Define Your Method, Don’t Let It Define You

When I first started managing development teams and web projects, I often got the question: “What methodology do you follow?” Honestly, my initial reaction was, “What’s that?” (Cue nervous laughter).

I didn’t have a textbook answer because I wasn’t following any specific methodology. Instead, I was figuring things out based on what worked best for my team. And that’s when it hit me: a method should serve the team, not the other way around.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Teams are made up of individuals, each with their own personalities, strengths, and workflows. You can’t just slap a predefined methodology on a team and expect it to work flawlessly. Scrum, Agile, Waterfall—they’re all great frameworks, but none of them are one-size-fits-all solutions.

To create a process that works, you need to examine the dynamics of your team, understand their needs, and adapt accordingly. What I often ended up doing was a hybrid approach: taking inspiration from established methods but tweaking them with “something extra” to fit our unique situation.

Flexibility is Key

A good leader knows that the method is just a tool, not a rulebook. While it’s important to have structure, rigidity can stifle creativity and morale. By defining a flexible method, you can give your team the freedom to thrive while still maintaining direction.

The Method Serves You

The takeaway? Don’t let a method box you in. Instead, define a process that works for your team, even if it’s unconventional. Whether you’re drawing from Agile, Kanban, or something entirely self-made, what matters is that your method is adaptable and effective.

At the end of the day, it’s not about following a methodology to the letter—it’s about creating an approach that brings out the best in your team. So, define your method, and don’t let it define you.

What’s your approach to creating workflows? Share your insights!