Using Communities of Practices to Sustain an Agile Transformation Kevin Burke An Agile Coach at Fidelity Investments

Adoption Vs. Transformation Adoption: Practices, Tools, Techniques, Ceremonies and Habits... Doing Agile Transformation: Organization Structure, Culture, Mindset... Being Agile

Environment changes – Leaders, Business Partners Pressure – “Let’s skip the Retro we’re too busy” Complacency – Internalization of new best practices – Agile takes work Challenges of Sustaining an Agile Transformation

Feeling like imposters

Great for “Cracking the Nut” of Agile Adoption and being a catalyst for Agile Transformation, – Lack of Team Commitment – Lack of Knowledge Product Politics Past Issues – Observer effect Challenges of using Coaches to Sustain

What are Communities of Practices? A CoP is a group of people who are active practitioners. The purpose of a CoP, is to provide a way for practitioners to share tips and best practices, ask questions of their colleagues, and provide support for each other. Membership is dependent on expertise - one should have at least some recent experience performing subject area of the CoP.

What Communities of Practices offer? A Scalable Approach Tailored Adoption per Team and allowing an organization to keep consistency – Measurement Increased Commitment – Change Agents in every team

Why use Communities of Practices to Sustain an Agile Transformation Effective Knowledge Management – Socialization, Internalization Training Support group – Peer Coaching – Leadership communication channels Know Subject Matter Experts – Skills, Knowledge

Best Practices for a CoP Design for evolution Invite different levels of participation Combine familiarity and excitement Develop both public and private community spaces Focus on value

Best Practices for running a CoP Find Interested People Big Kick Off – Communication Plans – Leadership backing Networking events – Identify Focus Areas Sub groups – Hold people accountable for commitments Motivation – Purpose, mastery, autonomy Close CoP or reenergise

Why use Communities of Practices to Sustain an Agile Transformation Knowledge Management Socialization Internalization Known Subject Matter Experts Collaboration Peers Leadership Strength in numbers

Questions?