Episode F.036 Transformation Starts With Agile Leadership

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.

Show Objectives
Agile Transformation is about forming high-performance teams who apply agile principles in its processes, structure and people development activities. Removing the things that get in the way of accomplishing these things leads to Agile Transformation. Without the proper approach and implementation of these change initiatives, companies are at risk of losing more than just money, but their talent, too.

Today’s show is geared towards equipping you, the coach or consultant, who has been hired to help your client transition to a Agile Business through Agile Transformation. It is a follow on to Episode D.036 and a good reference to keep handy while working with your clients.

What You Need to Know
The key phases to facilitate Agile Transformation include preparing the organization through education and technology support, facilitating Agile adoption and scaling, and managing change while driving continuous improvement. The Agile philosophy is very people centric, but success comes through the adoption of Agile Leadership first within the company. Leadership buy-in is the critical first step to success.

For you to help your client’s Agile Transformation you need to understand the following and ensure the company leadership buys into the following:

1. Scaling Agile vs. Transformation: There is a difference between organizational transformation and Agile scaling. Transformation is how your client’s company organizes and empowers its employees to run Agile effectively. Scaling is how your client’s organization will execute the plan.  
2. Embrace Failure: When an organization begins working in Agile, expect that the first sprint will be the worst. Immediately begin to create a culture that embraces failure while learning from it. 
3. Facilitate Cross-Communication: Teams will be cross-functional, so teams need to be comfortable talking across departments. The entire company needs to work as a whole.

Agile Transformation Leadership Challenges
“You have to crack a few eggs to make breakfast” Agile Transformation has its fair share of challenges. Here are a few of them:

1. No leadership buy-in
2. Unclear transformation vision
3. No alignment among members
4. Culture adverse to agility
5. Immunity to Change

Develop an Agile Transformation strategy by knowing where your client’s organization is today and where they need to go. Try to balance predictability with adaptability. 

Stay alert for these possible additional disruptors during Agile Transformation:

1. Because there is less planning time detailed planning templates are less useful
2. There is less opportunity to formalize and standardize
3. There is more immediate disruption, and disruption is constant. This leads to more resistance which must be planned for and managed earlier
4. Agile Leaders must be able to make judgment calls rapidly and often, rather than relying on templates and tools

What You Need to Do
The most important factor to a company’s change management success revolves around people. Everyone must be on board. Leadership in charge of the changes must embrace Agile Transformation first and then influence their employees to do the same. 

Follow these steps when helping your client build an Agile Transformation road map:

1. Bridge the Gaps 
2. Recognize Success 
3. Bring Agile to Everyone 

Track the Transformation

1. Establish Meaningful Metrics 
2. Compare Agile Metrics to Past Reporting 
3. Promote Value in all areas ​