How Agile Delivery Managers Can Build High Performing Engineering Squads

Project management is a dynamic, and complex process involving various roles including Delivery Managers and Scrum Masters. While both have their place in the Agile framework, when it comes to driving high-performance in engineering squads, the role of the Delivery Manager stands out. Let's delve deeper into why this is the case.

The Advantage of Agile Delivery Managers

Delivery Managers are instrumental in delivering high-quality products or services. They coordinate work across several teams AKA cross-squad development, guaranteeing product delivery deadlines and quality expectations while maintaining agile principles

Their central aim is to manage risks, resolve arising issues, and align the team's agile practices with the larger business objectives. They possess a broader perspective that extends past the boundaries of a single project, influencing management structure, organisational alignment, and resource allocation.

Benefits:

1. Leadership and Direction: Delivery Managers offer strong leadership and clear direction, enabling teams to understand and effectively contribute towards project objectives. This clear vision often results in a high performing team.
2. Risk Management: They anticipate potential risks and take preventive actions, ensuring that no unforeseen circumstances hinder the performance of the team.
3. Stakeholder Communication: They manage communications with internal and external stakeholders. By managing expectations effectively, they facilitate an environment in which the engineering team can focus on their tasks, driving high performance.
4. Agile Principles and Scrum: They still abide by and follow agile principles and empower the team through apply these practices within their ways of working.

Considerations:

1. Autonomy and Innovation: Agile Delivery Managers must strike a balance between control and autonomy. Allowing squads some degree of freedom can spur innovation and motivation, enhancing performance.
2. Not Scrum Masters: While most Delivery Managers usually understand and follow agile principles, their focus is delivery. Most of the time, they will not delve into the specifics of team ceremonies and processes the same way as Scrum Masters usually would.

Comparative Analysis with Scrum Masters

The Scrum Master is a facilitator and mentor for an Agile team, assisting them in adhering to Scrum practices. Their main role involves promoting Agile principles, removing roadblocks, and enabling effective communication.

While these functions are valuable in Agile environments, they are not specifically aimed at driving high performance in engineering squads. Scrum Masters focus on fostering an environment of self-organisation and specific ways of working, but they may lack the strategic oversight and broad business acumen that Delivery Managers bring to the table. This can limit their impact on overall team performance.

Conclusion

While both roles have their merits in Agile project management, the Agile Delivery Manager has a clear advantage when it comes to nurturing high-performing engineering squads. Their ability lies in providing direction, manage risks, define sprint goals aligned with product delivery, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. Combined with their broader organisational view, this makes them a valuable asset for any team aiming to enhance performance and productivity.