Buzzword Bingo: What is Agile Transformation?
Catie Marolt
Enterprise AI | Organizational Transformation | AI Governance | Data Governance | Technology Program Management
The past year has marked a change in the landscape of the agile community as many of the values and principles that we hold dear have catapulted into the spotlight as common buzzwords. One of the most overused and misunderstood phrases is “Agile Transformation”. Many organizations claim to be in the midst of an Agile Transformation and each has its own set of frameworks and initiatives being put into place to achieve the ever illusive state of being truly “transformed”.
What does Agile Transformation really mean?
After years of being grilled by executives, I have come to embrace that many organizations are not interested in an Agile Transformation at all, but rather look to achieve enterprise wide Agile Adoption. There is a stark difference in the two objectives.
In the midst of an Agile Adoption, an organization is focused on changing its processes to those consistent with agile values and practices. The most common is a change from Waterfall to Scrum, often beginning with a pilot group. Agile Adoptions can happen quickly and require only minor (if any) changes in organizational structure and culture.
A true Agile Transformation requires a fundamental shift in the way people think, feel and act. Agile methods and frameworks are used as tools and enablers and are not looked at as a destination goal. An Agile Transformation happens slowly and requires major organizational and cultural changes, which can be seen as dynamic and even disruptive. Effective transformation requires a long term commitment and continued coaching.
The difference in the two objectives boils down to:
AGILE ADOPTION vs. AGILE TRANSFORMATION
Doing Agile vs. Being Agile
Process Change vs. Culture Change
Is your organization part of an Agile Adoption or Transformation? Do any scaled agile frameworks represent true transformation? I’d love to know your thoughts!
#agile #scrum #transformation #agility #leadership
Manager, Enterprise Agile Transformation @ LSEG | Driving Business Growth through Agile Transformation
5 年Great article Katie - Spot on - Really like the concept of Agile Adoption vs Agile Transformation
Agile Program Manager with expertise in Scrum and Product Ownership
5 年Phenomenal! Very well articulated.
Enterprise Transformation Lead, AWS
6 年Love the “think, feel, act” statement. So true.
Product Delivery
6 年Print it and post this on the slew of organizations that have jumped on the ‘do agile’ bandwagon. ?? People get wrapped around the process and tools axle and don’t see that it’s all about people and culture- as you stated. Thank you for sharing!