Defining the Team's Way of Working (WoW)

Defining the Team's Way of Working (WoW) is a core concept in initiating a Disciplined Agile team. The WoW refers to the processes, practices, and tools the team agrees to use to deliver its work effectively. In DA, teams are encouraged to be self-organizing and to choose their WoW based on the context of their project, the skills of the team members, and stakeholder needsThe process begins with the team assessing their current situation, including constraints, organizational policies, and the nature of the project. They then explore various agile and lean practices that could be beneficial. This may involve selecting aspects from Scrum, Kanban, XP (Extreme Programming), or other methodologies that best fit their contextBy involving the entire team in defining the WoW, it fosters ownership and commitment to the chosen practices. It also encourages continuous improvement, as the team is expected to regularly reflect and adapt their WoW in response to new insights and changing conditions. This adaptability is a key principle in DA, acknowledging that no single set of practices is optimal for all situationsDefining the WoW also includes agreeing on tools for collaboration, communication, and tracking progress. This could range from physical kanban boards to digital project management software. The goal is to ensure transparency, facilitate coordination, and enable the team to deliver value efficientlyIn essence, defining the team's WoW is about tailoring their approach to best meet the objectives of the project and the needs of the stakeholders while aligning with organizational standards where necessary. It empowers the team to work in the most effective way possible and is critical for the team's success in delivering high-quality outcomes.