10 Steps To Take To Transition To Agile
I am often asked by people in my workshops as well as by companies: “How can we transition to agile? What do you suggest?” The challenges that companies will likely need to address during the transition to agile are focused on the major differences between waterfall and agile mindsets. However, by understanding these characteristics, teams can better define and implement an appropriate agile transition plan that supports their members and facilitates a shift to agile operations with limited difficulty.
So here are 10 steps that you can follow to transition to agile:
- Explain why you want to transition to Agile
- Someone in management should answer this question (benefits, communication plan)
- Businesses sometimes do not understand or realize how much time/money is wasted
- Find defects sooner results in higher quality releases which means lower cost and tech debt
- Everyone should speak the same language regarding Agile (e.g. everyone needs education and training)
- Identify pilot team and make sure they are super stars
- Define and align Scrum roles and responsibilities
- Human Resources adjustment
- “I was a project manager and now I am a ScrumMaster.”
- Performance Evaluation expectation change
- Make sure teams can see each other for Scrum meetings. Globally dispersed resources should be on webcam.
- Align organizational processes for Agile and Scrum (e.g. the number of documents needed for a sprint).
- Make sure the team has the correct tools.
- Look at Infrastructure/Architecture/Network/Security.
- Take it slow and constantly reassess.
- Consider hiring an outside Agile and Scrum Coach.