Simon Wicki
Business Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology, HSLU Lucerne
Andreas Eppenberger
Enterprise Agile Coach & SAFe Program Consultant SPC
Agility has revolutionized the world of work and fundamentally changed the role of leadership. Agile teams define their vision and purpose largely independently. They are responsible for a product or service that contributes to the company’s success. The role of the Product Owner (PO) is becoming increasingly important. This raises the question of which tasks and responsibilities line managers and division heads are still assigned in an agile organization.
Self-organization: A Question of Interpretation
The term “self-organization” often leads to misunderstandings. Self-organization does not mean that leadership is no longer needed. It is rather that the understanding of leadership is changing: Line managers are evolving from traditional leaders who are responsible for work content, time, and budget to coaches and sparring partners. Their primary task is to support, empower, and further develop Product Owners and agile teams in the best possible way.
Product Owner: The driving Force
Product Owners (see Swiss ICT role description) are the driving force behind the product vision. They are responsible for prioritizing the work tasks. They act as a link between the development team and the stakeholders and contribute significantly to the success of the product or service for which they are responsible.
From Managers to Coaches: The new Role of Managers
In the future, the role of managers will increasingly consist of encouraging employees in their professional development and supporting them in the event of blockages or obstacles. They serve as advisors and contacts for Product Owners and development teams in conflict situations and ensure that these are resolved quickly and effectively.
Managers: Stakeholders and Mediators
Managers also represent the Group’s guidelines in the teams. They act as stakeholders and ensure that the corporate goals are taken into account in the daily work of the teams. They create the framework within which the teams can organize themselves.
Agility and Leadership: Two Sides of the same Coin
Leadership in agile organizations is by no means obsolete. However, it takes on a different form and requires new skills. Managers in agile organizations are coaches, mentors, and facilitators. They support their teams in developing their full potential and realizing the product vision.
„Agility and leadership are not contradictory. They are rather two sides of the same coin. Traditional management tasks are now distributed across several roles within an organization. Managers should focus more on employee development and more efficient value creation. This creates the basis for sustainable success.” – Andreas Eppenberger
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About the Authors
Business Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology, HSLU Lucerne
I am a passionate team player and am particularly interested in the psychology within and between teams. The proper communication plays a crucial role in this.
Business Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology, HSLU Luzern
I am a passionate team player and am particularly interested in the psychology within and between teams. The proper communication plays a crucial role in this.
Enterprise Agile Coach & SAFe Program Consultant SPC
As an agile coach, I live for technology and innovation. With my expertise and a lot of passion, I transform teams and organizations into real success stories.
Enterprise Agile Coach & SAFe Program Consultant SPC
As an agile coach, I live for technology and innovation. With my expertise and a lot of passion, I transform teams and organizations into real success stories.