Agile transformation is full of challenges, and to be successful, organisations need to be thoughtful in their execution.
So said Stephen de Villiers Graaff, principal agile consultant at DVT, speaking at ITWeb Software Development Management 2015 at the Forum yesterday.
According to De Villiers Graaff, the success of agile transformation depends on how much preparation was done - whether the people involved are on the same page, speak the same language, and understand the value behind the mechanics.
He believes training is essential for successful transformation - businesses need people with the right type of training and skills.
De Villiers Graaff pointed out agile transformation is a team effort and cannot be done without help. Therefore, business should hire coaches who have deep knowledge and broad experience to draw from - and to bounce ideas off, he said.
"Even if you have read the books and attended agile training courses, you need someone who has done it before. However, the coaches cannot do it for you; there has to be a deep-seated desire to transform the business."
He pointed out implementing tools without the right mindset, vision and determination will lead to failure in transforming the business. The focus should be on the principles and philosophy behind the frameworks and not only the tools.
A transformational organisation is an unstable and volatile place, said De Villiers Graaff. The key to survival lies in being able to react quickly, move efficiently, and remain steady as the world shifts around the business.
Because the agile transformation landscape is continuously changing, to remain relevant and effective, businesses need to prioritise ongoing education.
He believes for an organisation to become agile, there is no room for fear. "To be able to make a change, there are situations where you have to make calls that are out of your comfort zone - be brave and stand up for your ideas and vision."
Be open to learn from wherever and whoever you can - learn different frameworks and do not be afraid of failure, added De Villiers Graaff.
Business needs to look at failure as a learning curve. There is a tendency to reward people with perfect track records but the most profound lessons have arisen from failure, he concluded.
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