As an executive or manager overseeing autonomous, self-organising agile teams, you might often find yourself asking, "What levers can I pull to make the team go faster?" Or perhaps, the more direct, "Who do I push to get the team to work harder?" And occasionally, even the darker, "Who is the single throat to choke?"🤔

These questions, while understandable, miss the core principle of agility in software development. The truth is, there are no simple levers to pull, no pedals to press. In fact, there never really were.

⚙️Software development isn't a straightforward drag race where speed alone determines success. It's a complex, intricate process where agility and responsiveness are key. What agile frameworks offer is not a turbo boost for speed, but rather a better steering wheel—along with the fastest sustainable pace. With these two tools in hand, your team is truly off to the races.🏁

But here's the catch: having a better steering wheel is only advantageous if you actually use it. To steer effectively, you need to be in the car, actively engaging with your team as they navigate the twists and turns of your product roadmap. This means being present in sprint reviews, offering guidance, and helping the team respond to feedback in real-time.

📈This is often why managers in an agile environment may feel a bit out of control. It's not about pushing harder or finding a scapegoat—it's about guiding the team to stay on track. When you're involved, your team will be less likely to veer off course, whilst your competitors spin out, losing valuable time and focus.

In the end, winning the race isn't about sheer speed—it's about maintaining the optimal pace and direction. Agile frameworks provide the tools to achieve that, and with your hands on the wheel, your team will stay on the racing line and cross the finish line ahead of the competition.🏆🏆