Your remote team needs Agile development training. What are the best programs to get them up to speed?
Agile development is a popular and effective approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and customer feedback. However, working remotely can pose some challenges for agile teams, such as communication, coordination, and alignment. That's why your remote team needs agile development training to learn the best practices, tools, and techniques to succeed in a distributed environment. In this article, we'll review some of the best programs to get your team up to speed on agile development.
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Ashok GorantlaAssociate Director @ Verizon | Experience & AI Product Management
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Tanya ThomasLinkedIn Top Voice | Project Manager Arch Technologies| Professional Scrum Master™ I Procurement Specialist | CRM |…
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Krishnakumar Kesavan2xLinkedIn Top Voice | Program Delivery & Engagement | PMP | Agile(CSM,SAFe Agilist) | Cloud(7xAWS, 2xGCP) | Devops |…
Agile development is a set of principles and values that guide software development teams to deliver high-quality products that meet customer needs and expectations. Agile teams work in short iterations, called sprints, and regularly review and adapt their plans, processes, and products based on feedback and changing requirements. Agile teams also emphasize self-organization, cross-functionality, and continuous improvement, as well as close collaboration with customers and stakeholders.
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Agile development has become increasingly popular in the software industry due to its focus on delivering value quickly, responding to change, and fostering collaboration and innovation within development teams. Key principles of agile development include: Iterative Development, Incremental Delivery, Collaborative Approach, Adaptive Planning, Continuous Feedback, Empowered Teams and Transparent Communication. Popular agile frameworks include Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), and Lean Software Development, each offering unique practices and principles for implementing agile methodologies effectively.
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My best approach would be always to start by an Agile mindset workshop, for me building the mindset is crucial to realize the value of Agile and it's practices, i usually do this for the whole team as a start, this will also include an overview on Scrum framework and Kanban methodology, then move to the specialty training for the different roles in Agile, like product ownership workshop for the POs, Scrum Master workshop for the Scrum Masters, it's also recommended to proceed with few Agile technical practices workshops for the dev. team like DevOps, refactoring, pair programming, etc based on the need, in a nutshell, building the mindset and value (Being Agile) are the keystone to build the Agile practices and techniques (Doing Agile)
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While agile training can be valuable, creating an agile mindset and culture is truly at the heart of successful agile adoption. Being agile isn't simply about following a set of practices/processes or going through training; it's about embodying the core values and principles in your daily work and decision-making. Here are some key areas to focus on instead of just training: • Encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional teamwork • Embrace change as inevitable and respond efficiently to evolving priorities and feedback • Customer Focus over Internal Processes: Prioritize user needs and incorporate their feedback throughout the development cycle • Embrace progress over perfection
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Elevate your remote team's Agile skills with reputable training programs like Scrum Alliance, Agile Training, or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). These platforms offer comprehensive courses, certifications, and virtual training sessions tailored for remote teams. Empower your team to embrace Agile principles, enhance collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes.
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You can set up a casual session to discuss Agile with your team, or if needed, plan a hands-on workshop after trying out programs like Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Foundations or Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). These courses make Agile easy to grasp, so your remote team can collaborate better on projects. If there's still a gap, you might explore other training options or bring in a consultant.
Remote teams experience some unique challenges that can affect their agile performance, such as a lack of face-to-face communication and social interaction, difficulty in coordinating work across different time zones, and a risk of losing visibility and alignment on the team's goals. Agile training can help them tackle these issues by teaching them how to use effective communication and collaboration tools, establish and follow clear processes and protocols, apply agile practices and frameworks, and monitor and measure their performance. With the right training, remote teams can become more efficient and productive.
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Agile training is important for remote teams because it teaches them how to work well together even when they're not in the same place. It helps them communicate better, adjust to changes quickly, and keep improving how they work. This training also makes sure everyone understands and follows the same rules, which is really important when team members can't just walk over and talk to each other. It encourages everyone to take responsibility for their work, which keeps the team moving forward efficiently even though they're not in the same office.
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Communication, live/synchronous (not offline, async chat or emails), and preferably face-to-face, is one of the key factors that can bring agility to the team’s work. It is hard to communicate synchronously when the team is not colocated, even harder when spread across timezones. A lot of the non-verbal communication is lost even with video calls, and team can very likely fail to build the integration and understanding needed to function smoothly. Working in virtual cubicles, or using digital office spaces can help bridge some of this gap, but a lot will depend on the practices the team follows and builds.
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Whilst Agile is no silver bullet, it’s adoption through training has the potential to seek alignment, promote collaboration and as such enhance quality. As long as the training provides a means of unifying the understanding of how agile can help bring teams closer in a structure that can improve a collaborative approach to development and improved quality. At least in software development all project team collaborators will need to be aligned on an agile structure that best serves the team and ultimately the company’s goals.
