When we are talking about the Agile Methodology, it is definitely not restricted to software development teams. There are countless organizations that have actually managed to improve on their delivery speed and flexibility with the help of the Agile mindset.
Some businesses, in fact, have also managed to scale this methodology into every one of their departments.
Most companies and organizations are currently using it in the fields of marketing, auto manufacturing, and education as part of their project management strategy.
However, Agile Technology can also be a help when it comes to a non-technical team. With an Agile Mindset, there is no doubt that people are going to encounter some resistance when it comes to change. However, that can also be good news. Even though there may be some initial criticism, there will also be an improvement in the value of the application.
What is Agile Methodology?
Agile Methodology is a project management process. A team of people manages a project by splitting it up into a number of stages. Continuous collaboration with everybody involved is crucial.
Before you begin, it is important to define how you are going to use it and why. In other words, what problem do you expect it to solve?
As soon as the whole thing starts, team members move through a three-step process, which includes:
- Planning.
- Executing.
- Evaluating.
For the whole operation to be successful, non-stop collaboration is vital. In other words, project stakeholders and team members must liaise continuously.
Some Tips You Need To Follow
If you are wondering how Agile technology is implemented in non-tech companies, you should read the suggestions below. They will help you manage the whole process more successfully.
1. Just Encourage, Don’t Prescribe
It is crucial that your people become convinced about the benefits of Agile methodology rather than pushing it onto them. It is a question of lots of encouragement rather than harsh orders. In fact, this is probably good advice for any new system or process that you plan to introduce.
2. Try Iterating, Not Transformation
There are different practices that are clearly formed around the amazing Agile methods. You are going to have to make sure that you are introducing these practices iteratively. This will avoid the sudden culture-shock that people might experience with a sudden transformation.
Iteration refers to implementing a process repeatedly to generate as many outcomes as possible. Every single repetition is one iteration, while its outcome is the beginning of the next iteration.
There are certain methods such as Scrum and Kanban that you need to research. You should take your time when you introduce these methods. In Agile, you don’t plan months or years ahead, you just need to ensure that people are able to understand the concepts and practices now so that they can implement them better.
3. Bridging The Gap Is Important
Bear in mind that Agile does not believe in the concept of actually sacrificing quality for speed. So, it is safe to say that you can easily practice it with a non-technical team as well. Take your time when you explain what is happening, what will happen, why, and what they should expect.
The better people understand a new system, process, or regulation, the more likely they are to embrace it.
4. Try And Synchronize
When you have multiple teams practicing Agile methodology, there is a risk of Agile Silos. In other words, team members have been used to implementing things internally but not between different departments.
In the world of business management, the term silo refers to any system or department which cannot operate in harmony or together with other systems or departments. Rather than ending up with a large, well-oiled machine, you have several isolated components working at different speeds.
Imagine an orchestra in which the violinists, trumpeters, and cellists are all playing at different speeds. The music would sound terrible. It is the same with any corporate system in which different departments need to coordinate.
Before you begin implementing the whole process, you must have a unifying vision.
Final Thoughts
When you use Agile, as occurs with any new system, there are going to be some teething problems. Do not be surprised, frustrated, or upset when they occur. Focus on how to remedy them and move forward.
Agile Methodology is being adopted by an ever-growing number of companies and other organizations. It can help your business get more done in less time, i.e., it can significantly improve productivity. Greater productivity usually means larger profits, which is the ultimate aim of every business.
Now that you have read this article, you should be in a better position to know what to do before you begin and during the process. Remember that you are much more likely to be more successful if you can get your people to embrace the whole process rather than simply obeying your orders.
During every step of the way, remember also to make sure that there is continuous, non-stop collaboration between all the team members and stakeholders.
Interesting related article: “What is Project Management?“