This article offers a framework for managing dependencies in small to mid-sized enterprises or mid-market companies with smaller, agile teams.
The article argues that dependencies aren't necessarily bad and may be essential for cohesive work.
The real challenge is in managing dependencies strategically to prevent over commitment, delays, and burnout.
The framework emphasizes three key strategies for managing dependencies: prioritizing anticipated outcomes, optimizing capacity, and adapting through dynamic reprioritization.
All requests should be prioritized using a unified framework that focuses on anticipated outcomes rather than ownership or urgency.
Teams should assess whether to pause or defer work if a higher-priority request arises.
Dynamic reprioritization ensures teams can adapt when priorities change.
Dependencies aren’t going away, so it's essential to create a transparent system that reduces burnout and aligns teams with purpose-driven outcomes.