Key Principles Agile Change Management

Agile Change Management is a very complex topic. I wrote this paper ‘Introduction to Agile Change Management’ to share the basics of the topic and help people and businesses gain a better understanding.

So many organisations are adopting an agile approach, so it is important that you have a perspective and can help others learn what Agile Change has to offer. If you don’t have time to read the full paper, I have provided the key principles of agile change management to get up to speed quickly.

At Agile Change Management, I work with businesses in various capacities to help them achieve an agile working approach and to mentor them through change. My courses are available as an online self-paced study or as a live virtual classroom. Contact me today if you are interested in booking a course.

7 Key Principles of Agile Change Management

Agile change management is a working method that can be adopted by any organisation planning a period of change. This could be for various reasons. Here are my top 7 key principles of agile change management:

1. Definition of Agile Change:

1. • Combines Agile principles with change management techniques.

1. • Integrates project activities to create tangible change with change activities that foster adoption and support.

2. Project and Change Activities:

1. • Tangible Change: Created by project teams and professionals focused on technical quality and timely delivery.

1. • Behavioural Change: Achieved by individuals adopting new habits and ways of working, often initially reducing productivity but increasing it over time as new methods are mastered.

3. Agile Change Characteristics:

1. • Incremental Adoption: New practices are introduced piece by piece, avoiding the delays and potential irrelevance of a complete, all-at-once solution.

1. • Responsiveness to Change: Agile Change Management allows for adjustments based on new information, making it suitable for dynamic goals like “digital first.”

4. Challenges of Agile Change Management:

1. • Increased number of changes to manage.

1. • Perceived riskiness due to planning only the immediate future in detail.

1. • Frequent behavioural changes are needed, which can be psychologically and emotionally challenging.

5. Core Activities to Achieve Agile Change:

1. • Clear Destination: Define the ultimate goal without rigidly specifying the path, allowing flexibility.

1. • Chunking: Break down big changes into smaller, manageable parts, focusing on incremental improvements.

1. • Value Understanding: Know what benefits are needed and how they contribute to overall success.

1. • Prioritisation: Use business priorities to decide the sequence of implementing changes.

1. • Decision Making: Make frequent, informed decisions to maintain a flow of new capabilities.

1. • Empathy: Recognise and prepare for the emotional impact of continuous change.

1. • Collaboration: Work together with all stakeholders, respecting diverse perspectives.

1. • Motivation: Maintain a motivated environment, recognising the effort required for continuous improvement.

6. Agile Change as a Practical Skill-Set:

1. • Goes beyond methodology, providing practical techniques and guidance for implementing tangible and behavioural changes.

7. Audience for Agile Change:

1. • Relevant to anyone required to work differently, regardless of role or job title.

1. • Offers a structured approach to manage and prioritise changes effectively.

These key principles outline the foundational aspects of Agile Change Management, emphasising the practical integration of Agile methodologies with change management principles to facilitate continuous and adaptable change within organisations.

Getting Started with Agile Change Management

If you would like more information on Agile Change Management or want to book a place in one of my upcoming courses, please visit the links below.

• Resources available include:

• • Agile Change Management Handbook

• • Agile Change Agent qualification

• • Agile Change Coach Certification

If you have any further questions about Agile Change Management or want to discuss your organisation and how we can work together then contact me today! I have worked with organisations in various industries and of various sizes. Helping businesses is a rewarding experience and I look forward to working with you.