Doing Agile Right Part III - Darrell Rigby in conversation with Sohrab Salimi

Doing Agile Right Part III - How Agile Do You Want To Be? Insights from Darrell Rigby
In this episode of Agile Insights Conversation, host Sohrab Salimi engages with Darrell Rigby to discuss Chapter 3 of his book 'Doing Agile Right,' titled 'How Agile Do You Want To Be?' Darrell emphasizes the importance of approaching Agile as a long-term endeavor and setting a sustainable pace. This is the third interview in a three-part series with Darrell. (First interview • Doing Agile Right Part... , second interview • Doing Agile Right Part... )
He highlights the need to change the cultural speed limits in organizations to avoid exhausting employees and expresses his frustration with the term 'transformation.' He explains that organizations often go through multiple transformations because leaders are reluctant to admit when their initiatives are failing.
Darrell and Sohrab delve into the importance of metrics and considering the costs of change when implementing Agile practices. They discuss the significance of learning fast and making assumptions transparent to drive successful transformations.
The conversation also covers the need for frequent successes and celebrating small wins to motivate teams, as well as the concept of Agile leadership, which involves being teachable, seeking feedback, and developing trustworthy people.
The discussion highlights the importance of leaders stepping out of their shoeboxes and empowering others to take on responsibilities. They address the challenges of raising awareness among leaders to prioritize mentoring and coaching and the need to develop habits for effective leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Approach Agile as a long-term endeavor and set a sustainable pace.
- Change the cultural speed limits in organizations to avoid exhausting employees.
- Avoid multiple transformations by admitting when initiatives are failing and making necessary adjustments.
- Use metrics to assess the progress and impact of Agile practices.
- Consider the costs of change when implementing Agile practices.
- Learning fast and making assumptions transparent are key to driving successful transformations.
- Frequent successes and celebrating small wins motivate teams and build momentum.
- Agile leadership involves being teachable, seeking feedback, and developing trustworthy people.
- Leaders need to step out of their shoeboxes and empower others to take on responsibilities.
- Raising awareness among leaders to prioritize mentoring and coaching is crucial for effective leadership.
Chapters:
01:00 Chapter 3: How Agile Do You Want To Be?
11:25 Avoiding Multiple Transformations
32:18 Considering the Costs of Change
35:39 Learning Fast and Making Assumptions Transparent
39:09 Frequent Successes and Celebrating Small Wins
45:36 The Essence of Agile Leadership
57:38 Stepping Out of Shoeboxes: Empowering Others
01:05:47 Raising Awareness for Effective Leadership
About Darrell Rigby:
Darrell Rigby, a Partner and Director at Bain & Company since 1982, has played a crucial role in spearheading the firm's innovation and agile practices.
Working from the Boston office, he has led projects across various industries, helping over a hundred leading global companies craft innovative growth strategies.
Darrell initiated Bain's "Management Tools and Trends" research in 1993, now a key resource for business leaders. In 2005, he established Bain's Innovation and Agile Practices, guiding firms through agile transformations.
Educationally, Darrell earned a BS in Business Management, summa cum laude, from Brigham Young University and an MBA with high distinction as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School. He has authored numerous articles for the Harvard Business Review on topics like agile transformations and the future of work.
His book, "Doing Agile Right: Transformation Without Chaos," offers a thorough guide for successfully implementing agile methods. Rigby's extensive experience and leadership continue to shape corporate approaches to innovation and agility in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more great conversations on all things Agile and leadership! Agile Education by Agile Academy
@scrumacademy