3. Agile Organizational Values
Thinking outside-in treats Agile approaches as a
process to be implemented by the organization.
The truth is, Agile approaches come with a built-in
value system – as created in 2001 through the Agile
Manifesto. Introducing Agile without regard to its
value system often creates friction in organizations
that leads to a reduction in effectiveness and lack of
sustainability.
Google spent millions of dollars researching the
underlying traits of effective teams in a project
called Aristotle. Aristotle researchers concluded that
understanding and influencing team norms were
the keys to improving teams. A team culture, which
enables psychological safety for all members of the
team to take risks, is a common characteristic of all
of their strong teams.
4. Customer Value Delivery Focus
The first focus of most Agile initiatives is the last point
of my Must-Haves. There is a purpose to this
re-orientation. While customer focused, cross-functional
teams are the heart and soul of an effective Agile
approach, when leaders focus here first, without regard
to the first three Must-Have's outlined above, limited
effectiveness and sustainability ensue.
Due to the high complexity, uncertainty and rapid
pace of change, organizations learn most effectively
through doing – this requires a balance between
planning and doing, and a recognition that most
learning occurs through implementation, not thinking.
Leaders must attack waste, bottlenecks and other
organizational friction while providing clear direction
on value toward customers.
The 4 Must-Have Agile Traits Your Company Needs to Succeed
Aristotle researchers concluded that understanding and
influencing team norms were the keys to improving teams.
4
team customer
