The Uncomfortable Truth of Scaling ‘Agile’

TL; DR: The Uncomfortable Truth of Scaling Agile

Agile transformations, scaling Agile from a team level to the whole organization, are more than implementing frameworks like SAFe®. They require a radical shift from rigid, top-down management to flexible, people-centric operations rooted in simplified structures, autonomous teams, and frequent, sustainable value delivery rather than promising quicker, cheaper results.

The Uncomfortable Truth of Scaling Agile — Age-of-Product.com
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Agile Transformation: ChatGPT or McBoston?

TL; DR: Agile Transformation with ChatGPT or McBoston?

This article is another excursion into this nascent yet fascinating new technology of generative AI and LLMs and the future of knowledge work. I was interested in learning more about a typical daily challenge many agile practitioners face: How shall we successfully pursue an agile transformation? Shall we outsource the effort to one of the big consultancies — McBoston? Or shall we embark on an agile transformation with ChatGPT providing some guidance?

If technology can pass a Wharton MBA exam, maybe, it deserves some attention. We thought that AI might initially come after simple office jobs. I am no longer sure about that. Maybe, ChatGPT’s successor will start at the top of the food chain.

Agile Transformation: ChatGPT or McBoston? Age-of-Product.com
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Agility and Scrum According to OpenAI’s ChatGPT — Be Surprised!

TL; DR: Business Agility, Scrum and Generative AI’s Take on Getting There

There has been a lot of talking about generative AI recently, mainly fueled by excellent work results in the text and graphics area. A few days ago, OpenAI made a new model available that “interacts in a conversational way. The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.” (Source.)

I thought it might be fun to ask ChatGPT a few questions about business agility in general and Scrum in particular.

Generative AI: OpenAI’s ChatGPT on Business Agility and Scrum — Age-of-Product.com
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SAFe ®’s NPS ® Score as a Scaling Framework Is -56 According to 505 Survey Participants

TL; DR: The SAFe ® NPS ® Score as a Scaling Framework Is -56

SAFe® has always been a controversial topic within the agile community. Therefore, back in 2017, I ran a first survey on the Net Promoter Score® of the Scaled Agile Framework SAFe®. The result back then was -52. Four and a half years later, I reran the poll: SAFe® has been through several iterations, and many more agile practitioners have experienced working with it. However, the question still is: Would you recommend SAFe ®?

Executive Summary: SAFe®’s NPS® score based on the 2022 sample equals -56. (For details, see the data below.)

SAFe ®’s NPS ® Score as a Scaling Framework Is -56 According to 505 Survey Participants — Age-of-Product.com
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Survey 2022: Would you recommend SAFe ®?

TL; DR: Survey: Would you recommend SAFe ®?

SAFe® has always been a controversial topic within the agile community. Therefore, back in 2017, I ran a survey on the Net Promoter Score® of the Scaled Agile Framework SAFe®. The result back then was -52. Four and a half years later, I believe it is time to rerun the poll: SAFe® has been through several iterations, and many more agile practitioners have experienced working with it. Moreover, the question still is: Would you recommend SAFe ®?

If you can spare five minutes of your time, please join the community effort and participate in the 2022 SAFe® survey.

Survey 2022: Would you recommend SAFe®? Age-of-Product.com
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Adapt How You Lead for Agile Success — Johanna Rothman at the Agile Camp Berlin 2021

TL; DR: Adapt How You Lead for Agile Success w/ Johanna Rothman — ACB21

Too many people say, “With agile, we don’t need no stinkin’ managers.” However, because managers create and refine the culture, modern managers create and refine the agile culture. Without modern management, any agile initiative will die. It’s time to invite managers to change their behaviors and create a real agile culture. Learn from Johann Rothman how to adapt your leadership style for agile success as a manager in an agile organization in this 54-minute long video from the Agile Camp Berlin 2021.

Modern Management: Adapt How You Lead for Agile Success — Johann Rothman at the Agile Camp Berlin 2021
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