AGILE TRANSFORMATION CASE STUDY
The Agile Leap: Navigating BT's Marketing Transformation
Engagement Overview
My journey as the Principal Enterprise Agile Coach at BT unfolded in a high-stakes environment, guiding the marketing teams of BT, EE, and BT TV through a transformative agile adoption.
Spanning eight months, this role involved reshaping the working dynamics of a 400-person core marketing team deeply embedded in traditional methodologies.
The Challenge
The project’s inception was marked by a radical ‘big bang approach’, a sudden leap into Scrum, disrupting the established order.
Overnight, the department transitioned from functional silos into 50 Scrum squads.
This abrupt change created organisational inertia and a palpable tension among the employees, challenging their adaptability and resilience.
Strategic Approach
Addressing this upheaval required a multifaceted strategy. My approach centred around engaging with leadership to steer the transformation, aligning the leadership vision with the agile methodologies.
The constrained budget for hiring posed a unique challenge in building a team of competent agile coaches.
To tackle this, I developed a nuanced hiring framework based on the ACI Agile Coaching Competency Framework, ensuring the selection of candidates with the right blend of experience and practicality.
The Transformation
The transformation was a journey of evolving practices and mindsets. Establishing 50 agile squads was a testament to the team’s agility and commitment.
A pivotal part of this journey was creating and nurturing a Scrum Master Community of Practice, which became the bedrock for internal coaching and sustainable agile practices within BT.
Outcomes and Impact
The transformation redefined BT’s marketing division, fostering a culture primed for continuous improvement and swift adaptation.
Training programs, particularly the ICAgile Certified Team Coach course, were refined to provide a clear pathway for professional growth among Scrum Masters.
The cultural shift was evident in the newfound agility and responsiveness to market dynamics.
Reflection
This role was a crucible of professional growth, underscoring the nuances of strategic planning and the essence of effective communication in times of change.
It highlighted the indispensable role of agile coaching in navigating complex transformations and the value of a structured yet adaptable approach to team development.
Incorporating skills such as Agile Coaching, Scrum Mastery, and Process Improvement, this journey at BT was not just about transforming a department; it was about instilling a new way of thinking and working, setting a precedent for agile transformations in large organisations.
Ready to Embark on an Agile Adventure?
I’m here to guide and support you through every step of your Agile and Scrum journey. Discover the various services I offer, each designed to cater to your specific needs:
- Training: Ready to start an Agile adventure? Whether new or looking to enhance your Agile practices, I offer tailored training options in Agile Coaching, Scrum and Scaling. My training approach is hands-on, practical, and aimed at empowering your teams and improving your business practices.
- Mentoring: Your journey, your pace. With flexible scheduling, you can book sessions when it suits you best. Depending on our mutual availability, this could be intensively at the start or spread over a year. I’m here to provide support exactly when you need it.
- Coaching: As your coach, I focus on your personal and professional development, helping you to navigate challenges and achieve your goals. I bring a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to ensure you get the most out of every session.
- Speaking: As a seasoned speaker, I love sharing my insights and experiences at global events. My speaking style blends candour, humility, and humour, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for all attendees. Suppose you’re hosting a conference, a webinar, or a meetup. In that case, I’m here to bring a unique perspective and make your event memorable.
Whether you’re interested in training, mentoring, coaching, or inviting me as a speaker, I’m eager to hear from you. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can achieve them together. For more information or to book a session, please don’t hesitate to reach out.