Agile training is typically focused on a single framework without sufficiently considering the unique contexts teams face in their work environments. Most organizations have pockets of Agile where some teams are fully working in an Agile manner, some teams are doing so partially and some use a planned, Project Management approach. There aren’t Agile methodologies that you can take from classroom theory and fully implement in practice without modification. You must fit the methodology to the needs of your organization and its business objectives rather than try to force fit how you work to a given methodology. Training should align with what teams face in their unique work environment and equip them to develop their own approaches.
Teams often work in environments that require a Hybrid Agile approach, meaning they’ll have to combine Agile methods with other, non-Agile techniques. There might be compliance-driven constraints or dependencies that require some tasks to be carried out in a linear, structured manner and your teams would fit Agile methodologies in a way that most effectively achieves their objectives within existing constraints.
Evaluate and Create Your Own Path
Organizations must evaluate where they are and then create their unique path to implementing Agile methodologies and tailor it to meet their needs. Fit Hybrid Agile to your purpose. For example, a team might use a detailed requirements effort to ensure security protocols are in place followed by sprints of incremental delivery.
Every transformation needs a roadmap that starts with the end goal, evaluating what you need and defining how to get there. Your roadmap should have flexibility that allows teams to meet challenges that arise, often with flexible, hybrid approaches.
Teams Transition at Different Rates
Each team within an organization is different and some will incorporate Agile ways of working more quickly than others, but teams at different stages of the journey still need to collaborate. Training must include how to navigate the moving parts within an organization as it transitions to Agile. That includes Hybrid Agile approaches to facilitate working across teams as you move organizationally to minimize the chaos and messiness of change.
Allow Teams to Choose Their Methodology
Agile teams should strive to be self-organizing and self-sufficient. Training should prepare them to evaluate their work and collaborate to choose and implement the best methodology to meet their objectives. They are the closest to the work and are the ones who must carry it out so they should be the ones who choose their methodology. To prepare them to effectively evaluate and implement a Hybrid Agile methodology that best fits their work, teams must be trained so that they have a solid understanding of the principles behind Agile methodologies.
Optimize Agile Training
Training should be designed to prepare teams to effectively implement Agile principles into practice in a way that delivers optimal business value. Rather than teaching teams how to mechanically implement a given Agile methodology, they need to be trained in the principles behind methodologies to prepare them for what they’ll see in the workplace.
Agile methodologies are like tools in a toolbox. While you need to know what tools are available and how to use them, training should focus on developing the ability to identify and use the right tools for the right job. Most of the time that involves creating a Hybrid Agile approach that combines Agile and non-Agile techniques to get the job done most effectively.
Download the Create a Unique Hybrid Agile Model infographic for more tips on preparing your teams to customize Agile methodologies to the unique challenges they face.
