Agile Program Management: Networks, Not Hierarchies NEW

When you think of program management, do you think of big lumbering organizational beasts that add little value, and people demanding “When will you be done?” or “Can we add this feature before the desired release date?” Agile program management encourages small-world networks of collaborative teams that can solve problems and deliver features fast. That requires the entire program be agile and lean—using small batch sizes, integrating continuously, having short iterations, and tracking cycle time so you can coordinate across the organization. Johanna Rothman describes ways to create small-world networks that help your project teams release together and on time. With communities of practice as formal networks you enable people to master their craft or facilitate links to other project teams, allowing people to build their autonomy while collaborating. As a program manager or as a participant in a large program, you have many options—once you start thinking of agile program management as a network.