Tales From The Agile Trenches Chapter I: The Downfall Of Micromanagement
I once worked with a development team comprising two junior Java developers and two senior ones. It was a team that had great potential, but as you’ll see, leadership can make or break even the best of teams.
The Players in Our Tale
Our senior developers were a study in contrasts. One had a rich background of working with diverse teams in London's banking sector. He had a knack for understanding complex back-end systems and knew how to leverage team dynamics to get the best results. The other senior developer was incredibly talented and deeply involved in the software development community. He contributed to best practice communities and stayed ahead of the curve in all technical aspects. However, he severely lacked social skills, often creating a barrier in team communication and collaboration.
Then, there were our two junior developers, brimming with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. They were eager to learn and make their mark.
The Product Owner (PO) assigned to our team was a former Development Manager in his early 50s. Unfortunately, he had no prior training in being a PO. You might guess where this story is headed, but let’s dig into the details.
The Misguided Approach
The PO chose to micromanage the team, particularly focusing on the two junior developers. His intention was to ensure they did things "right" or, more precisely, "his proven way." He believed that closely monitoring and directing their every move was necessary for the first 2-3 months to help them find their footing. He would “hold their hand” as he said.
I advised him otherwise. I suggested that giving the juniors some space to explore and bring in fresh ideas could be beneficial. However, the PO was adamant about his hands-on approach. So, we played along. I kept track of the time and, true to his word, checked back with him after 3 months.
The Unyielding Belief
When the time came, I reminded the PO of his 2-3 month timeline. His response was that the juniors still needed his guidance, and he extended his hand-holding period. A couple of months later, I revisited the subject. This time, he became angry and defensive, declaring that if he stopped micromanaging, he would have nothing left to do!
The Impact on the Team
As time passed, the team's morale took a hit. The juniors, feeling stifled, couldn’t express their creativity or grow independently. The seniors, frustrated by the lack of progress and autonomy, started to disengage. The talented but socially awkward senior developer found it particularly hard to deal with the constant scrutiny, which only added to the communication barriers within the team.
Have you ever been in a situation where constant oversight killed your motivation? How does it feel when your creativity is stifled by rigid control?
The once-promising team dynamic began to deteriorate. The senior member, demotivated and undervalued, was the first to leave the company. One by one, others followed, until eventually, the entire team had turned over.
Lessons Learned
Micromanagement Kills Innovation: The juniors had potential and fresh perspectives that were never realized due to the PO's rigid control.
Trust Your Team: It’s crucial to trust your team members, regardless of their experience levels. Allowing them some freedom fosters creativity and growth.
The Role of a Leader: A leader's job is not just to direct but to facilitate. Being a guide and a supporter often yields better results than being a dictator.
Adaptability is Key: The PO’s inability to adapt to his new role as a Product Owner, from a Development Manager, highlights the importance of ongoing learning and flexibility in leadership.
Communication is Crucial: The senior developer’s lack of social skills underscored the importance of communication within a team. Technical skills are vital, but so are interpersonal skills.
In today’s fast-paced tech environment, leadership and team dynamics can make or break a project. If you’re facing challenges similar to those in this story, consider reaching out for professional guidance and tools that can help.
That’s why we started SymmetriX, to offer solutions tailored towards improving team collaboration, streamlining project management, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. Don’t let micromanagement stifle your team’s potential. Empower your team to achieve greatness with the right tools and support.
Reach out to us today and see how we can help you transform your team dynamics for better productivity and satisfaction.