While completing documentation is often an indication that some progress has been made, until software has been implemented, tested, and approved by a customer, the amount of progress cannot be measured. Here are some common reasons agile teams fail to frequently deliver working software—and how to avoid them.

Having engaged employees is about more than having happy workers. Research shows that engagement is also one of the most important factors for giving a company a competitive edge. This is why it is so important to identify issues of demotivation and act on them as soon as possible in order to keep employees motivated.

It’s an art to balance project sponsors’ need for timely and accurate information with being diplomatic in how and when that information is delivered. Diplomacy is about tact—communicating in tough situations without antagonizing anyone more than necessary. Here are eight keys to diplomatic, effective communication.