Episode B.038 Action Over Structure

Introduction
Even though the new quarter doesn't start until Wednesday, we are jumping into it with both feet. BTW - that is also the theme for July - Being Agile. Two quick reasons for this theme now. First is we are in new territory when it comes to the economy, social factors, government action and how it is affecting our ability to run a profitable business. The second is how it matches with our previous emphasis around building a "Lean Organization'. The difference is simple - Agile is a mindset that uses the principles of Lean to succeed in unstable times.
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Show Objectives
This show will focus on how to build an agile operation with a minimum of resources - especially startups and very young organizations.

This will put a burden on your ability to manage projects and people in a team setting, and finding the necessary expertise. You can either hire it or outsource. This is a new twist because of being able to operate virtually.

What You Need to Know
6 Methods of Control

1. Control of Inputs: reduce variation coming into the process to allow for standardization.
2. Control of Throughput: create SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to ensure the best way.
3. Control of Output: reduce variation of the end product/service to ensure it meets expectations.
4. Direct Supervision: reduce variation by personally directing instead of implementing SOP's.
5. Cultural Boundaries: reduce variation by creating a set of behavioral boundaries.
6. Standardization of Skills: reduce variation through skill mastery instead of direct supervision or SOP's.

​What You Need to Do
​Agile: Action Over Structure - How do you build, especially in the startup mode, an Agile organization with a minimum of resources.

1. Control of Inputs: select only customers that fit your brand and skill sets, QFD (matrix of external customer needs and internal technical specifications).
2. Control of Throughput: Project and Sprint processes - EPISODE B.037  PROJECT TEAMS ARE THE JIT
3. Control of Output: EPISODE C.037 DATA IS YOUR FRIEND
4. Direct Supervision: SCRUM Master or Owner/Facilitator on Timeboxing and accountability.
5. Cultural Boundaries: reduce variation by creating a set of behavioral boundaries.
6. Standardization of Skills: technical competence, industry competence, teamwork competence.

Next Show: B.039 Flexible Use of Resources ​