Revamping Scrum: Key Learnings from Descaling 25 Teams at Alm Brand

A Century-old Institution Embraces Modern Agile Practices

Alm Brand, the esteemed Danish financial institution, has borne witness to over two centuries of evolution. Known for its resilience, the company embarked on a bold Agile journey in 2019, aiming to revolutionize its complex operations. Previously experimenting with frameworks like SAFe, Alm Brand sought a leaner approach. This leap was spurred by the appointment of a new EVP for Business Development and Digitization, who envisioned Agile as a guiding philosophy rather than a rigid framework.

The Challenges of Transformation

Alm Brand’s Agile journey was not without its hurdles. Initially adopting a "Spotify-inspired" setup, the company faced several obstacles that dampened productivity and cohesion. Confused roles, coordination delays, and friction in stakeholder alignment emerged as significant hurdles. These structural inefficiencies compelled Alm Brand to reconsider its framework and adopt a more autonomous Scrum setup.

Strategic Revamp: From Tribes to Teams

Shifting away from the Tribe model, Alm Brand opted for 25 independent Scrum teams, each with its own delivery and agenda. This transformation wasn't haphazard; new roles such as Delivery Leads were introduced to tackle team dependencies and enhance stakeholder coordination. Innovative processes like Big Room Planning and Value Area Meetings were rolled out to foster alignment while maintaining flexibility.

Unique Benefits of Embracing the Agile Shift

Transitioning to Agile brought significant benefits for Alm Brand. The new structure emphasized autonomy, enabling teams to focus sharply on their deliverables while ensuring tighter collaboration. This agility allowed the company to align more closely with external stakeholders and navigate strategic conflicts more effectively. By fostering an environment of end-to-end accountability, teams could swiftly adapt to changing demands, enhancing both operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

Actionable Insights and Tips

For those looking to emulate Alm Brand’s Agile transformation, it's paramount to ensure that team autonomy is balanced with clear communication channels and a structured approach to managing dependencies. Self-selection workshops and Agile coaching can provide guidance, ensuring teams confidently navigate their new responsibilities. Additionally, employing experienced project managers as Delivery Leads can bridge the gap between nimble Agile teams and the more rigid structures of external partners.

Counterarguments and Diverse Perspectives

While Alm Brand's Agile revamp was marked by success, it is important to consider diverse perspectives. Critics might contend that while descaling may work for some firms, others might find greater efficiency in a more structured framework. The key takeaway is that solutions must be tailored to each organization’s unique context, learning from both successes and pitfalls of those who have tread similar paths.