On the Agile Mindset

What are the right frameworks and approaches you should take when it comes to agile project management? For you to adopt a framework that is workable for your organization, you have to be ready to take an agile journey. 

In this episode of Dreams with Deadlines, Jenny speaks with Kit Friend, an Agile Coach, proud geek, and Atlassian Partnership lead for EMEA at Accenture (despite his enthusiasm, these views are currently officially only his own). Kit explains why design thinking, agility, data fluency, outcome, and compelling storytelling are important digital areas you need to work on to be successful as an organization. 

Listen in to learn the different ways to be agile, where to start your agile journey, and some old-school frameworks that are better approached with caution or paired up to work. You will also learn about the Spotify model and why you should be cautious before adopting it in your organization. 

“Scrum is a good place to start your agile journey even though it might not be the right destination.” — Kit [22:22]

Show notes

• [2:09] Kit on how he manages agile teams as an agile coach and the series of events that led him to this career.
• [9:26] How to predictably manage a project with a traditional methodology like Waterfall. 
• [17:39] Some of the old school agile frameworks; lean, XP, Scrum, Kanban, and more. 
• [26:00] How to approach the agile journey as an organization to adopt the right framework. 
• [31:54] Understanding the Spotify model and why you should be cautious before copying and pasting it. 
• [42:22] The five digital areas you need to work on to be successful as an organization. 
• [53:40] Kit answers more quick-fire questions.

Relevant links

• Scrum and XP from the Trenches
• The Spotify “Model”: Don’t Simply Copy-Paste

People referenced

• Matt Meckes
• Greg Detre
• Laz Allen

Agile mindset umbrella