Agile Transformation? Really?

“Agile Transformation”: now there’s a search phrase that can keep you busy on Google for quite a while. But what do we really mean by “transformation”? A quick peek in the dictionary tells us that a transformation involves a change in composition or structure, even a change in character. The word “metamorphosis” is sometimes listed as a synonym.

There is no shortage of folks, myself included, who are willing to help you with your transformation. But if you’re pondering going down that path, it’s a good idea to find out if your organization really wants to change before you get in too deep.

Who's Driving the Bus?

There are many things I liked about the late Ray Charles. Not only was he a fabulous musician and performer, but he had the capacity to laugh at himself and even capitalize on the fact that he was blind. Ray played a cameo role as a blind bus driver in a movie a few years back, and in his signature scene, he announced, "Next stop, Sunset Boulevard... I guess it's Sunset Boulevard..." Very funny in a comedy, but no so funny if that's the driver for your organization's transition to agility.

The phrase "make sure the right people are on the bus" is a frequently quoted expression in the Agile community that conveys an abundance of wisdom in the context of building and sustaining agile teams. I'd like to suggest that we can expand this metaphor from the team to the organization, and that for an enterprise to successfully transition to agility, it is of supreme importance that the right leader is driving the bus.