5 Tips for Using the Agile Method in Process Implementation
rogeriolord
Apr 30
3 min read
Implementing agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, or any of their variations) is a challenge faced by all types of organizations, project management offices, and managers. The goal of this content is to make that implementation easier — or rather, more efficient. Check out 5 killer tips to successfully adopt an agile method.
The advantages of using this kind of method across a large number of projects are clear, but actually implementing them is not a simple task. In many organizations, agile adoption is often met with fear, resistance, and various obstacles. With the tips below, you’ll increase your chances of a successful agile implementation and see positive results. Let’s dive in.
1. Start with the Right Project
While agile methodologies can technically be applied to almost any type of project, a successful implementation requires choosing the right kinds of projects to start with — ones that will deliver the greatest benefits in the shortest amount of time.
Trying to apply agile to traditional projects or day-to-day operations often doesn’t work well. There's usually a sense of lost control, and teams (and leadership) tend to revert to the familiar methods they already know.
On the other hand, experimental, innovative, or first-time projects with less defined scopes, high variability, cross-functional teams, and a need for quick results are ideal for applying agile methodologies.
2. Define the Team's Role
The role of the team in traditional projects is significantly different from their role in agile projects. In traditional projects, the project manager takes the lead and controls every aspect. In agile, the team plays a much more central role, while the project manager becomes a facilitator of the process.
It’s essential to clearly define the team’s role to implement agile effectively. Agile projects require multidisciplinary, self-organizing, self-managing, and proactive teams — a big shift for many organizations that are used to hierarchical, command-and-control models.
Building a team based on equality, horizontal relationships, and a shared objective is a key ingredient for future success.
3. Manage Tension
Although it may seem counterintuitive, agile is more like a marathon than a sprint. Some organizations approach agile as a way to get more done in less time, capitalizing on how engaged teams tend to be.
That’s partially true — but if we want the implementation to last, we must manage the natural tension that always arises within the team.
It is entirely possible to have a highly motivated, self-managing team focused on results. But to maintain these characteristics over time, the team must see real productivity gains, not just ever-increasing workloads.
Presenting metrics in a light, engaging, and informal way during meetings can help ease the tension. Speaking of which, metrics are one of the most important parts of any agile process — so let’s talk about that next.
4. Analyze Metrics
Agile methods are powerful. They boost team motivation and can deliver impressive results in shorter timeframes. But that doesn't mean abandoning control.
Agile encourages us to measure, analyze, and — above all — continuously improve.
Metrics are the way to visualize project management based on real data — rather than on intuition, assumptions, or daily emergencies. Velocity, flow, and commitment are essential metrics to track and analyze alongside project outcomes.
5. Quality Control
Quality means more closed deals. Increasing delivery speed, hitting targets, or building a self-sufficient team doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
Delivering results quickly is crucial in agile processes, yes — but these results must also work as expected and meet requirements efficiently.
That’s why quality should not be left for the end. It needs to be built into the process from the start, with ongoing review and testing — ensuring the final outcome meets the objective and performs as intended.
Comments