You’ve been asked to lead an Agile transformation in your organization. A few teams have experimented with Agile, but they need structure and support. More teams are considering the switch, but don’t know how to execute. The lines of business are curious, but don’t understand the impact. Where do you start?
A recent survey found that 94% of companies plan to adopt Agile in the next year. Astoundingly nearly 47% of all Agile transformations either fall short or fail outright. Where did it all go wrong?
The Pitfalls of Going Alone
When organizations try to transform using in-house staff, they rely on the ingrained culture to implement a new value system. It’s the equivalent of a vegetarian chef running a steakhouse.
The Coach as an Expert Advisor
An experienced Agile Coach serves as a guide into the new value system. First the coach helps to assess the current situation and shape the roadmap. As the transformation proceeds, the Coach acts as mentor, cheerleader, and influencer. They’re also the stabilizing force when distractions appear.
Selecting a Great Agile Coach
How do you find the right coach for your organization?
- Make sure they're practitioners first.
To avoid false experts, ask pointed questions: does the Coach/organization practice what they preach? How long has the coach has been practicing Agile? In what roles? Ask for specific examples of their challenges and successes. - Ensure they understand your uniqueness.
Don’t accept boilerplate transformations. Every organization has its own set of challenges and must be respected as such. Look for Coaches who: understand systems thinking, ask powerful questions and practice empathy. Ideally, the Coach begins the journey with assessments and interviews. - Validate their credentials.
Trust but verify. An authentic coach should have references, industry publications, and a presence in the Agile and IT community.
Imagine how much harder the journey would have been for Frodo Baggins, had Gandalf the Grey not been his Coach along the way.
