Coaching agility step-change: the key to getting ahead in the race to Agile Digital delivery

In today’s ultra-competitive market, pressure to respond to fast-changing consumer expectations means Digital Agility is key to business success. But, while successful Agile deliveries give you the leading edge, a misfire can have significant consequences for your reputation, as well as denting internal enthusiasm around transformation projects. Getting your digital roll-out right, first time is vital – and the right support along the way can significantly reduce any risk.

The race to Agile Digital delivery

Across all industries, we see markets being flooded with digital-first entrants who are fuelling rapid innovation and increasing competition. To thrive in this market, you need to prioritise digitalisation and become more agile across your methods and mindsets. This can be a significant challenge, particularly given the ongoing complexities of integrating new and legacy systems to achieve optimal operational capabilities.

In my experience, investing in overcoming transformation challenges like scale and complexity will pay dividends. Nine times out of ten, organisations that realise their digital transformation ambitions are more agile and responsive and rapidly meet product and digital service expectations as these develop. Their reputation for market-leading products and services puts them in a stronger position to acquire the talent, and develop the working practices, needed for future success.

Addressing the risks of digital transformation

While the rewards of successful digital transformation are clear, it’s important that we don’t underestimate the risks. Effective adoption of new ways of working is not a given and addressing uncertainty around digital, while also reducing OpEx, can be a difficult balance. Get digital transformation wrong, and you could be left with limited benefits to show for CapEx investment, products that do not meet customer needs, and demoralised teams. From this point, recovery can be tough, as internal teams are left suspicious of innovation.

Four common points of failure

There’s a whole host of reasons a digital transformation roll-out can fail, but four key stumbling blocks stand-out for me:

• Lack of practical experience and skills within teams

• Reluctance from individuals or teams to move away from the development status quo

• Limited ownership and buy-in from senior leaders

• Siloed working with low levels of communication and information flow.

Coaching agility step-change

Addressing these potential weak links early in the process will bolster your efforts and increase the likelihood of a successful launch. Leadership teams should be coached through a range of Agile approaches to align digital vision and strategic objectives, while new methodologies and mindsets should be taught and encouraged across all relevant teams.

At CGI, our aim is to coach a step-change capability that powers our clients’ digital transformations. Our team of experienced Agile professionals works in partnership with you to augment, supplement and coach your in-house teams, helping you to avoid pitfalls and establish a holistic culture of productive Agile behaviours. We focus on value-driven innovation and product development - no matter your industry or maturity level.

To find out more about our Agile Coaching Services, visit our Agile Digital Services webpage or download our Coaching agility step change brochure.