Three Essential Tips For A Successful Agile Transformation
Three Important Areas Covered So Your Agile Transformation Is A Success!
Training – More Than A 2-3 Day Course
Culture Change
Experts On Site
Essential #1
Training
There Is More To Training Than You May Think.
It goes without saying that some level of training is required when undertaking a large organizational change, such as an Agile transformation. This is often the first step people begin within their transformation. For many organizations, training includes sending teams to a 2-3 day Agile training class, possibly some role-specific training such as Certified Scrum Master or Certified Product Owner training. These training classes provide a foundational understanding of implementing Agile practices and are a good place to begin.
Some companies form a Dojo. In this setting, software development teams come to the Dojo for a multi-week immersive learning experience. This is a proven way for teams to embody an Agile mindset, using Agile practices every day while delivering their actual work products. For more information about the Dojo concept applied to software development, learn from the expert company Dojo and Co.
Essential #2
Culture Change
One Of The Most Important Elements.
One of the most important elements of any successful organizational change effort is attention to the culture change required for the change to take place. Unfortunately, the training is always focused on implementing agile practices and ignores the human side of the transformation where culture change comes in.
Here are some characteristics:
- Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities
- People focus on delivering value over “getting stuff done”
- People work on the right things rather than just keep busy
- Decisions are made by the people closest to the work
- Leaders provide guidance and vision and stay out of the minutiae
- People are comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions
- Plans are made and adjusted as new information surfaces
Essential #3
Experts
Deep, Lasting, Organizational Change.
Deep, lasting, organizational change required for a successful Agile transformation necessitates expert guidance. Such guidance can come in the form of a new position as a full-time employee. This role must be at a high enough leadership level within your organization to influence change at all levels since successful Agile transformations require change at more than just the team level.
– Stevie Borne – Intertech, Inc.
GET TO KNOW THE AUTHOR
Stevie Borne
Stevie has over 20 years of software development experience, with most of that being on Agile teams. From her first Agile project, she was hooked on the collaborative, customer-focused approach that enabled her teams to delight customers with incremental, valuable deliverables. After moving on from a developer role, she has held numerous roles, including Product Owner, Scrum Master, Project Manager, Coach, and Development Manager.
“I have had the opportunity to coach hundreds of Agile teams and leaders, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. During these engagements, I’ve guided leaders and team members alike to discover a practical approach to apply Agile values and principles successfully. Mentoring is one of my true passions. ”
Why Did You Choose This Field?
I don’t have a good answer for this….I fell into software development and along the way discovered I enjoy helping clients solve their problems with creative technical solutions while equipping their teams to do their best work.
Sideline
Stevie is an international speaker, trainer, and professional life coach. She holds numerous Scrum, Agile, and coaching certifications. When not working with her software teams and leaders, you can find Stevie outside hiking, biking, and rock climbing.