Hail Hail, my people. How are you?
Let’s move on to this next reflection after many meetings that only made me see much more light in the area of projects and/or operations in agencies.
I always think about teams, tools and methodologies and this combination always makes my head boil with so much thinking about it. Following this evolution of the corporate environment, driven by hybrid work and digital transformation, we will always require new approaches to project management. In this context, the integration between agile and traditional methodologies presents itself as an essential strategy for facing challenges, optimizing processes and engaging teams in search of clear and tangible results. After all, romanticizing the topic is cool, but at the end of the day, the results will be put on the table, right!?!
I recently participated in a Bootcamp – Management and Leadership Culture in advertising and marketing organized by Master GP Institutewhich reinforced the importance of well-prepared, engaged and aligned project teams with clear purposes. These meetings showed that the success of projects depends more people, rather than tools and methodologies: it is necessary to build a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Hybrid work and digital transformation, in turn, have redefined the dynamics of project management. Given this, companies need more than solid methodologies and effective tools. In practice, they require an integrated approach that, in addition to taking advantage of the flexibility of agility, incorporates the traditional structure and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve consistent results. As a consequence, the integration of these approaches not only optimizes processes, but also engages teams around a clear, future-oriented purpose.
What is the fundamental role of teams and technology?
Engaged, aligned and empowered teams are at the heart of any successful project. In a hybrid environment, however, collaboration and alignment are increasingly mediated by technology. Tools with artificial intelligence (AI) have stood out in automating tasks, analyzing data and providing insights in real time, freeing teams to focus on strategic and creative decisions.
My recent Bootcamp experience reinforced the importance of bringing people and tools together to maximize project performance. In this sense, the introduction of technologies, especially AI, enhances this alignment. Furthermore, it helps managers make more assertive decisions, as it provides accurate and relevant data. As a result, it is possible to quickly adjust the direction of a project. Consequently, everyone starts to work more synchronized, which increases efficiency and focus on the objectives set.
More than methodologies or tools, it is people who make the difference in the success of a project. Engaged teams, with clarity of purpose, are more likely to:
- Solve problems collaboratively.
- Adapt quickly to changes.
- Maintain focus on strategic goals.
Should we integrate Agile and Traditional?
The integration between agile and traditional methodologies combines the best of both worlds, even more so in this moment of so much metamorphosis that we are in. That’s why I thought that there isn’t a ready-made formula “yet”, but rather adaptations for each company’s occasion, respecting its appropriate moment.
- Agile: Ideal for projects with high uncertainty or the need for constant adaptation.
- Traditional: Perfect for projects with well-defined deadlines and scopes.
By merging these approaches, companies can simultaneously achieve flexibility and control, adjusting processes according to the type of project and team demands.
Practical steps for integrating methodologies
1. Understand the context of your project
The first step is to evaluate the project. Consider questions such as:
- Does this project have fixed or changing requirements?
- What degree of uncertainty is involved?
- Is the team more familiar with agile or traditional methods?
This initial assessment is essential to determine the balance between the two approaches, remembering and reinforcing that each organization has its moment.
2. Empower the team
Promote training that integrates agile and traditional practices, with an emphasis on the practical application of these methodologies. Encourage continuous learning so team members can move confidently between different frameworks.
In this scenario we are living in, it is not possible to adopt just one path, it is necessary to know how to travel along existing routes and those created some time ago, but always looking at each step by step and what they can bring in terms of information and route adjustments.
3. Promote a feedback culture
For integration to be successful, it only works in environments that encourage open communication. Therefore, it is essential to establish regular feedback cycles, involving all interested parties. This way, it is possible to adjust processes quickly and keep everyone aligned with the project objectives.
Also, don’t wait months for this to happen. On the contrary, adopt a schedule that allows you to provide this feedback at shorter intervals. This way, it will be possible to create space for adjustments and/or relocations in a more efficient and assertive way.
4. Align tools and processes
Hybrid teams depend on tools that facilitate collaboration and project visibility. Some options include:
- Available: Excellent for managing sprints and agile tasks.
- Microsoft Project: Ideal for tracking traditional schedules and resources.
- Trello: Great for visual workflows and cross-team collaboration.
- Asana: Offers robust capabilities for planning and execution.
- Smartsheet: A flexible solution for project management and process automation.
- Skills: Powerful tool for mapping and managing competencies within teams.
- Monday.com: Brings AI-based insights to planning and prioritization.
For teams working with large task flows, combining Trello and Smartsheet can bring greater efficiency. By integrating tools that cater to both agile and traditional methodologies, you ensure that all team members have access to the information they need, regardless of where they are.
5. Measure Success
Establish clear KPIs that combine agile metrics (such as sprint speed) and traditional metrics (such as meeting schedules and budget). Periodically review these indicators to ensure they are aligned with project objectives.
In short, project management in a hybrid world is no longer a choice between agile and traditional. It represents an opportunity to combine the best of both methods, creating a flexible, structured and results-oriented approach. With the adoption of technological tools and the engagement of aligned teams, companies can not only overcome challenges, but also stand out in a competitive market.
However, the question is not whether your organization is ready to integrate methodologies, but when and how it will begin to enjoy the benefits of this powerful merger. Let’s go together!?!
