The project manager assigns every task in an agile team. Is that necessary?
Overcentralized work coordinationClarify the team's delivery model and decision rights. Where the team is expected to self-manage, give it outcomes and constraints rather than controlling every individual assignment.
What to do now
- Confirm accountabilities and boundaries
- Make priorities and goals clear
- Let the team coordinate detailed work
- Review outcomes and impediments together
When to escalate
Escalate when
Unclear authority causes unmanaged safety, compliance, or delivery exposure.
Who decides
The team lead and appropriate line manager
Example
A delivery team chooses how to divide work while the accountable owner sets the product priority.
Mistake to avoid
Calling a team autonomous while approving every minor task choice.
Prevent a repeat
Review whether working agreements improve delivery and raise people concerns through the appropriate channels.
Suggested ApprovedFlow setup
- Tasks
- Resources
- Documents
Make agreed responsibilities and follow-up tasks visible while keeping sensitive people matters in the authorized confidential process. See the platform
Related cases
- Meetings leave no time for focused work. What can we remove?Coordination overload
- We added new people, but productivity dropped. Why?Onboarding and coordination load
- A senior stakeholder bypasses the project manager and assigns work directly. What should happen?Uncontrolled instruction channel
- Should every project workflow become an AI agent?Unnecessary autonomy