Agile management the future of the workplace, with squads, tribes, and guilds

You could be forgiven for thinking this was about rugby or perhaps Game of Thrones, with terminology like squads, tribes, and guilds — but it’s not. In truth, these are terms that are being used to describe a new type of management method that is gaining traction in the business world: agile. When we say ‘new’ management system, we’re referring to the 1970s and 1980s, when Japanese businesses like Toyota and Fuji were the first to use it.

Having said that, a growing number of start-up organizations have recently jumped on the agile management bandwagon, recognizing the benefits that agile management practices can offer to their businesses. Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service, is a fantastic example. However, what is agile management, what benefits does it provide businesses, and how does leadership function within the system?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of agile procedures, it’s crucial that we understand the key terminology. I know what you’re thinking: there’s already enough jargon in business management to warrant a new lexicon. To make things easier, I’ve attempted to provide a simplified version of certain key concepts in agile processes.

Agile Management
In a word, agile management entails dividing a firm into tiny teams of people, each of which functions as a separate start-up. The goal is to change the way your organization operates in order to satisfy the constantly changing needs of the global market. There’s even a ‘Agile Manifesto,’ which summarizes the system’s essential ideas, such as self-organization, cooperation, and team cross-functionality.

Squads
Squads are the distinct teams that make up an agile management firm. The concept is that each squad has its own specified goal that it works toward independently. Each squad has a ‘product owner,’ who sets priorities for the work that has to be done. They do not, however, advise staff how to work. Members of the squad also have access to a ‘agile coach,’ who keeps them informed and up to date.

Tribes
A tribe is the moniker given to a group of squads that collaborate. They can serve as an incubator for your company’s micro start-up squads. Typically, tribes will have no more than 100 members.

Guilds
Guilds are supposed to bind the firm together and ensure that you don’t lose economies of scale without sacrificing too much liberty. In other words, guilds allow squads to cross-reference each other.

Why are you doing it?
Of course, this is just a small part of the agile management system; there are many more components, but the key question is why bother with agile processes in the first place.

According to Wipro Consultants, adopting agile procedures enhances productivity by a whopping 87%. Furthermore, agile approaches undoubtedly decrease bureaucracy and paperwork while prioritizing face-to-face communication over reams of paperwork.

The agile system’s basic nature encourages adaptability, invention, and originality, all of which are increasingly becoming requirements for any dynamic workplace in today’s world. Its proponents say that traditional management systems’ rigid frameworks are incapable of addressing the needs of today’s workplace, where employees appreciate company culture and flexibility more than ever.

Delegation vs. Distribution
Because squads have no hierarchy, the entire system has a significant impact on your company’s leadership structure. This might be a frightening proposition for a typical business. How can you make sure your staff aren’t slacking? How do workers chart a professional path if everyone is equal? Who is in charge of task delegation? These are just a handful of the issues that can arise when using agile methods. The key is that decision-making is disseminated among the team rather than assigned to a few individuals.

This has obvious benefits: the team will be more productive and motivated because everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal. Processes will also be faster and more efficient, and employees will benefit from a more inclusive and dynamic workplace culture.

Concentrate on the ‘Best Bits.’
Agile techniques, without a doubt, may help a company become more adaptable and productive. Agile processes, on the other hand, should not be implemented in a scattershot manner. The most important thing to keep in mind is that agile management is a subjective phrase that should be interpreted according to your needs. Companies should mix and match the best aspects of agile processes to meet their own business requirements.