Agile methods

Originally developed for software development, agile has proven to be an effective way of working in a variety of industries. Some commonly used methods within agile working include:

• Scrum: Teams work in short, manageable sprints in which they are goal-oriented and regularly collect feedback from customers and/or users.
• Kanban: Visual (digital) boards are used to map the workflow and quickly reveal bottlenecks. The method focuses on a continuous flow of work, allowing teams to move faster and reducing wait times.
• Lean: Focused on eliminating waste and maximizing customer value through continuous improvement.
• SAFe: A scalable agile approach for larger organizations, where multiple teams work together effectively.

The core values of agile are flexibility, collaboration and customer focus, and form the basis of these methods. They allow teams to remain agile and respond quickly to change.

The benefits of agile working

Agile working offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Teams can move quickly and respond to new insights or market developments.
• Faster feedback: Regular improvement cycles enable continuous evaluation and adjustment, this increases quality.
• Better collaboration: Open communication and multidisciplinary teams create a more efficient and transparent work environment.
• Innovation: A culture of experimentation and learning encourages innovative ideas and solutions.

The challenges of agile working

While agile working offers many opportunities, it also brings challenges. That's why it's smart to hire an agile specialist. Valid's experts help organizations apply agile working effectively and successfully. Common challenges are:

• Culture change: Implementing an agile mindset requires a fundamental shift in the way of working and thinking within the organization. This is where change management comes into play: guiding this culture change requires a thoughtful approach that pays attention to communication, leadership and commitment.
• Communication and involvement: Effective communication and the involvement of all employees are crucial to successfully applying agile principles.
• Training and coaching: Teams need training and coaching to make the most of agile methodologies.
• Structure and alignment: Without proper knowledge of roles and responsibilities, agile work can become chaotic.
• Resistance to change: Not everyone embraces agile practices right away; guidance is essential to increase acceptance.

By paying attention to these challenges, organizations maximize the benefits of agile working. Engaging a specialized partner, such as Valid, can provide support in guiding this change and shaping the transition.

Agile working is more than a methodology; it is a mindset that helps organizations operate quickly, flexibly and customer-focused in a dynamic marketplace. By investing in an agile culture, the right methodologies and continuous improvement, companies can not only operate more efficiently, but also increase innovation and customer satisfaction.