This is a response to Baz Brandt’s article Agile in Highly Regulated Environments, published in the collection, Best Agile Articles 2017 (edited by Michael de la Maza, CEC & Cherie Silas, CEC).
Just because the environment you work in has rigidity in place, doesn’t mean that Agile Project Management should be dismissed; after all, one of the prime principles of Agility is to be flexible and adaptable. If we can’t tailor our methods to suit your business, we have no right in claiming such things.
Do you work in a rigid field? Is your day by the book? Agile Project Management can still work for you! Using Agile methods such as Scrum, or Kanban in the workplace can be beneficial! But what do these words even mean?
Scrum describes the practice of working in set intervals, or “sprints”, with the goal of quickly gathering information, acquiring feedback and implementing it into the work. While Kanban describes the process of visualizing work. This would limit works in progress, and maximise efficiency. It’s a process for constant improvement in the flow and quality of work.
Since Agility is a process of communication, when implementing this practice in the workplace, especially if you are privy to a volume of internal and external auditors, is to speak with them, and even, perform scrum with them; discuss the process of making these changes, work out whether anything yet to be considered will need to be implemented too, and build a sense of rapport. And, of course, make any and all new processes are properly documented! Not only will this benefit your company, but the company external auditors represent, as a closer relationship with clients will be preferred when multiple visits are required.
Equally, since Kanban is the process of visualizing the workflow, the concept is perfectly aligned with the ideals of Agile; embracing transparency, and communication. It is through the use of Kanban, that workplaces can locate potential opportunities to gradually improve pre-existing teams and processes, and make changes that may have not previously been conceivable.
Agile practice is about perspective, and communication. You never know, who in your team, may be able to come up with a strategy much more effective than what has been in place for so long.
Based in London, U.K., and founded in 2016 by Arvind Mishra The Agile Works (www.TheAgileWorks.com), is an up-and-coming recruitment and Agile consulting company. Arvind is a Certified SAFe SPC and regularly delivers both private and public SAFe certification workshops.
He is a design thinking expert, Sr. enterprise, portfolio Agile Coach with over a decade of experience working as an Agile coach in diverse industries such as banking, pharma, retail, auto, oil, gas, consulting and government.
The Agile Works; a small team of three strive to help shape the leadership's mind-set and values in readiness for their business transformation journey challenges. With Arvind at the helm, we strive to provide you with the agility tools to make your company that can thrive, and not just survive.
To book a consultation, or for any enquiries, you can contact Arvind via the following email address: arvind@theagileworks.com
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