Category : Scrum
By Vineet Patni | 22 September 2022
Business conditions are dynamic. It is essential to become adaptive (or “Agile”) to changing needs and welcome new ways of handling operations and responding to opportunities. An enterprise with a non-Agile environment usually follows a conventional approach and standard practices that are rigid and slow. It causes a loss of chances to grow and increase brand value.
To overcome such issues and grab every fortunate event to add value to the products or services, becoming Agile is vital. “Nothing will change unless we change.” As transformation agents, Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches must take the necessary steps to bring about this change.
How to begin with Scrum?
There is no defined, prescriptive way to implement Scrum as it varies based on industry, product, personnel, and other factors. Adopting Scrum should not be treated as a “fixed cost, scope, and deadline” project. It is more of a change of lifestyle or ways of working that will take its course depending on the current context. A sudden shift without the tendency to accept change is worthless. There are ways to begin the transition from non-agile to Agile:
~ Willingness Check:
A key question to find an answer is, “Are they or the leaders willing to change?” As the change agent, the Scrum Master must know whether the team and the leaders are willing to adopt new values and practices. If they are not ready, they must find the issue and treat it accordingly. If there is no willingness to change, stop. Moving forward is only possible with this willingness to try something new.
~ Find out who has the mindset.
Understanding the mindset of people is imperative. One needs to understand the team’s and leaders’ mindset and help them understand the benefit of Scrum. It is essential to understand who favors the change as the new shift could be more appealing; rebels check in when we try to take people out of their comfort zone. To avoid such resistance, the Scrum Master needs to understand who will be supportive and can help. Creating a solid coalition at the start of the transformation journey will help significantly.
~ Educate through initiating workshops.
It is critical to share necessary tools and educate team members to make them feel they are essential to the change. The various ways to educate will help them understand the concept better and make them more willing to change. It would be introductory without implementation but will brief the expected results of the transition to Agile.
End thoughts:
The transformation journey can be long, but the Scrum Master needs to take one step and bring one change at a time. There is no fixed time, performance, or schedule to get started. But it allows you to choose and create a new way. After all, Agile is all about responding in your way to add value to the product. Be Agile in your Scrum Adoption. There is no guarantee.
About The Author:
Vineet Patni is the Founder and Principal Agile Coach at ScaleUp. An avid learner and a passionate facilitator, Vineet has been assisting enterprises and individuals in becoming truly Agile. Please feel free to connect with him at Vineet@ScaleUpConsultants.com .
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the author’s own. The author welcomes and respects any difference of opinion.
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