Agile Key Takeaways
Some of the key takeaways from Harvard Business Reviews (2020) Agile, are that Agile is not just for software development but can be applied to other areas of an organization, such as management, HR, and process improvement. It explains how Agile teams work in short, iterative cycles called "sprints," typically lasting one to four weeks, and deliver a working product or service at the end of each sprint. It also shows how it helps support collaboration and communication between team members and with customers and stakeholders. One of the most critical aspects, however, is that Agile requires a willingness to experiment and learn from failures, as well as a focus on continuous improvement and delivery. Users of Agile find that they are encouraged to constantly question processes and take risks (p. 59). In fact, the book points out that leading tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Spotify have talent-rich teams that use Agile to manage innovation and product development (p. 117).
Overall, the various chapters touch on the fact that Agile can be a valuable tool for C-suite management, but it requires a change in mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. For example, management can use Agile to set the tone for teams and reinforce a collaborative culture. This is done by using organizing principles that foster a collaborative spirit and which help teams sprint to the finish (p. 57). Agile can also help organizations make process improvements stick by providing a structured approach to change management. This includes laying the foundation for identifying the problem, involving stakeholders, creating a plan of action, monitoring progress, and making adjustments. There is also a chapter that shows how Nextdoor, a social networking platform for local communities, used Agile to address racial profiling on its platformthe point being that Agile can be a way to hone in on problems and find creative solutions.
References
Harvard Business Review. (2020). Agile. Boston, MA.
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