Frankly yes - particularly when it comes to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE and I). That's why the hot-off-the press report from the Business Agility Institute on agile, and diversity, equity and inclusion is no surprise. Check out:
Agile needs a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion Why should agile methods be more DE and I than others? After all, it wasn't part of the original agile philosophy. But there's no reason why it can't embrace it now - nothing is set in stone.
After all, embracing a DE and I culture needs to be deliberate and the result of real commitment. And it always starts with leaders and coaches setting the agenda, role modelling and leading/coaching through a DE and I lens. Surely agile has got decent starting points: empowered teams, iteration, experimentation and people over process. But now it's got this great research to give it the necessary boost. Specific things to address are:
many agile processes and rituals not being designed with DE and I in mind
many agile coaches and leaders not having an understanding of DE&I or why it's important
agile ways of working not being consciously designed to create, encourage, or support diverse and inclusive teams
diverse and inclusive customer needs not being built in.
So, let's marry up agile and DE and I. It'll take commitment, new ways of thinking and behaving and a culture change. And if you're not into agile, check out this report anyway - it's useful for agile and non-agile alike.
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