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Agile might not be the only solution: If a remote team already has a clear understanding of their goals and effective collaboration practices, they might not need a full-fledged Agile implementation. However, some Agile principles, like iterative development and regular communication, can still be valuable. Co-location doesn't guarantee understanding: Similarly, being co-located doesn't automatically mean a team understands their problems well or collaborates effectively. Ineffective communication and unclear goals can plague co-located teams as well.
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For remote teams, the need for Agile training is more than a skill; it's a strategic advantage. Agile methodologies provide a framework that empowers teams to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, fostering collaboration and efficiency. In a virtual landscape, where communication is paramount, Agile practices like daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions become invaluable. Training ensures that team members understand the principles, ceremonies, and tools integral to Agile success. With the right training, remote teams not only navigate challenges seamlessly but also embrace an Agile mindset that propels them toward continuous improvement. #PMO #AgileTraining #RemoteTeams #ContinuousImprovement
When selecting an agile training program for your remote team, there are several factors to consider. First, you should assess the level of experience and knowledge of your team members to ensure the program is suitable. Additionally, you should consider the format and duration of the program; some are self-paced and flexible, while others are instructor-led and scheduled. Moreover, you should evaluate the content and quality of the program; some are comprehensive while others are more focused and practical. Lastly, look for programs that are relevant, up-to-date, engaging, provide feedback, support, and certification.
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Agile training program should emphasize active participation. It should incorporate a variety of practical exercises that encourage involvement from every team member, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The goal is to create an environment where the team not only receives information but also applies it in a way that reinforces their learning and skills development.
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É importante entender qual o propósito do treinamento; Identificar a disponibilidade das pessoas para definir a carga horária; Identificar o nível de conhecimento das pessoas para verificar se há necessidade de nivelamento no treinamento. Também, é recomendável realizar dinâmicas para que tenha uma maior participação de todos.
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Opting for internal workshops and webinars facilitated by seasoned Agile practitioners proves beneficial in fostering knowledge sharing and tailoring the trainning experience to our organization's unique needs. Encouraging employees to pursue certifications such as CSM, CSPO, Scaled Agile, etc., aligns with our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures a skilled workforce.
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Choose certified agile training with interactive virtual workshops, customizable content, and practical exercises. Ensure ongoing support and post-training resources. Set clear objectives, encourage participation, apply learnings immediately, provide ongoing reinforcement, and measure progress for sustainable outcomes. Best case: Learn on the go with your team, step by step, while being guided and mentored by an experienced trainer.
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Assess Your Team's Needs: Evaluate your team's current level of agile knowledge and identify specific areas for improvement Look for Remote-Specific Training: Seek training programs that address the unique challenges of remote work, such as virtual collaboration, communication, and effective remote agile practices Consider Agile Frameworks: If your team is already using a specific agile framework (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), look for training programs tailored to that framework and its application in a remote context Embrace Best Practices: Emphasize best practices for remote agile teams, such as choosing the correct equipment and tools, getting all team members on the same page, and building rapport in a distributed work environment
Agile training programs are suitable for remote teams of all levels and needs. For example, Agile Fundamentals is a self-paced online course that introduces the core principles and practices of agile development, such as values, roles, ceremonies, artifacts, and frameworks. It is ideal for beginners. Scrum Master Certification is an instructor-led online course that prepares participants to become certified Scrum Masters and covers topics such as theory, roles, events, artifacts, and rules in a remote setting. This course is ideal for intermediate learners. Lastly, Agile Coaching is a self-paced online course that teaches participants how to coach and mentor agile teams and individuals. It covers topics such as coaching mindset, skills, techniques, and tools in order to deal with common challenges and situations. This course is ideal for advanced learners.
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Scrum Alliance: "Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)" - Scrum Alliance offers virtual CSM certification courses with interactive training sessions. "Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)" - Focuses on the product owner role in Agile development. Scaled Agile, Inc.: "Leading SAFe" - This course focuses on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and is available in a virtual format suitable for remote teams. LinkedIn Learning: "Agile at Work: Building Your Agile Team" by Doug Rose - A comprehensive course available on LinkedIn Learning, suitable for remote team training. Atlassian University "Agile with Atlassian Jira" - This course provides hands-on training on using Jira for Agile project management, and suitable for remote teams using Atlassian tools
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Fundamentos de Agile, Lean e Design Thinking fazem parte da certificação LACP - Lean Agile Coach Professional vai do zero ao avançado e ajuda profissionais que estão no início da sua trajetória.
