To use agile practically, it is recommended that a particular agile framework or combination of framework be adopted
The guidance from these Agile frameworks are based on:
Experience: several years of successful implementation in numerous organizations around the globe who have successfully delivered complex and adaptive product results within defined constraints.
Best Practice: A lot of the lessons learned from these experiences have been documented into best practices in guides, books, and websites compiled by leading experts on specific frameworks.
Expertise: From a resourcing perspective, organizations are able to attract specific expertise from skilled agilists in the market who have a particularly strong background and passion for one of the specific frameworks.
Case Study: Several renowned global Agile in industry bodies, such as the Project Management Institute or Scaled Agile, regularly publish case studies outlining in detail the successful implementation of a specific framework.
This allows Agile transformation consultants and leaders to learn from the experiences of other organization's Agile transformation journey.
Agile Frameworks Are A Vehicle for Practically Utilizing Agile
Agile's principles related to simplicity, adaptability, and the ability to embrace change attract attention. For Agile to practically be utilized effectively, an Agile Framework, or a combination of frameworks, is usually adopted.
The abstract principles of the Agile Manifesto. This is where the various Agile practice oriented frameworks step in.
A framework allows an organization to execute an Agile's promise of a truly unique flavor and that it focuses on delivering both quality and value to the business in an adaptable manner.
Similarities Between Agile Frameworks:
Adhere to the Agile Mindset as being fundamental to the success of any Agile journey
Emphasize that being Agile is critical to successfully doing Agile
The Agile Manifesto’s 4 paired core values and its associated 12 guiding principles set the foundation for all Agile Frameworks
Provide guidance on how to bring the Agile Manifesto’s core values and principles to life
How to approach Agile Framework
Thought process
I envision these frameworks as the enablers that bring to fruition the good intention of an organization's leaders, and agile team member
It brings some comfort to everyone involved to follow a prominent framework that has been tried and tested in the market.
Involve Right Individuals and interactions
Recruit and retain the right skilled resources
Cultivate a collaborative and value-driven environment
Person with Team-oriented mindset
Don't Force Agile Unnecessarily
Leaders have to regularly be reminded that adopting Agile is supposed to improve performance and deliver more value directed at the product and, ultimately, organizational vision.
Each of the Agile frameworks allows for some flexibility, so it is important to not impose everything Agile all at once on a team that's already performing well in delivering value.
In fact, high-performing teams are quite likely to already be engaged in many Agile practices without even realizing it.
Such high-performing teams can be gradually introduced to additional Agile practices, based on a specific Agile framework, through retrospectives and other guided, continually improvement opportunities.
The potential of an Agile team only grows when they are challenged to find opportunities for improvement.
Refined user stories are important
The quality of the stories that are brought into the backlog is important.
Agilers work with product owners to ensure the users' story have been sufficiently refined for the Agile team to proceed.
Now, a PO has to be reminded that it is not their job to zero in on a specific technical solution. That is the Agile team's responsibility.
A PO who heavily intrudes into solutioning will inhibit the Agile team's innovative drive.
Respect Backlogs
A lack of respect for the backlog's priorities and realistic estimates can drive the Agile team and everyone else crazy.
Agilers focus on ensuring that the Agile team does not over-commit to what can be accomplished in each iteration, especially during the first few iterations.
A close eye must be kept on the product backlog board, with the help of a regularly updated work tracking system such as JIRA, ADO, or Rally.
implementing a specific Agile framework is a fine balancing act.
Organizations must be willing to adapt, based on each organization's unique culture and context.
Experts have to regularly remind both leaders and the Agile team to remember that there is no one way to execute Agile practices in an organization.
Why Agile is umbrella for frameworks
Every Agile team's goal is to deliver value-driven functionality with built-in quality and to do it quickly. This is where Fail Fast and Learn is priceless. Agile teams who wish to deliver both amazing product features that delight customers, as well as do it fast, must learn to quickly change course when it is realized that a product feature is heading down the wrong path.
The Agile Umbrella
Deliver Value: An absolutely key driver behind anything Agile is to deliver maximum business value.
Continual Improvement: Ongoing effort to improve product feature and processes being used. Agile promotes incremental improvement to minimize resistance from all who are involved.
Flexibility: Flexibility is one of the foundations of any Agile Framework.
Identifying opportunities for flexibility in the processes and the adaptive planning that Agile frameworks promote allows the Agile team to adapt to changes and still have the strong capability to deliver a valuable product.
Trust and Respect: Agile Frameworks promote trust and respect because such trust and respect motivate Agile teams.
Cultivate Mastery: Time to put aside for learning and growth. This built-in structure for Agile team members to hone their skills further motivates the Agile team.
