Disciplined Agile.
At first, this may appear to be an oxymoron. Disciplined is defined as controlled and some define “agile” as a philosophy in which to manage projects (or people) with little to no defined guardrails.
The Agile Manifesto describes agility only as a set of values and principles and does not prescribe a method.
Yet, there are many methods that fall under the umbrella of agile which is why so many PowerPoint decks use a picture of an umbrella over a word cloud of agile methods as a visual to teach this concept.
Organizations are so eager to reap the benefits that agile (and its methods) provide but if the incorrect method is applied, the organization may be flirting disruption and if no method is applied, perhaps chaos.
This is especially true when launching new teams who are in a delicate forming and storming state as well as disruption to well-formed, high-performing teams who may not need a rigid method.
Disciplined Agile (DA) is a process decision framework to help guide teams towards identifying better ways of working through control or disciplined action.
So why is Disciplined Agile important for Project Managers?
Here are our top 8!
1) It's easy to introduce to teams because the teams start with what they know.
When you start with what you know and do in a current state, this helps to reduce any disruption to what is currently working.
This means you keep what’s working for your team and throw out what isn’t.
2) It uses "agnostic" language meaning it's easier to teach and adopt.
Mention the term “Scrum” to your team and notice their reaction. Do they instantly cross their arms and give you the “side eye”?
Using agnostic language reduces resistance to learning something new.
3) Disciplined Agile uses the best of all methods so there is no need to be an expert in any one method.
While getting certifications in all the methods may be possible, it would take a lifetime to gain the applicable experience to truly become a master of all methods.
4) It can be used for any type of project including non-IT projects.
Project Managers manage various types of projects and not all projects fall under the umbrella of Information Technology and Software Development.
Disciplined Agile can apply to any type of project, enabling the project manager and the team to experience the benefits of being agile.
5) Encourages pragmatism.
Disciplined Agile helps the team to identify the best way of working for their specific needs and environment and how to incrementally improve those ways of working.
6) Increases team morale, resulting in happier people and improved innovation and productivity!
The act of taking a pragmatic approach to improved ways of working allows the team to “write their own way” which as a standalone activity, is a morale booster.
However, did you know that Disciplined Agile also helps to ensure that team members work within their capacity and build things of value versus striving to simply meet a project deadline?
7) Helps to establish psychological safety.
Disciplined Agile helps Project Managers and organizations to focus more on the people by helping to create an environment of psychological safety allowing everyone to show up as their authentic selves and bring their diverse ideas to the table.
8) It's a marketable skill!
Having knowledge of Discipled Agile can be a competitive advantage for a Project Manager’s career and of course, a team of Project Managers.
If you are a Project Manager professional or lead a team of Project Managers, Disciplined Agile can make a huge difference in your teams!