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"Applying Professional Scrum for Software Development" from scrum.org is tailored specifically for software developers. It goes beyond the basic roles and principles of Scrum, delving deep into how Scrum can be effectively utilized in the realm of professional software development. Additionally, the course incorporates critical practices like DevOps, Test-Driven Development (TDD), and Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), enriching its focus on enhancing software development within the Scrum framework.
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I have acquired PSM certified which has really helped me to have a clear idea of agile mindset and agile based working .Scrum.org offers Professional Scrum Master (PSM) courses While SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework) provides SAFe Agilist (SA) certification for organizational agility. Apart from it one can enroll for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), governed by the Scrum Alliance, which empowers one to steer their team toward celestial success!!
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Agile Fundamentals: For building a strong foundation. Scrum Master Certification: Ideal for becoming a certified Scrum Master. Agile Coaching: Advanced coaching skills for dealing with complex situations.
Once you have chosen the best agile training program for your remote team, you should communicate and align expectations and goals with team members and stakeholders. It's important to create and follow a learning plan and schedule that works for your team, while also engaging and interacting with instructors, peers, and customers. Additionally, it's essential to apply and practice what you learn in your daily work. Experimenting with new tools and techniques, reflecting on results and challenges, and seeking and providing feedback can help you use the program as a catalyst for your agile transformation and improvement.
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Maximize the impact by aligning goals, creating a tailored learning plan, and fostering active engagement. Apply newfound knowledge to daily tasks, experiment with tools, and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
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To help people develop an agile mindset, it's also good to have some resources that they can study on their own. There are many good podcasts available in almost any language. Listening to people talk about agile methods is like listening to colleagues talk about it. Find a podcaster you enjoy listening to and invest a small amount of your time each day to foster your agile mindset and improve your knowledge of agile methods.
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Pour maximiser l'efficacité d'un programme de formation Agile pour votre équipe à distance, il est crucial de bien communiquer et d'aligner les objectifs avec l'équipe et les parties prenantes. Établissez un plan d'apprentissage adapté, engagez-vous activement avec les formateurs et les collègues, et surtout, mettez en pratique les connaissances acquises. L'expérimentation de nouveaux outils, la réflexion sur les résultats et les défis, ainsi que l'ouverture aux retours sont clés pour une transformation Agile réussie.
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Aplicar as técnicas aprendidas e adequando-as ao dia-a-dia, o desenvolvimento ágil é algo mutável em constante evolução, então a partir do conhecimento adquirido, aplica-se a técnica e caso necessário moldamos de acordo com a melhor produtividade e aplicabilidade da mesma para cada cenario.
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Once you commit to Agile methodology and more importantly the culture of value added delivery, any training should be ongoing, consistent and evolved as the team matures. Training whilst possible from external sources can also benefit from an internal provision of guidance and direction to ensure there is continued focus and consistency. Where necessary any further training can be identified early and acted upon to retain alignment across the team over geographical boundaries.
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1. Remote team can learn agile thru various formats and modes such as online training, coaching, online tutorials, webinars, videos, manuals, guides, or mentors. 2. Recorded or live sessions/demonstrations on Agile 3. There are Agile training programs or certification that offers formal recognition or validation of agile skills or knowledge such as CSM, SAFe 4. Agile certification and accreditation helps to advance career or professional development in Agile
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Certification: Consider whether certification is important for your team. Some programs offer certifications upon completion. Ongoing Support: Check if the training program includes post-training support or resources to help teams as they implement Agile practices. Continuous Learning: Emphasize the importance of continuous learning, and encourage team members to stay updated on Agile best practices.
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Agile is an iterative development process requiring a mindset shift. Training and certifications offer knowledge, but changing a team's mindset is gradual. 1. Engage experts to actively contribute to the team's evolution. 2. Implement practical changes, emphasizing gradual transformation. 3. Foster consistent collaboration and communication for lasting change. 4. Utilize interactive workshops and gamification for hands-on learning. 5. Regular retrospectives allow iterative inspection and adaptation. 6. Maintain open communication channels for collective improvement. Remember, transitioning to Agile is a collaborative journey (Change won't happen overnight) that requires persistence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
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Agility relies on genuine human-to-human communication, making the establishment of healthy, reciprocal communication and interaction patterns crucial. Conducting sessions where team members express their individual views on fundamental aspects, such as teamwork, is essential. Furthermore, since agility emphasizes transparency, fully presenting ourselves and attentively listening to others share their experiences are foundational elements for achieving successful agility.
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It's important to contextualise the team you are trying to train. The size and skills of the different team members play an important part in deciding how to approach the Agile training. It must be made known, early on, that Agile is a culture more than a series of processes, you need buy in from your team.
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