There’s a popular phrase that states “there is no ‘I’ in ‘team.'” This slogan appears on shirts. It appears on posters. It is popular enough that the phrase has been “hacked” and now there is a funny graphic that says “There is an ‘i’ in Team. It’s in the a-hole.”
There is an “i” in “TEAM.” Hidden in the A-Hole. (Copyright belongs to the image’s creator)
What might that phrase mean to an agile team? There is a SolutionIQ article that states “There is no I in Agile” and discusses how teamwork can make or break an agile team. I agree that teamwork is important. But, contrary to the SolutionsIQ heading, there is an “i” in “agile.” And it is important that we remember that the agile team is made up of a whole bunch of “i’s.” Here are some of the ways to make the “i” in “agile” effective. Work to help each “i”:
- i realize that i cannot be successful if the team fails
- i look for ways to help teammates
- i bring new ideas into the team
- i am willing to take risks
- i admit when i need help
- i admit when i am wrong
- i grow my skills over time
- i build upon other people’s ideas with my own
- i bring my whole self to the team
- i try to not be defensive
- i realize others bring their whole self as well
- i realize that the world outside work impacts people at work
- i take small risks and learn from the outcome
- i respect my teammates
- i foster collaboration across the team
- i use my eyes to observe what is happening on the team
- i am a “little i,” not demanding the attention of a big “I”
Remember that your team is composed of many individuals, each with their own background, values, and perspectives. Work to be inclusive of those differences as you work toward a common goal.