Why Is An Agile Transformation So Demanding?

Agile transformation changes an organization through-in and throughout. It is not just about adopting the Agile methodology. Its main goal is to deliver better business outcomes. And for that, it influences every part of an organization, be it the leaders, managers, or employees. Agile is more of a mindset than a methodology that helps in removing fear-based norms.

To Begin With An Agile Transformation

In the past, during the years of mass production which lasted for a substantial period, the corporate culture showed no mercy for the mistakes of managers. Moreover, managers weren’t allowed to show any justification for not having solutions. Professionals were expected to have the perfect expertise for their work from the very first day of their job.

In short, the environment was straightforward in highlighting the message, "can’t do so don’t do" which meant it was not at all interested in training or giving you the required time to learn. This culture compelled the professionals to hide their shortcomings and insecurities, sometimes even by blaming others. This made everyone’s life difficult in an organization.

At this critical juncture, the Agile Transformation came as a sigh of relief for professionals. It transforms the thinking process of the entire organization where employees attain a stage of psychological security from the very beginning before implementing a new methodology.

Since 2001, when the Agile Manifesto was published, dozens of businesses have testified that Agile transformation has helped them to enhance product quality, expedite growth, and shorten time to market. Enterprises have even started scaling agile by implementing frameworks like SAFe which showed double-digit improvements in the aforementioned aspects. Moreover, SAFe organizations are actively recruiting employees with a SAFe Agilist Certification.

What Does The Agile Manifesto Say?

The Agile Manifesto emphasizes people and their interactions than processes and tools. The most crucial requirement of an agile team is psychological security and a mindset to embrace vulnerability as a lesson. This is true for corporate individuals as well, irrespective of where they stand in the hierarchy.

Once psychological security is established, nothing can stop a team from being more productive and innovative. Therefore, if an organization doesn’t encourage creativity among the employees, then they will cease taking the risk of introducing the components that are crucial to the success of agility.

What Can Be Done To Assure The Success Of The Agile Transformation?

The first move should be to strike a balance between the following factors:

• The Mindset: The entire atmosphere of an organization including all the levels of hierarchy should learn to accept vulnerability. This in turn would eliminate the psychology of fear and guilt.
• The Methodology: This is the core of an organization responsible for developing a product or service.
• Business Agility: It is about knowing the necessary skills and expertise to take your business to the next level.

Endnote

The most crucial factor is to have a clear knowledge of your business objectives. Once you understand that it can help you unite your company around shared results, explain your Transformation plan, and identify essential choices. It will also assist in determining whether or not the Transformation is on track. And agile certifications such as Scaled Agile Certification or any other can help you understand your business through the lens of agility.