How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive (or not)

How Agile Can Make You a Better
Executive
Hala Saleh
Agile Coach, Product Manager, Entrepreneur
http://www.halasaleh.com
@HalaSaleh1

Who Am I?
• Hala Saleh, CSM, CSP, PMP
• History/Evolution:
Developer -> QA -> PM -> Agile Coach/ Consultant
• Today: All of the above (ok, maybe minus Developer)
PLUS:
© 2014 Hala Saleh www.halasaleh.com

Agile Whaaat?
• Show of hands: On a scale of 1 – 5, how
familiar are you with “agile” development?
1. Not familiar with agile at all
2. Heard about it, not familiar with details of any specific
methodology
3. Moderately familiar, can name/describe at least 1 agile
methodology/framework at a high level
4. Familiar, can explain details of at least 1 agile
methodology & can name others
5. Very familiar, can explain details of more than 1 agile
methodology & have experience implementing at least 1

Bad News 
Only 2% of Executives
“knowledgeable” about
agile*
* In 2013, per VersionOne’s 8th Annual
State of AgileTM Survey

Good News 
Together, we can change that
statistic.
(And heal the world! And make it a better place!)

Assumptions
(Mine, not yours)

So…

What does ‘Agile’ mean to you?

Exercise: Define Agile/Agility
• Working in groups of 3 – 4 (5 minutes):
– Brainstorm: What is “Agile”
– Define “Agile” (in 2 – 3 sentences)
– Discuss
• Share!

The Agile Manifesto
“We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing
it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to
value:
• Individuals and interactions over processes and
tools
• Working software over comprehensive documentation
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding to change over following a plan
That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value
the items on the left more.”*
*Source: agilemanifesto.org

Agile Principles
• The Agile Manifesto is based on 12 principles. See here:
Agile Principles*
• Discussion: Key Agile Principles and Takeaways
* Source: agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

Let’s Talk About Agile
Agile development: An iterative and incremental
approach to developing software that incorporates
continuous feedback loops, adaptability, and
collaboration.
BUT, agile is not only for software!
Agility: An iterative and incremental approach to
achieving an end-result (product, project, goal) that
incorporates continuous feedback loops,
adaptability, and collaboration.

Agile Thoughts/Hopes/Dreams
Stepping back from all this agile talk:
• What are your
goals/hopes/dreams for your
organization? (Go wild!)
Now:
• What do you think/hope agile will
help you achieve? (Top 3)
Image Source: http://drea-mcatcher.tumblr.com/

Top Reasons for Adopting Agile
The top 3 reasons respondents cite
(consistently) for adopting agile are*:
1. Accelerate time to market
1. More easily manage changing priorities
1. Better align business and IT objectives
* Source: http://www.versionone.com/pdf/2013-state-of-agile-survey.pdf

But What ACTUALLY Happens After
Adopting Agile Methodologies?

Barriers to Successful Agile Adoption
Agile fails because of culture.

Why is Culture Important?
DOING AGILE BEING AGILE

Ready to Work?
Step 1: Identify the Problem
• Before committing to an agile
transformation, or even starting to adopt
agile practices into your organization,
clearly identify the WHY:
What problem are you trying to solve?

Step 2: Is Agile the Answer?
• If your culture is not compatible with “Being
Agile”:
– Start with processes, and “Doing agile”
– Implement incremental changes (e.g. start
doing daily standups, or retrospectives
• Some great resources:
– “Agile Adoption Patterns: A Roadmap to
Organizational Success” by Amr Elssamadisy
– “Becoming Agile in an Imperfect World” by
Smith & Sidky

Step 3: Identify What Level of Change
You Are Ready For
TACTICAL (How we work) STRATEGIC (What we want
to achieve)
CULTURAL (Who we want
to be)
Focus on:
- Process
- Work Practices (e.g.
Reduced batch size,
Engineering practices,
etc)
- Communication/transpa
rency
Focus on:
- Customers (AT LEAST
meet expectations)
- Organizational structure
(roles & responsibilities)
- Long-term thinking
(Quality, alignment)
Focus on:
- Organization’s Identity
- Our vision
- Our values (e.g.
Creativity, Integrity, etc.)
Use Agile principles as a
good starting point
Results:
- Project/goal visibility
- Group/team focus
- Improved EFFICIENCY
Results:
- Better
business/IT/company
alignment
- Increased capability
- Improved
EFFECTIVENESS
Results:
- Delighted customers
- Engaged/accountable
team members
- Innovation
- Happiness

In Conclusion
1. Agile can’t make you a better executive.
• News flash: Agile is not a silver bullet.
• But it can give you the tools to work and live better.
• Combined with real organizational culture change, it
can help you achieve:
– More delighted customers
– More innovation
– A culture of self-organization and accountability
– Faster time to market

In Conclusion
2. Get involved
• Learn it
• Understand it
• Do it (WELL!)

In Conclusion
3. Learn from others’ failures AND successes
• Look up: Spotify Engineering Culture video

In Conclusion
4. Cultivate a tolerance for Failing Fast
• On the condition that you learn from it

In Conclusion
5. Ask for, and get HELP
• There’s a lot involved in succeeding at this stuff.
• Get trained, coached, and make sure to hire people
who have experience.

Addendum (Bonus)
• Don’t call people “resources” (unless you
want to be called “overhead”) 
– Suggestions: Team members, developers,
technical wizards, people.
• Participate in retrospectives (and make
sure they happen!)
– You will be amazed by what you learn!

Q&A

Thank You!
Twitter: @HalaSaleh1
Email: hala.saleh@gmail.com
Contact me for any Qs, resources,
or help!

How Agile Can Make You a Better Executive (or not)

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