"Why 'More Velocity' Isn’t Always the Answer: Focus on Value to Get Real Results"
"We need to increase our velocity." If I had a penny for every time I heard that phrase, I’d be well on my way to a holiday in the Bahamas! In Agile, “velocity” has become the holy grail, wrapped in promises of faster delivery, higher quality, and lower costs. The tech industry has jumped in with frameworks and tools galore, all in the name of improving these metrics. But here's the real question: Are your teams actually working better and faster than before? If the answer isn’t a resounding "Yes!", then we need to dig a little deeper.
The truth is, many organizations zero in on easy-to-measure factors but miss the real “secret sauce” of Agile. While frameworks like Scrum give us plenty of "what to do," they often gloss over the "how" when it comes to the people side of the equation. Sustainable improvement isn't just about cranking out more story points or reducing cycle times; it’s about enhancing team capability, building real collaboration, and nurturing motivation. Let’s dive into what makes the real difference in achieving value—not just velocity.
Capability: Build Teams with Skills That Matter
Let’s face it—people, not robots, deliver your products and services. Your team members are ambitious, skilled, and brimming with potential. So why not invest in them with as much care as you would a product feature? When we take the time to nurture capabilities, particularly in “soft” skills like communication, feedback, and adaptability, we create truly cross-functional teams.
Try building these skills into your skills matrix and tracking them just like technical skills. Empower team members to improve in the areas that matter most, and you’ll soon see how well-rounded, capable teams not only work better but solve problems faster and with greater impact.
Collaboration: Make it Happen Across Departments
The real magic happens when people work together across teams. However, “cross-functional collaboration” is often easier said than done. Silos can be stubborn, but they’re worth breaking down for a shared sense of purpose. Share company objectives openly and get everyone excited about working towards the same goals. Don’t just talk about collaboration—make it part of the culture. Host cross-departmental events, celebrate wins together, and make it clear that breaking down silos is a priority.
For example, run annual hackathons that include a sales and marketing plan or set up focus groups to tackle specific projects. Remember, the most successful collaboration often happens in unexpected ways—so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Motivation: Fuel the Fire, Recognize Success
Finally, we come to motivation, that invisible but powerful force that drives people to go the extra mile. Motivated people find ways to get things done, even when things get tough. Agile principles remind us to celebrate wins, but remote work can make this tricky. Take the time to think about what motivates your team and recognize their achievements in ways that are meaningful. A simple coffee break, a shared pizza party over Zoom, or a Friday “camera-on” celebration can build bonds and show appreciation without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line: Value Over Velocity
Velocity is great, but it’s value that truly matters. When teams have the skills, support, and drive they need, the results speak for themselves. Invest in your people, foster real collaboration, and celebrate wins—this is the real “secret sauce” for sustainable Agile success.
So next time someone says, "We need to increase our velocity," let’s flip the script: how can we create more value instead?
Focusing on value, not just speed, transforms teams—and ultimately, the whole organization—for the better.