In the early days of Agendashift, I started using the phrase “outcome-oriented, continuous transformation” to describe that approach to Agile transformation. I have recently expanded that to “outcome-oriented, continuous transformation, everywhere” and it seems like a good time to explain what I mean by the phrase.
Outcome-oriented
Firstly, what do we mean by outcomes? It is a word with a fairly broad definition (e.g. a final product or end result).
One meaning could be that an outcome is the implementation of the final product or end result. This tends to be a result of Gap Thinking where we envisage an end-state and attempt to close the gap towards it. In other words, the outcome is a single, pre-defined solution. However, when I use the word outcome, I’m referring to the impact of the final product or end result. This is more akin to Present Thinking where we attempt to make today better, as a step towards a better future. In this case, the outcome could be a consequence of a range of possible solutions.
The suffix oriented is important for this reason. Thinking of outcomes in terms of implementations leads to being outcome-driven, where we are consumed by that single solution. Alternatively, thinking of outcomes in terms of impacts leads to being outcome-oriented, where we adjust and adapt as we explore multiple options and alternatives.
Continuous Transformation
I often see a backlash against the idea of an Agile Transformation as a one-off initiative which can be completed. In other words, transforming to be agile as an end state. I prefer to think of an Agile Transformation as being agile in a transformation. That is doing an Agile Transformation in an Agile way. Thus a transformation is making small changes, getting quick feedback, and adjusting accordingly. It’s a continuous transformation, always striving to make the impact we are going for. I described this in some more detail in the post A Simple Resolution to the Agile Transformation Conundrum.
Everywhere
This is the new addition to the phrase and came out of an Agendashift webinar I recently gave. Not only do we want transformations to be outcome-oriented, and continuous. We also want them to include and engage people from all over the organisation. That means all functional areas and all levels of seniority and experience. Transformation should not be defined and designed in one area of the business and imposed and inflicted on another.
This new addition means that the phrase “outcome-oriented, continuous transformation, everywhere” links nicely to the three Agendashift strategic questions. That is:
- What if we put agreement on outcomes before solutions? (Outcome-oriented)
- How do we keep bringing outcomes to the foreground? (Continuous Transformation)
- Where – and where else – could we be developing and pursuing strategy? (Everywhere)
In these terms, outcome-oriented, continuous transformation, everywhere, means putting agreement on outcomes before solutions, keeping bringing them to the foreground, and developing and pursuing transformation everywhere.