Interested in becoming Agile?
First, one thing to understand, Agile is not a Method. Agile is a mind-set. Got that?
Agile was created to provide common values; principles, and ideas that drive the methods underneath its umbrella.
Agile = Mind-set Agile Methods = ways of working that support the mind-set.
Why become Agile?
Build the right products, at the right time.
Customer feedback & satisfaction.
Embrace and manage change to stay ahead of the competition.
Predictability and transparency to Stakeholders.
Efficiency and empowerment of Teams.
So how do you find a method that helps you become Agile?
Ask a lot of questions!
Here are some to get you started:
Why do YOU want to become Agile?
Is there a specific problem you are trying to solve? What is it?
Have experienced or seen success come from Agile and want to apply it?
You’ve heard it spoken of and it sounds cool?
Where is your support for finding & implementing an Agile method?
Does Leadership support the method and work with it?
Do you have a leadership sponsor to help?
Do you have buy-in from teams?
What is the makeup of your team/s?
Are you able to have the dedicated roles noted for the method?
Is the team able to become (or already is) Cross-functional?
What is the size of your team? Is your team less than 5 people, more than 9 people, or somewhere in between?
What is the work your teams are doing? How does it come into the teams?
Is your team focused on predictability and productivity for large projects?
How far in advance can your team plan?
Is the new work truly an emergency? How quickly are you required to deliver the new work?
I usually ask a lot more questions but these four are a good starting point for anyone looking into adopting an Agile Method.
You have chosen to go Agile.
You have answered the questions.
What’s next....
Research into the methods, keeping the answers to those questions in mind. Run some small experiments with a team or two using a method. Get feedback from teams and stakeholders. Plan a roll-out and communication plan.
The main takeaway is Agile is the mind-set; there are several methods out there that can help you achieve it.