How to use the Agile Fluency Model
Two weeks ago, I started a new agile transformation journey with a new company. They have several cross-functional teams. Like everywhere else, they asked me to make them agile in 3 months :)
So, I tried to use the Agile Fluency Model to help my main stakeholders to see what kind of agile investments their organization needs to make. Insufficient investment not only leads to slow progress, but it also creates lasting cynicism and resentment.
In order to achieve my goal, I tried to use a series of images. Using visual aids in meetings or classrooms helps improve learning by up to 400 percent.
I did not want to just explain the Agile Fluency Model to them, My goal was to figure out two things for the main stakeholders, Where we want to go, and What it will cost us? I think, explaining the Agile Fluency Model with this image, helped me to reach my goal.
Let’s explain it:
1- Agile Fluency model, Contains different Zones, “1. Focusing 2. Delivering 3. Optimizing 4. Strengthening”.
2- Each Zone, Depends on a set of agile proficiencies. and Each Zone can potentially generate specific benefits.
3- Proficiency is an observable behavior, such as “Team members consider their plan to be the team’s work, not individuals’ work.”
4- Fluent proficiency is a special kind of Proficiency: A habit of exhibiting proficiency at all times, even when under pressure.
4–1- Set of fluent proficiencies, can generate the zone’s expected benefits.
5- Fluent proficiency requires deliberate, thoughtful, day-in-day-out practice over months.
6- Deliberate practice comes from a deliberate investment in learning through practice.
When you are introducing benefits and Investments, at the same time, it will help your stakeholder to choose the right zone based on their current context. The current context is so important, Based on the current conditions we want to reach a special level of agility that helps us to be successful in our business. Unlike maturity models, where more mature is always better, the fluency model describes a collection of choices. Each zone represents a fully-mature choice.
Based on my experience, your stakeholders should understand this is their journey (Now coach journey) and They should support this journey with the right investment plan. Insufficient support can cause a turnover and create a cynical corporate culture that hinders improvements. Before embarking on your fluency journey, be sure your stakeholders are prepared to offer the support the journey needs.
In the next story, I will share How I facilitated my main stakeholders to choose the right zone and create an investment plan together. (But I need to be sure this will be valuable for you, so please let me know your feedback; And no feedback means I don’t have to keep going :)
Regards
Asad Safari
References: Agile Fluency Model
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