Press: Agile Implementation

Agile implementation trends have changed as we inspect and adapt.

I was recently interviewed for an article in the Midlands Business Journal’s technology section as a contributor to their technology trends overview.  Here are some snippets from that conversation:

MBJ: What do you think our business-owner readers should most know in the 2016 version of this annual section as it relates to technologies or industry developments of interest?

In the past, during Agile implementation, companies were more apt to start with one Agile methodology and then experiment by adding other methodologies.  As Agile becomes more understood as a set of values and principles vs just a process or set of processes, we see a trend toward mixing Agile methodologies from the beginning of an initiative.

At One80 Services, we see a lot of companies begin their Agile journey with perhaps a basic Scrum framework, incorporating aspects of Kanban and XP into their process right away, rather than waiting a year or more to experiment with combined methodologies.

It’s encouraging to see this trend as people become more and more familiar with the basic principles and values that Agile exists to sustain.

MBJ: What are some examples of memorable current or recently-completed projects or initiatives your team has taken on, which illustrate some of the aforementioned technologies, approaches to solutions, or broad industry developments?

One80 Services is currently working with several clients in highly competitive industries. Each client is hoping to complete a number of projects in the next 12 to 18 months in order to satisfy customer demand. The projects address a range of clients’ goals including project visibility, improving ROI, strategic planning, capacity planning, collaboration and accountability, and others.

Agile puts individuals and interactions above processes and tools – meaning that how things are working for you is always more important than which process you choose. We customize solutions to each client and in some cases even to each team.

This means that in one company, we may have several different teams implementing different pieces of varying methodologies. One80’s clients are delighted and often surprised by the flexibility that exists within an Agile framework.

MBJ: What would you describe as the biggest 2 to 3 changes in the six months to a year, as it relates to some of the aforementioned products, solutions, and approaches?

As mentioned previously, One80 Services has been working with clients on multi-methodology approaches from the beginning of their Agile implementation.  This is a change from how we and others in our industry would previously implement Agile. Rather than teaching a course about pure Scrum, we now go in and show a mix of methodologies that would work best for each client’s specific needs.  People are really open to using pieces of several methodologies together when they see how well it fits their situation.

Coming at Agile training from this angle makes it imperative to begin with, a conversation. It’s really important to understand the dynamics of the organization and the projects involved – how the teams are formed, what they are focused on, and what challenges they face – before a process is created.

At One80 Services we call this an Agile Kickstart. It’s a conversation followed by training and backed by coaching. This seems to be a magic potion for Agile success.

Really understanding the needs of the company, the team, and the customer before an Agile implementation is key.   Many Agile failures are caused by a lack of understanding or upfront planning.

MBJ: What are the implications of the changes highlighted in the preceding question for our employer-readers?

The competitive edge of Agile development has been proven over and over again.  A willingness to blend methodologies to create the best possible process for your project is the best way to achieve Agile success.

You can improve in various areas such as better, empowered, self-organizing teams, a greater focus on delivering value to your customers; faster project delivery times; and improved overall company culture.