A Case Study in Driving Transformation in Hierarchical Organisations

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the need for agility and adaptability is paramount for organisations to thrive. However, many traditional hierarchical organisations struggle to implement and benefit from Agile methodologies due to their rigid structures and order-based decision-making.?

This was the case for our client’s organisation within the public sector, which faced challenges such as time delays, failure to meet objectives, and a constant tug of war on prioritisation.

Between 2022 and 2023, Lithe Transformation, along with its expert consultants, took on a series of projects to tackle these issues within the public sector.?

This case study showcases how Lithe Consultancy guided and advised multi-level leaders in adopting Agile principles to achieve sustainable results.

The Client's Challenge:

The client organisation, although agile when approaching combat situations, was deeply rooted in tradition and protocol, recognised the pressing need to adapt to modern challenges and improve operational efficiency. To achieve this, they sought to embrace Agile methodologies, which promise faster responses, increased collaboration, and better adaptability.

Enter Lithe Consulting, whose approach to this transformation was characterised by flexibility and pragmatism. Instead of imposing an all-or-nothing transformation, Lithe Consultant, Josh Tasker, opted for a phased approach to introduce Agile methodologies within the organisation.

Phase 1: Agile Training Implementation

In the first phase, Lithe focused on training all personnel within the organisation, aiming to create a shared understanding of Agile principles. The challenge here was gaining buy-in from various stakeholders and helping them recognise the potential benefits of Agile ways of working. Some team members were initially reluctant to invest their time and effort into online training sessions. However, as the training progressed, participants began to see the value of Agile methodologies, especially in terms of delegation of authority, clear direction, and building trust.

Phase 2: Shifting Focus to HQ

The second phase involved engaging the leadership team at the organisation's headquarters. Lithe Consulting worked closely with top management to help them visualise their work and understand the flow of operations across the organisation. This phase included implementing tools like Jira and Scrum at Scale to improve prioritisation, executive action, and impediment resolution. However, resistance arose due to the organisational structure and entrenched hierarchical practices.

Phase 3: Visualising Work at the Directorate Level

In the final phase, Lithe focused on one of the largest directorates within the organisation. The goal was to help this directorate visualise its work at the Operational Sustainment (OS) level, promoting transparency and better decision-making. By implementing tools like Jira, the directorate could track progress, commitments, and capacity effectively. This empowered them to optimise their processes, reduce multitasking, and prioritise tasks more efficiently, while also emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Challenges and Successes:

The transformation journey was not without challenges. Resistance to change, time constraints, and the need to adapt Agile practices to suit the public sector's unique context were among the obstacles faced. The organisation grappled with defining ownership of the product backlog, especially when decisions were influenced by HiPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion). Additionally, continuous leadership turnover and the absence of a guiding coalition threatened the sustainability of the transformation efforts.

Nonetheless, the successes were significant. Improved collaboration, increased productivity, and the emergence of data-driven decision-making were some of the notable achievements. Establishing an Agile structure for a key executive committee allowed better visualisation and planning of quarterly objectives. Moreover, the successful adoption of Agile ways of working within specific directorates led to improved communication, delegation, and faster decision-making, with teams showing a better understanding of priorities and improved collaboration.

Tools and Techniques:

Lithe's tailored approach utilised various Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, XP, and Design Thinking, depending on the unique needs of different directorates. Jira played a pivotal role in providing a holistic view of priorities, impediments, and blockers, enabling better decision-making and alignment.

Results and Impact:

The transformation efforts carried out by Lithe within the department yielded impressive results within a relatively short time frame. By embracing Agile principles and methodologies, the organisation built a foundation for more collaborative, adaptive, and efficient operations. Teams reported improved visibility into their work and a better understanding of their objectives, leading to quicker decision-making and improved delegation of tasks.

Unlock the Power of Agile for Your Organisation:

The success of this case study highlights the importance of tailoring Agile methodologies to suit an organisation's specific context. If your organisation is grappling with traditional hierarchical structures and is seeking better results in an ever-changing world, it's time to explore Agile transformation.?

Contact Lithe Consulting's experienced consultants to revolutionise your organisation's performance and unleash the full potential of your teams. Embrace the power of Agile and drive efficiency, adaptability, and collaboration in your organisation's journey towards sustainable success.