6 tips for leading agile transformation

Agile transformation is the process of transitioning an organization to a nimble, reactive approach based on agile principles. The goal is to breathe new life into a business by creating an environment that embraces creativity and innovation, empowers employees and reduces unnecessary layers of management.
“Technology has never moved faster than it has today,” says Paddy Lemons, principal consultant at Burendo. “From smart phones, to ChatGPT, to driverless cars, to drone delivery – our everyday experiences and daily interactions with products and services are unrecognizable versus just 20 years ago. To enable organizations to thrive in this environment, they must prioritize agility as a strategic imperative.”
Like all major business undertakings, agile transformation is complex and requires significant investment. Leading an agile transformation process can therefore present a number of challenges.
Here are six tips for successfully leading agile transformation.
Truly commit to agility
Your personal commitment to agility is one of the most critical success factors in creating the change you desire, says Lemons. “Your team will mirror your behaviors, so the importance of genuinely adopting an experimental mindset cannot be overstated.”
Nominate agile champions
Nominate some agile champions who understand agile and the benefits it brings but also understand the goals of the organization’s transformation, says Melissa Kirby, senior consultant at Burendo. “These champions, who work alongside the rest of the teams, can help spread the knowledge of agile, answer any questions and shut down any doubts.”
Be accountable and listen
It’s always useful to appoint a lead for the project to ensure it meets the required outcomes and sticks to timescales, but it’s equally as important to work with those who are impacted and might end up using the system, says Chris, marketing coordinator at manufacturing and processing machinery firm MattressTek.
Embed security into agile
If your company is going through an agile transformation, it’s more important than ever that your security team is embedded inside your software engineering team, says Chris Bender, VP of security at ClickUp. “Security and software engineering must become one-in-the-same, and security can no longer just point out risks but needs to be involved in helping to find solutions.”
Leadership support for agile
Leadership must sell the vision and goals of agile transformation, ensuring they transform the culture of their organization alongside their ways of working. “Your leadership must empower individuals to reach their potential, making agility not just a methodology but a fundamental ethos that guides the organization toward resilience and innovation,” says Lemons.
Give people time and training
If a team is expected to adopt agile ways of working, then the people will need to be given the time and training to perform the roles well, or else they won’t be motivated, team morale will drop and the squad will have limited success, says Kirby. “If you don’t take steps to win over your people, then you’re always going to face resistance to change,” Kirby adds.

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Community Building And Values: Key Approaches To Entrepreneurship

In the world of entrepreneurship, the path to success is rarely a straight line. Instead, it's a journey marked by highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. With 18% of small businesses not making it past the first year and 65% of businesses failing within 10 years, as the Chamber of Commerce reported, entrepreneurs need to adopt a mindset that will help them weather the inevitable storms they will face.
Embracing Challenges As Opportunities
The entrepreneurial landscape is fraught with challenges. Each hurdle, rejection, and failure are integral parts of the journey.
“The key to thriving in the face of challenges lies in how you perceive these obstacles. Do you see them as insurmountable barriers or as chances to improve and innovate? This perspective makes all the difference. Embracing resilience is key to entrepreneurial success. Facing challenges and setbacks is an inevitable part of the journey. Instead of viewing obstacles as insurmountable, see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate. Remember that many successful ventures have emerged from the ashes of failure. Cultivate a mindset of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Every setback is a step closer to your goal, as long as you're willing to persist and learn from each experience,” says Claudio Bravo, CEO of Bravo Luxury. Bravo has navigated turbulent waters, from humble beginnings in a small town in Chile to becoming a prominent real estate developer in the Coachella Valley, and can attest to the importance of mindset in the face of challenges.
Betting On Yourself
Central to this journey is a profound belief in oneself and a foundational trust in one’s abilities and vision. This means investing time, resources, and energy into your ideas and capabilities. “Taking calculated risks is part and parcel of successful entrepreneurship. It's about believing in your potential to succeed, even when others might have doubts,” says Bravo.
Science Direct research shows a clear link between self-confidence and entrepreneurial success. Bravo’s self-confidence helped him successfully navigate the 2008 housing market crisis.
Handling Rejection In High-Stakes Investments
One of the most daunting aspects of entrepreneurship is facing rejection, especially when it involves significant financial pursuits. What separates the top entrepreneurs from everyone else is their approach to rejection.
“Each 'no' should be viewed not as a door closing but as a stepping stone to a 'yes.' It's essential to seek feedback from these rejections and use it constructively to refine your pitch, business model, or strategy,” he advises.
Moreover, timing can be crucial. A 'no' today might become a 'yes' when the market or business is more mature. Entrepreneurs must recognize that rejection is not a reflection of their worth but a standard part of the entrepreneurial process,” explains Bravo.
Due to its turbulent nature, the entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint of heart. It requires a combination of resilience, self-belief, and the ability to view setbacks as opportunities.
Betting on yourself, embracing continuous learning, and handling rejections with grace and determination are the hallmarks of successful entrepreneur. Remember, every challenge faced is a lesson learned, and every setback is a setup for a comeback. Keep pushing forward, never give up, and watch your entrepreneurial dreams become a reality.

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