Using Non-Agile Practices to Achieve Agile Maturity: My Hands-on Experience

Agile transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Many teams find it hard to switch to Agile, especially if they have been using traditional processes for a long time. From my experience, I’ve learned that sometimes using non-Agile methods can help teams move toward Agile in a smoother way.

Non-Agile Ways That Help Teams Become Agile

Using hybrid Model in transformation state

1. Using Timelines & Time Estimates for Subtasks Tracking tasks with a timeline and estimating time for subtasks helps keep the team organized. It provides structure while they learn Agile ways of working.
2. Coaching the Team on Story Points At the same time, guide the team on how to set story points for user stories. Help them understand why it’s important to give proper weight to each story based on effort and complexity.

Clear Roles Before Self-Organizing Teams

1. Agile teams work best when they organize themselves.But in the beginning, teams may need clear job roles to avoid confusion.Starting with well-defined roles and slowly moving to self-organization makes the transition easier.

Keep in mind that:

• Agile is a journey, not a one-time switch.
• Non-Agile practices can serve as stepping stones toward Agile maturity
• Forcing Agile too fast can create resistance—gradual transitions work better.
• Each team has a unique path to Agile adoption—customizing the approach is crucial.

Conclusion

If you’re leading an Agile transformation, don’t be afraid to mix traditional and Agile practices to ease the transition. The goal is not to be “100% Agile” overnight but to create a mindset where teams can adapt, iterate, and improve continuously.

As I finish this article, I want to hear your thoughts. I wrote this based on my experience with many companies, but it's not finished. Your feedback will make it better. Let's talk and make these ideas more useful in our work.