What It Takes to Become an Agile Organisation
As organisations become increasingly project-based, the old ways of working don’t quite cut it. The rigid structures and traditional processes that worked in the past simply can’t keep up with the pace of change today. Businesses and governments are required to respond, adapt and evolve to meet new challenges, keeping on top of business-as-usual all the while.
It’s simply unsustainable.
So how can organisations navigate ever-shifting operating environments?
The answer is Agile.
We’ve partnered with countless clients establish agile ways of working, helping them to deliver projects more efficiently, solve problems more effectively and drive results effortlessly.
So, what does it take to become an agile organisation?
Here’s what we know.
1. Start with a vision
Becoming agile starts with a clear vision.
It’s not enough to want to do more with less; you need to define what an agile future looks like for your organisation. What challenge will it solve? What value will it bring? What difference will it make?
Starting with a vision sets you on the path to success.
Once the vision is set, the next step is aligning everyone around it, from senior leadership to those on the front line. When people have a shared vision for an agile future, they’re more likely to embrace the changes that come with it.
When challenges inevitably arrive, the vision serves as a reminder of what the change is all about, keeping people on the agile path.
2. Create cross-functional teams
Agile organisations streamline the project delivery process by eliminating bottlenecks typical of traditional departmental structures.
Small, cross-functional teams are established with the right mix of skills to get the job done.
Cross-functionality improves outcomes by empowering teams to collaboratively plan, execute and problem-solve.
This means better projects, better delivery and better results.
Getting the organisation to this stage however requires buy-in and commitment, with stakeholders requiring the right structures and support to make the shift.
3. Embrace iteration
From agile teams to agile methodologies – value is more important than volume.
For agile organisations, value is created through the virtuous cycle of iterative project delivery.
By delivering smaller iterations more frequently, project teams have the ability to test, analyse and continuously improve their ideas and solutions.
Embracing iteration enables true agility.
As project requirements change, so too can deliverables – reducing risk, reducing cost and reducing time.
The wrap up
Becoming an agile organisation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of continuous improvement.
A clear vision lays the groundwork. It sets the organisation on the path to success.
Structures are put in place to support cross-functional collaboration. Teams are established and empowered.
Value is created through iteration. Solutions are tested, analysed and improved upon.
We know what can happen when organisations embrace agile. We’ve helped to make it happen.
How can we help you?