Whole Team
A key value in agile is "Individuals and Interactions over Process and Tools". Agile teams work together crossing role boundaries to focus on the highest value items the team needs to complete. Using a whole team approach cuts delay and waste due to hand-offs and failed communication. According to Mary Poppendieck, the typical boundaries on a team increase the overall cost by 25%.
To be effective, the team needs to be empowered to make decisions and execute without waiting for approval from outside parties. So the right people need to be in the room; collaborating and communicating. The team is both empowered and accountable; requiring leadership as opposed to management.
While everyone crosses roles to help get the work done, specialists are still required. Teams are typically comprised of two business analysts, two quality analysts, and a single iteration manager for every four developers.
LeanDog's Whole Team PDF
The Dog is Otis, Jon Stahl's Bull Dog. Otis and his nephew Iggy can be found lounging around the boat on most days. When they feel like a little activity, Otis is an avid skateboarder and Iggy loves to surf. Yes, really, he loves the water and he loves to surf.