Agile Culture, Adoption, & Transformation Reading Guide

This is a reading guide to the series that explores corporate culture and how that has a direct impact (sometimes very negative) on efforts towards Agile adoption and transformation. It is a must-read for every Agile Change Agent. The role of Kanban is quite distinct and is discussed throughout.

Below is a quick synopsis of each post in the series on Organizational Culture, Adoption and Transformation so you it’s easy to find the most relevant content for you and start with what interests you most.

Best Summary

• 1 Hour Video explanation (and slides) of Culture; adoption/transformation meta-framework – If you really want to understand, I encourage you to watch the video. Don’t have time – just scan the presentation slides. Agile New England, Dec. 2011
• How to Make Your Culture Work with Agile, Kanban & Software Craftsmanship – Method and Tools Article, Dec. 2011
• eBook – In progress. Drop me a note if you want to be a reviewer.

Juicy Conclusions

Read about why it matters to you:

• Agile Fits Better in Some Company Cultures than Others – Agile is a great way of thinking about software development but that doesn’t mean it fits in with all company cultures. Ditto for Kanban.
• Agile – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Links cultural issues central to challenges faced with Agile Adoption and Transition. What you need to know as a change agent.

Change Agent’s Toolkit

Read this to expand your toolkit:

• A Tour of Agile Adoption and Transformation Models – Review of Agile Adoption and Transformation models. What tools people in the community are using and where they are effective.
• Ways to Make Progress with Culture Gaps – Different ways for coaches to make progress with Agile when it doesn’t fit with the culture.
• Agile – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – See final section – “The Good”

Reading Order from Beginning to End

If you want to understand the logic in linear order, start here:

1. How to Make Your Culture Work (Schneider) – Explanation of Schneider culture model that is used as a base for the analysis and provides a framework for discourse.
2. Agile is about Collaboration and Cultivation Culture – Analysis of Agile/Scrum core values and associated culture.
3. Kanban aligns with Control Culture – Analysis of Kanban cultural bias.
4. Software Craftsmanship promotes Competence Culture – Analysis of Craftsmanship cultural bias.
5. Agile Fits Better in Some Company Cultures than Others – Juicy conclusions that points to a different way for coaches to approach and engage with clients.
6. A Tour of Agile Adoption and Transformation Models – Review of Agile Adoption and Transformation models. What tools people in the community are using and where they are effective.
7. Ways to Make Progress with Culture Gaps – Different ways for coaches to make progress with Agile when it doesn’t fit with the culture.
8. Agile – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Links cultural issues central to challenges faced with Agile Adoption and Transition. See also slides.

Post-Script

Here are some more bits and pieces around culture:

• DOI? Cultural Shotgun – Culture analysis of the Declaration of Interdependence
• Culture of “Good To Great” Companies and Why it Matters – Why competence matters.
• Workshop Results on Culture – Walk-through of workshop results supporting cultural claims.