Scaling Agile in Offshoring Model

Abhishek JohriAgile Coach

Prowareness

What is scaled agile and what does it mean in offshoring context

Framework Inherent and Induced Challenges

Some of the suggestions that have worked in the past

Key Takeaways

Agenda

It is simply a way to magnify the benefits of agile teams to enterprise level.

Specifically in offshoring context –• Cost Arbitrage• Round the clock Delivery and

Support• Skill Balance spread across

geographies

What is Scaled Agile

Absence of Common Sense of PurposeTeam is not familiar with each otherLogistical challenges in organizing effective meetingsTime Zones Induced Challenges(Overlap Time, Handoffs, Timeboxing)Economic considerations associated with offshoring take precedenceOffshoring phobia countering team spiritOffshore Vendor culture not aligned with fundamental agile valuesLack of Two way communication specially through RPE.

Inherent challenges with Offshored Scaling

Trust deficitCultural (in)sensitivityLack of visibility across the fenceSense of teamship. Onshore team assumes client roles. Reward and Recognition inconsistent with agile valuesFear of Conflict/ Team DysfunctionsOffshore management roles unsure of their responsibilitiesMotivation to challenge status quo(drive to just get along)

Induced Challenges

Cross Pollination of People – Proxy PO, RTEContinuous coaching Planning for entire team should involve entire team – Share the ‘big’ picture.Joint Planning Sessions, Retrospectives Comfortable Overlap hours, Remote Pairing, co-located meetings, travels during meetings, daily handshakes(not handoffs)Electronic progress boardsImprove face to face interaction through telepresence, web cams, video callsInclude time for small chat to improve intimacy across teamsBring in the culture of owning up mistakes and learning from it

Methods that have worked in the past

Make sure room and logistics are ready for RPE and other planning events.Product Backlog meets DOR and people have clarity on their roles – coach them to prepare for the sameEvents are synchronized across locations and there is active participation from all sites.Value each feedback, do away with “majority wins” mindsetEnsure the quiet ones speak firstDo remember to ask people their confidence on the plan they have created.Celebrate Small Successes and build upon the momentum.Conduct Retrospectives and learn from them.Get the fundamentals right

Key Takeaways

Thank You