If you are an Agile practitioner, you will realise that there is always a gap between Agile and Management. Not much have been stated on Agile for Management. Unlike Waterfall model, Agile is not big on reporting and generating of status report. Here are some tips on engaging management with Agile projects.
Educate Agile
Waterfall model is so entrenched that entire reporting structure to management revolve around this perspective. The first step is to educate Agile and the differences between the Agile and Waterfall to the management. You need to set Agile expectations with your Agile champion. These champions must preferably from top management. You need to have a holistic approach to share the Agile approach to users as well.
Sharing Agile
One of the best part of Agile is lesser admin reporting. This leaves you more time to focus on what is to be done. Of course, Agile is timebox at duration that management can participate as observer. For example, management can join in daily stand up that should last between 5 to 15 mins. The most suitable updates for management will be the sprint review where they are invited for their feedback. This typically last two hours for a two week sprint.
Agile does not require formal reporting to management. We should always seek to educate management on Agile events like spring review. This is where management can provide feedback on the product. After all, this allows the Agile team to focus on delivering a “done” product.
Danny Kwok 