Signs Of Leaders Understanding Agile [#AgileLeaders]
1. Agile leaders walk the walk
2. Agile leaders have done their homework
3. Agile leaders know which outcomes they want from agility
4. Agile leaders invest funding and staff to make it happen
5. Agile leaders are visible and active in the journey
6. Agile leaders are able to communicate both progress (good news) and opportunity (more work) simultaneously
7. Agile leaders aare balanced in their power styles
8. Agile leaders are willing to give power to the team
9. Agile leaders are willing to be vulnerable
1. Agile leaders walk the walk
Agile leaders demonstrate their understanding not through their words but through behavior that consistently values teamwork over individual contributions, systems of improvement over metrics obsession, and releasing sooner over working faster.
2. Agile leaders have done their homework
Whether they read books, attend certified training, or tap other channels, Agile leaders who invest their time and energy to learn the why, the what and the how of Agile methodologies send a strong positive sign.
3. Agile leaders know which outcomes they want from agility
Agile leaders demonstrate consistency in stated outcomes over time.
It is one thing to say the intent of Agile is to increase visibility. But it is a red flag when leaders succumb to stakeholder pressure and flip-flop to demand more speed and quality.
Agility involves flexibility with the details, but also a firm vision.
4. Agile leaders invest funding and staff to make it happen
A common danger is when leaders try to achieve agility on the cheap, or “whenever you have free time.”
If a leader puts real resources and assets on the table, chances are they get it.
5. Agile leaders are visible and active in the journey
We know successful initiatives hinge on active and visible sponsorship from senior leaders.
If “business agility” is listed as one of several annual goals and you are told, “Call me when it’s done,” that is a red flag.
Much stronger success comes when there is focused attention on the initiative from leaders.
6. Agile leaders are able to communicate both progress (good news) and opportunity (more work) simultaneously
We often see high-capacity leaders more interested in what is not done – this can cause burnout while a team drives toward a future vision.
A good sign is when a leader acknowledges both what is been done with encouragement and what remains to be done with urgency.
7. Agile leaders aare balanced in their power styles
The most effective leaders emphasize both the relational and task side of leadership. This means they are willing to listen and willing to make tough choices.
Unfortunately, most leaders default to mostly one or the other.
8. Agile leaders are willing to give power to the team
The agile team is empowered to make decisions on how best to create innovative solutions that satisfy customer needs.
9. Agile leaders are willing to be vulnerable
Agile leaders who are unafraid to say “I don’t know”, recognize that they need to model vulnerability in order to lead their organization on a shared journey of learning and growth.
ADAPTED FROM:
Agile: 9 signs your leader gets Scrum:
The Enterprisers Project
Like this? Leave your thoughts below...