Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

Flexible Change Processes, How To Adopt Agile With An Agile Approach | Robert Finan

Jan 1, 2025

In this insightful conversation, Robert Finan, an IT professional with 25 years of experience in Agile transformations and creator of the Agile Drill Sergeant webcomic, shares his expertise on flexible change processes. He discusses the pitfalls of top-down Agile implementations and emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Robert highlights the value of small-scale pilots and early stakeholder discussions to ease transitions. He also stresses the need for empathy and collaboration to help teams embrace change and navigate resistance effectively.

12:08

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Episode guests

Robert Finan

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Successful Agile transformations require flexibility and an understanding of complexity, avoiding rigid, top-down approaches and instead emphasizing iterative progress.

Addressing the emotional resistance to change by fostering open communication and providing comfort can significantly enhance acceptance during Agile transitions.

Deep dives

Announcement of the Global Agile Summit

A significant event, the Global Agile Summit, is scheduled to take place from May 18th to 20th, 2025, in Tallinn, Estonia. This summit aims to provide a transformative experience focused on real-life Agile practices rather than theoretical concepts. It will feature presentations from a diverse group of Agile practitioners, including product leaders and engineers, sharing impactful stories and strategies for overcoming challenges. Early bird tickets are available at a discounted rate, making it an attractive opportunity for those within the Agile community to enhance their understanding and capabilities.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Agile Transformations

2min

Navigating Change: Flexible Plans and Subtle Introductions

4min

Navigating Agile Transformation: Embracing Change and Overcoming Resistance

4min

Robert Finan: Flexible Change Processes, How To Adopt Agile With An Agile Approach

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

Robert discusses how top-down, project managed Agile transformations often fail to account for the complexity of change. By focusing on flexibility, inspect/adapt cycles, and bringing comfort to the change process, Scrum Masters can guide organizations away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward the sustainable improvement that is the hallmark of Agile.

Self-reflection Question: How can you bring comfort to the change process in your organization?

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About Robert Finan

Robert has been working in IT for over 25 years, with the last decade spent deeply engaged in “messy” real-world Agile transformations. He documents his experiences in the Agile Drill Sergeant webcomic.

You can link with Robert Finan on LinkedIn.

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