How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive (or not)

How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive

Hala SalehAgile Coach, Product Manager, Entrepreneur

http://www.halasaleh.com@HalaSaleh1

http://www.halasaleh.com/

Who Am I? • Hala Saleh, CSM, CSP, PMP

• History/Evolution:

Developer -> QA -> PM -> Agile Coach/

Consultant

• Today: All of the above (ok, maybe minus

Developer) PLUS:

© 2014 Hala Saleh www.halasaleh.com

Agile Whaaat?


• Show of hands: On a scale of 1 – 5, how familiar are you with “agile” development?

1. Not familiar with agile at all2. Heard about it, not familiar with details of any

specific methodology3. Moderately familiar, can name/describe at least 1

agile methodology/framework at a high level4. Familiar, can explain details of at least 1 agile

methodology & can name others5. Very familiar, can explain details of more than 1

agile methodology & have experience implementing at least 1

Bad News


Only 2% of Executives “knowledgeable”

about agile*

* In 2013, per VersionOne’s 8th Annual State of AgileTM Survey

Good News


Together, we can change that statistic.

(And heal the world! And make it a better place!)

Assumptions(Mine, not yours)


So…


What does ‘Agile’ mean to you?


Exercise: Define Agile/Agility

• Working in groups of 3 – 4 (5 minutes):

–Brainstorm: What is “Agile”–Define “Agile” (in 2 – 3 sentences)–Discuss

• Share!


The Agile Manifesto

“We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software over comprehensive documentation

• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

• Responding to change over following a plan

That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.”*

*Source: agilemanifesto.org

Agile Principles • The Agile Manifesto is based on 12 principles. See

here: Agile Principles*• Discussion: Key Agile Principles and Takeaways

CollaborationContinuous Feedback & Improvement

F r e q u e nt & C o n ti n u o u s D e l i v e r y

SELF-ORGANIZING TEAMS

SUSTAINABLE PACE

Simplicity Retrospectives

Inspect-Adapt Cycle

Timeboxing


* Source: agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

Let’s Talk About Agile

Agile development: An iterative and incremental approach to developing software that incorporates continuous feedback loops, adaptability, and collaboration.


BUT, agile is not only for software!

Agility: An iterative and incremental approach to achieving an end-result (product, project, goal) that incorporates continuous feedback loops, adaptability, and collaboration.

Agile Thoughts/Hopes/Dreams

Stepping back from all this agile talk:

• What are your goals/hopes/dreams for your

organization? (Go wild!)

Now:

• What do you think/hope agile will help you achieve? (Top 3)

Image Source: http://drea-mcatcher.tumblr.com/


Top Reasons for Adopting Agile

The top 3 reasons respondents cite (consistently) for adopting agile are*:

1. Accelerate time to market

2. More easily manage changing priorities

3. Better align business and IT objectives

* Source: http://www.versionone.com/pdf/2013-state-of-agile-survey.pdf


But What ACTUALLY Happens After Adopting Agile Methodologies?


Barriers to Successful Agile Adoption


Agile fails because of culture.

Why is Culture Important?


DOING AGILE BEING AGILE

Ready to Work?Step 1: Identify the Problem

• Before committing to an agile transformation, or even starting to adopt agile practices into your organization, clearly identify the WHY:

What problem are you trying to solve?


Step 2: Is Agile the Answer?

• If your culture is not compatible with “Being Agile”:– Start with processes, and “Doing agile” – Implement incremental changes (e.g. start

doing daily standups, or retrospectives

• Some great resources:– “Agile Adoption Patterns: A Roadmap to

Organizational Success” by Amr Elssamadisy– “Becoming Agile in an Imperfect World” by

Smith & Sidky


Step 3: Identify What Level of Change You Are Ready For

TACTICAL (How we work) STRATEGIC (What we want to achieve)

CULTURAL (Who we want to be)

Focus on: - Process- Work Practices (e.g.

Reduced batch size, Engineering practices, etc)

- Communication/transparency

Focus on:- Customers (AT LEAST

meet expectations)- Organizational structure

(roles & responsibilities)- Long-term thinking

(Quality, alignment)

Focus on: - Organization’s Identity- Our vision- Our values (e.g.

Creativity, Integrity, etc.) Use Agile principles as a good starting point

Results:- Project/goal visibility- Group/team focus- Improved EFFICIENCY

Results:- Better

business/IT/company alignment

- Increased capability- Improved

EFFECTIVENESS

Results:- Delighted customers- Engaged/accountable

team members- Innovation- Happiness


In Conclusion

1. Agile can’t make you a better executive.

• News flash: Agile is not a silver bullet. • But it can give you the tools to work and live

better.• Combined with real organizational culture

change, it can help you achieve:– More delighted customers– More innovation– A culture of self-organization and accountability– Faster time to market


In Conclusion

2. Get involved

• Learn it • Understand it • Do it (WELL!)


In Conclusion

3. Learn from others’ failures AND successes

• Look up: Spotify Engineering Culture video


In Conclusion

4. Cultivate a tolerance for Failing Fast

• On the condition that you learn from it


In Conclusion

5. Ask for, and get HELP

• There’s a lot involved in succeeding at this stuff.

• Get trained, coached, and make sure to hire people who have experience.


Addendum (Bonus)

• Don’t call people “resources” (unless you want to be called “overhead”) – Suggestions: Team members, developers,

technical wizards, people.

• Participate in retrospectives (and make sure they happen!)– You will be amazed by what you learn!


Q&A


Thank You!

Twitter: @HalaSaleh1Email: [email protected]

Contact me for any Qs, resources, or help!


How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive (or not)

Leadership & Management

Transcript of How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive (or not)