What is agile transformation?

The term ‘agile’ is often bandied about, but what does it actually mean in the context of transformation?

First – a bit of history. Agile (Capital A Agile) was launched in 2001, starting with the Agile Manifesto. It was touted as the successor to Waterfall methodology, and Agile was developed specifically to address issues in software development processes.

The four foundational pillars of Agile are:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Working software over comprehensive documentation
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding to change over following a plan

Fast forward a couple of decades, and agile (small a agile) is everywhere. The methodology has expanded beyond IT into a number of disciplines – including project management. This where transformation comes in.

So what does agile transformation look like?

Essentially the main principles of Agile have been adapted to fit a transformation discipline, but the process of transitioning an entire organisation to a more reactive approach can be a lengthy (and tricky!) process.

This is likely why a lot of organisations are not transitioning to a wholly agile methodology – instead they’re adapting principles to improve their processes, create efficiencies, and shift to a customer-focused approach.

Why are more organisations shifting to an agile approach?

The appeal of agile lies in its ability to make organisations more adaptable, customer-centric, and efficient. By embracing agile principles, businesses can:

• Be more reactive: Agile allows teams to adapt quickly in response to market changes, ensuring they stay competitive.
• Do more with less: Streamlined processes and improved collaboration reduce waste and inefficiencies.
• Improve customer satisfaction: With a focus on delivering value incrementally, customers see results sooner, fostering trust and loyalty.

How to start the process of agile transformation

Agile transformation can be challenging, requiring careful planning and commitment. Here's how to get started:

1. Assemble a leadership team: Strong leadership is essential to drive the transformation. Leaders should champion the agile mindset and model the behaviours they expect from their teams.
2. Define goals and create a roadmap: Establish clear objectives for the transformation and outline the steps needed to achieve them.
3. Secure buy-in: Transformation cannot succeed without the support of the entire organisation. A robust communication plan is essential to align teams and stakeholders.
4. Start small: Piloting agile practices in smaller teams or departments allows organisations to refine their approach and address any challenges before scaling up.
5. Build cross-functional teams: Agile thrives on collaboration. Forming teams with diverse skills and perspectives fosters innovation and accelerates problem-solving.
6. Adopt agile tools and frameworks: Tools such as Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) can help streamline workflows and provide structure to the transformation.
7. Iterate and improve: Continuous feedback and iteration are at the heart of agile. Regularly review what’s working and make adjustments to optimise processes.

Agile transformation is not just about adopting a methodology. It’s about rethinking how work is done and creating an organisation that’s built to adapt. Whether through a full transformation or selective adoption of certain principles, embracing agile practices can position businesses to thrive in an ever-changing world.

If you’re struggling to embed agile practices and lack internal expertise, Stellarmann can help. We specialise in building all-star teams with the skills and experience needed to drive agile transformation. Contact us today to start your business on the path to a more agile way of working.