The Agile Kitchen on December 3rd featured an engaging session on team dynamics, led by Mieke Tweepenninckx and Katy Willems from AmeXio. Professionals gathered to delve into collaboration in client-consultant relationships, with Mieke and Katy sharing key insights to address common challenges. Whether you’re catching up or revisiting the highlights, this recap serves up a flavorful taste of the evening’s key takeaways!

Agility in client-consultant relationships 

Most organizations embrace agile methods internally. Yet, applying the same principles with external suppliers often proves challenging. Polls during the session revealed that while many participants preferred time-and-material contracts for their flexibility, roadblocks such as control issues, scope uncertainty, and traditional management practices still dominate these collaborations.

This raises an important question: does fixed pricing truly provide certainty, or is it just an illusion? Mieke and Katy from Amexio argued that the rigidity of fixed-price agreements often leads to mismatched expectations, frequent change requests, and budget overruns. Why?

• Requirements are often incomplete.
• Clients may not fully understand the product.
• Suppliers lack an in-depth understanding of the client’s context.

To sum it up, agile partnerships rely on adaptability, transparency, and shared accountability.

Framework for building agile partnerships 

Building on this foundation, the duo shared their blueprint for success—a practical approach rooted in trust and open communication. Their method blends agile methodologies with structured transparency, and here’s how they do it:

1. Transparency with tools

Tools like Jira and Confluence are essential in AmeXio’s projects. They provide:

• Real-time visibility into budgets, scope, and progress.
• Clear role definitions and sprint planning.
• Accurate time registration and financial reporting.

2. Accountability across teams

In mixed client-consultant teams, responsibilities are shared rather than divided into silos. This principle of mutual accountability keeps both sides equally invested in the project’s success.

3. Trust through candor

Katy Willems illustrated the importance of candor with a personal anecdote. Her son’s clever but short-term solution to a problem with a new classmate (“I opened the windows, Mom!”) demonstrated the delicate balance between empathy and clarity.

When it comes to team dynamics, AmeXio highlights the value of honest conversations that address challenges directly but with respect.

4. Healthy Team Dynamics (HTD)

These monthly sessions allow teams to pause operational work and focus on open dialogue. By addressing underlying issues, teams improve how they work together and develop practical solutions. HTDs make space for every team member’s voice to be heard.

5. Team Charters

AmeXio’s teams create tailored charters to guide collaboration. For example, some teams agree on a “five-minute help rule” or schedule dedicated blocks for deep work. These charters are flexible and evolve with the team’s specific needs and goals.

Cooking up success with agile values 

AmeXio’s approach is deeply rooted in agile values, complemented by principles drawn from Prince2. Their methods are practical and structured, creating a roadmap for smoother collaboration and improved project outcomes. Key strategies include:

• Dividing projects into manageable stages: This approach helps teams maintain focus on immediate priorities while tracking progress through regular status meetings. These checkpoints provide clarity on what has been achieved and what needs adjustment.
• Maintaining a flexible scope: While boundaries are clearly defined at the start of each sprint, adjustments can be made when necessary. This adaptability allows teams to respond to evolving needs without losing sight of the project’s core objectives.
• Building on lessons learned: Insights gained from each phase are used to refine workflows and optimize future efforts. Retrospectives and knowledge-sharing sessions are key tools in identifying what works and what can be improved.

This framework transforms agility from an abstract concept into a concrete set of practices. 

By balancing adaptability with structure, AmeXio creates an environment where teams can effectively collaborate, tackle challenges, and deliver meaningful results. It’s a recipe worth adopting!

The finishing touch: perfecting agile partnerships

The session made one thing clear: agile partnerships extend far beyond tools and methodologies—they’re fundamentally about people and relationships. AmeXio’s success demonstrates that when transparency, accountability, and trust are prioritized, collaboration reaches new heights. 

This isn’t just theory; it’s a proven approach supported by practical strategies like integrating collaborative tools and facilitating Healthy Team Dynamics (HTD). These practices help teams address challenges openly, improve communication, and drive results together.

But what truly sets AmeXio apart is their focus on candor delivered with care. As Katy Willems beautifully put it, “Say what you have to say, but with respect.” This balance of honesty and empathy promotes a culture where feedback is constructive, trust is reinforced, and misunderstandings are minimized. It’s a lesson every team can benefit from, whether navigating internal dynamics or external partnerships.