As businesses continue to try to keep up with the pace of change in consumer behavior and the constant pressure for new and better products, an increasing number are turning to an agile model. Four of our Experts with deep experience in agile discuss why this matters and what you need to know for successful implementation.
Why Agile Matters
The agile model of creating a unique team of people with various skill sets can enable you to build products faster, gain a competitive edge, decrease the time to market, boost internal morale and ultimately improve your bottom line. “For high volume, fast turnaround projects an agile model is beneficial because you lock in a team that becomes familiar with the project and can produce more for less money,” says Martellus Expert Leslie Hurst. Agile is more than just a cosmetic fix, though. “It requires a mindset shift away from thinking about projects to thinking about products instead, specifically what kind of product would be the best solution for the customer,” Martellus Expert Sarah Mitchell. “Instead of focusing purely on the end solution 12 months from now, you break the project up into smaller iterations and incorporate feedback as you go.”
Get the Right Team in Place
Successful implementation of agile begins with building the right team. Depending on the project, this could include engineers, designers, marketers and business developments representatives. “They will all share in the objective to deliver against project outcome, whether that is a website or a product,” Hurst says. Martellus Expert Felicia Lipson adds, “In my experience, once people are in agile, it is more team-based and it increases morale.” It is important that roles are clarified from the outset. “There always needs be a product owner and scrum master to drive meetings and lift road blocks, whether that is talking to compliance, getting clarity around a goal, or clearly articulating the value of what the team is building for internal stakeholders,” points out Martellus Expert Damaris De Los Santos.
Making Agile Work: What You Need to Now
For the agile model to succeed, executives must embrace the vision and a clear strategy should be in place first. “No organization is going to be textbook,” Mitchell (right) explains.
Going from non-agile to agile is not always easy and it helps to bring in outside experts. At Martellus, we look at people across the organization and assist in setting up the process, whether you are looking for a complete overhaul or need help taking a step back, redefining your vision and getting the right team in place.
Martellus in Action: Meet Our Experts
Leslie Hurst, a senior marketing executive, has implemented agile marketing at major financial institutions.
Sarah Mitchell, an expert in the digital customer journey, has deep experience in agile transformation as a facilitator and member of a products team.
Felicia Lipson, who specializes marketing strategy and product development, has implemented agile models at financial institutions.
Damaris De Los Santos is a specialist in digital strategy and has served as a product manager for agile teams.