Changing Software Development: Learning to Become Agile

9.6. Conclusion

Almost by definition, creating and leading change isn't easy. If either were easy, then there would be little need for a book on the subject. Any change that is easy will certainly have been carried out already, so what's left is most probably the difficult part.

Start by understanding the need for change and what could be achieved. At this stage think about what advantages changes might bring, rather than specifics of what could be done or what ideas might be applied. Such specifics are the means to the end, not the end itself.

Once you know what you're trying to achieve, communication becomes the dominant activity in leading change. Communicate the need for change, the options for change, the agreed solution and the actions required to implement the solution. This communication is a two-way process: listen to other people, and collect their thoughts and ideas – help other people to communicate their own thoughts.

The other key tool for change is focus. You need to focus yourself on the issues in hand and help others to focus on opportunities, problems and solutions. Once focus is brought to bear on a problem, it quickly becomes clear which barriers need to be removed, what information is missing, where there are disconnects and what needs to be done to bring about change.