K. Greenleaf. https://www.boyden.com/media/just-what-the-doctor-ordered-15763495/Leadership%20%20Theory_Greenleaf%20Servant%20Leadership.pdf

• TED (December 18, 2014). The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isHM1rEd3GE