Before we attempt to understand what is Agile, we must understand what AGILE is NOT.
AGILE is NOT a Protocol or Methodology or Technique or Technology or Machine.
AGILE is a MINDSET!
It is an umbrella of many other frameworks and methodologies which serve as a guideline but it can be (in fact must be) Tailored to fit your Organization/Project/Team.
There is a significant difference between Doing Agile, which is to follow all the Agile prescribed practices and ensuring that your team aligns to it too, and Being Agile which is to have and coach an Agile Mindset, to embrace and learn to harness change for the betterment of the project/product, to consider and own the project as your own and to be involved as a “PIG”.
AGILE is often misunderstood and executed incorrectly, running each iteration as a mini waterfall, which defies Being Agile.
Adopting Agile is a quick transition but being truly Agile is a slow and steady process that evolves with each iteration. The Transition must be nurtured carefully and tactfully taking small but consistent steps.
- Assess company culture and Business market (OPA/EEF)
- Acquire Buy-in from Executives and higher management.
- Coach for Agile Mindset and its benefits to stakeholders.
- Train and coach people in Agile practices and their benefit (look for the 7 steps of change)
- Leading by example by using agile techniques and practices where possible
- Pilot with a less risky project with a medium-to-low degree of uncertainty and stakes.
- Progressively pace the adoption of agile practices on a project-by-project, team-by-team basis.
- Incremental introduction of agile practices to the team and stakeholders
- Share everything — knowledge, ownership, credits, responsibilities, and load.
- Let the team take the lead, while the Leaders lead from behind.
- Inspect, introspect and retrospect often.
- KAIZEN - Look for small but continuous improvement.
There is no single or set recipe for the Transition, just some success stories, some guidelines, and best practices. Pick and tailor the ones that best fit you and your team.