4 Ways To Be Agile

Scrum provides a minimal framework that enables Agility[1], and at the same time provides a pathway to understand Agility and how to make Teams[2] better. While Teams evolve and mature, they often strive to reach “Agility in all things.” So what does it mean to really be “Agile?” How many ways can one be Agile? Join us as we count a few of the ways to be agile!

Agility

Agility – The act of basing actions on current reality, as opposed to being predictive or plan-driven. Agility has two primary facets: Physical Agility and Mental Agility; and it has two different levels: Tactical Agility and Strategic Agility. Let’s define each of these concepts…

4 Ways To Be Agile - Mental Agility

Mental Agility

Mental Agility – Having situational awareness and using feedback to make the decisions necessary to be Agile.

4 Ways To Be Agile - Physical Agility

Physical Agility

Physical Agility – A Team, Project, or Organization has Physical Agility if its processes provide the feedback necessary to enable Agility.

4 Ways To Be Agile - Tactical Agility

Tactical Agility

Tactical Agility – Agility that changes ‘how’ a Team works in order to achieve its goals; this is embodied in the Team’s Self-Organization.

4 Ways To Be Agile - Strategic Agility

Strategic Agility

Strategic Agility – Agility that changes ‘what’ the Team or Organization does in order to maximize Value or ROI. Strategic Agility is a Product Ownership responsibility.

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Notes and Sources

  1. “The Agility White Paper.” 3Back. Accessed April 20, 2017. https://3back.com/agility-scrum-white-paper-download/.
  2. “Signs That Your Team Needs Agility.” 3Back. March 10, 2016. Accessed April 20, 2017.
    https://3back.com/news/signs-that-your-team-needs-agility/.