124. A project manager was recently assigned to a banking IT project. The project team has been developing products using a predictive approach for more than 10 years, but management wants the team to change to an agile approach. The project manager met with the team to introduce the agile approach. Most of the team members complained about changing approaches because the performance of this team has always been above average among the IT teams in the bank.Which two actions should the project manager take? (Choose 2)
Answer: B,D
Brainstorming with the team and conducting training sessions are essential actions.
Engaging the team in brainstorming sessions to understand their concerns and providing training on the agile approach will facilitate a smoother transition. These actions will help address resistance by involving the team in the decision-making process and equipping them with necessary knowledge.
A) Meet with management to explain the team's resistance to the agile approach and request that they formally ask the team to implement agile.
This option focuses on escalating the issue to management rather than addressing the team's concerns directly. While communicating resistance is important, it does not actively involve the team in the transition process or help them understand the agile methodology, which is crucial for acceptance.
B) Brainstorm with the team to understand the specifics of the team's project and to identify possible alternative approaches for the team.
This action is effective as it involves the team in discussions about their project and allows them to voice their concerns and suggestions. By collaborating in this way, the project manager can identify potentially suitable alternatives and foster a sense of ownership in the transition to agile.
C) Interview the most resistant team members to persuade them to try to accept an agile approach.
While interviewing resistant members may provide insights, this approach risks isolating those individuals and could further entrench resistance rather than building a consensus. It lacks the collaborative element that is essential for successful change management.
D) Conduct training sessions with the team so that the team can understand what the agile approach and mindset are.
Providing training is critical for helping the team grasp the agile methodology and its benefits. This action addresses their concerns and equips them with the knowledge needed to adapt, thereby reducing resistance and promoting a successful implementation.
E) Ask the team to identify the product backlog and create a kanban board for the team to manage and follow the approach.
This option assumes the team is ready to implement agile practices without first addressing their concerns or providing training. While identifying a product backlog and creating a kanban board are important steps in agile, they should follow an understanding and acceptance of the methodology.
Conclusion
The most effective actions for the project manager are to brainstorm with the team and conduct training sessions. These approaches not only address the team's resistance but also empower them with knowledge and foster collaboration, which are vital for successfully transitioning to an agile methodology. Other options either overlook the team's concerns or impose changes without proper preparation, making them less effective.