Are you looking for a way to optimize your innovation strategy? The agile manifesto was created in the early 2000s by software developers who wanted to bring their products to the market faster and more efficiently. Hence, agile software was born. Agile methodology has since been adopted by a multitude of non-technology industries that are applying their principles and core values to project management initiatives. It’s simple and helps teams become more innovative in how they structure workflows.
You can create a culture of agile innovation by empowering your employees. More than 70 percent of organizations have implemented the agile approach, overcoming many challenges along the way.
Implementing Agile Methodology
Before you can implement the agile mindset, you must first know the elements of the Agile Method and the environments that promote agile thinking. This is what drives success in both technology and non-technology industries.
How the Agile Method Applies to a Non-Tech Business
Think of the Agile Method as an approach to work rather than a specific set of management processes. Many of the core principles can be applied regardless of your industry or the framework you choose.
Iteration is the key. You wouldn’t tackle an entire project without breaking it down first.
The Agile Method groups the individual tasks of a project into two- to three-week segments. Team members are assigned tasks that they work through during the specified period. The team will reconvene at the end of each period to evaluate the work, resolve any issues, and seek valuable feedback.
Tasks are often divided into three categories: to do, in progress, and done. Each task is moved to the appropriate category as it is completed.
The Agile Method allows creative teams to accomplish tasks with creative freedom. Unique solutions are often the result of using this highly effective method.
What to Expect from the Agile Method
The Agile Method focuses on brief communication. This eliminates wasteful meetings in favor of time spent performing tasks.
Teams often plan short meetings of between 5-10 minutes in duration to hone their innovation strategy. Team members can quickly check in with one another to make sure everything is on schedule.
The longer meetings are saved for the end of each period and are given in the form of a retrospective. This discussion allows the team to consider and reinforce positive outcomes and resolve known issues.
How to Use the Agile Method
When using the Agile Method, ensure the right resources are available and that you offer relevant training. Time is also an important factor. Each team member needs to understand the methodology and believe in its philosophy.
Adapt to changes in each project you will complete as well as their processes. This flexibility will go a long way toward creating an agile mindset within your organization.
Innovate with Success
An agile mindset can introduce your company to processes for creating a more effective innovation strategy you might not have previously considered. These new efficiencies will increase product delivery times while reducing costs.
When it comes to agile project delivery, 28 percent of agile projects are more successful than those completed using traditional methods. Though the risk is present, you can address it by ensuring the right controls are in place.
Through this highly effective methodology, you can publish company training materials more efficiently, streamline recruitment efforts, and much more. When successfully implemented, the Agile Method can change the way your company does business both now and in the years to come.
Looking for ways to increase innovation across your organization with a proven idea management solution? Contact us today to request a demo.
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