How to Create an Agile Governance Plan
A Step-by-Step Guide for Successful Agile Adoption
As an agile coach, my goal is to help organizations adopt and implement agile practices successfully. This often involves creating an agile governance plan that outlines the framework, process, and policies for the organization's agile adoption.
Here are some key steps to consider when creating an agile governance plan for your organization:
Define the Agile Governance Framework: The first step in creating an agile governance plan is to define the framework that will guide the organization's agile adoption. This framework should include the principles, policies, and procedures that will guide the agile process. The framework should also outline the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, the decision-making process, and the communication plan.
Form a Governance Board: Once the framework is in place, the organization should form a governance board. This board should consist of senior leaders, project managers, agile coaches, and other relevant stakeholders. The governance board is responsible for ensuring that the governance framework is followed and for making decisions on any governance-related issues that arise.
Define the Agile Process: The next step is to define the agile process. This includes selecting the methodology to be used, identifying key milestones and deliverables, and determining any required artifacts. The process should be designed to support the organization's goals and objectives.
Identify Metrics: To measure the success of the agile adoption, the organization should identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs). These might include team velocity, quality of work, and customer satisfaction. Metrics should be reviewed regularly and used to identify areas for improvement.
Establish Roles and Responsibilities: Defining the roles and responsibilities of the team, product owner, scrum master, and other key stakeholders is critical to the success of the agile adoption. Each stakeholder should understand their role and how they contribute to the project.
Define Communication Plans: Effective communication is essential to the success of the agile process. The organization should create a communication plan that includes regular status updates, stakeholder engagement plans, and any other communication needs. The plan should also include methods for addressing any issues or concerns that arise.
Establish Quality Controls: Quality controls, such as code reviews, testing, and quality assurance, should be established to ensure that the deliverables meet the organization's quality standards. These controls should be designed to minimize risk and maximize quality.
Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement is critical to the success of the agile adoption. The organization should continuously monitor the agile process and make adjustments as needed. This includes regularly reviewing metrics, collecting feedback from stakeholders, and making changes to the process as needed.
In conclusion, creating an agile governance plan is critical to the success of an organization's agile adoption. By following the steps outlined above, the organization can create a framework that supports its goals and objectives, while ensuring effective communication, quality controls, and continuous improvement. As an agile coach, I have helped many organizations successfully adopt agile practices, and I look forward to helping your organization do the same.
