Agile Leadership: Become An Agile Leader

Explore the benefits of agile for organisations and identify opportunities specifically for your own organisation in developing its business agility.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Examine the traits and habits of an agile leader, and reflect on your own capabilities.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Define SMART goals that can motivate and unite your team.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Identify your own traits by completing a personality assessment of your choice.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Identify your leadership strengths using online tools and by gathering feedback.

Explore your level of emotional intelligence across four areas – self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and social skills.

Recognise methods of persuading and influencing others to act.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Discover the five escalating levels of conflict, and the leader's role in each of these.

Recognise the influence that the organisation's culture has on a team's ability to adopt agile methods, and find out how you can foster a culture of agility.

Consider the six conditions for high-performing teams and how these are interpreted on your own team.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Discover agile's potential for managing projects, and find out about the Scrum and Kanban frameworks which are commonly used.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Recognise the place for collaboration in an agile project.

Explore ways to enable your team so that they feel empowered and can take ownership of your work.

Make a commitment to three goals which will help you towards becoming a better agile leader.

Refer to your Agile Leadership Plan.

Review what you have learned on the course.

In this lecture, we'll have a brief introduction, reviewing some concepts you've likely come across in the past when working with Agile, including its benefits, and important principles to ensure its success.

Download and complete the Introduction Worksheet.

Here, we'll run through a range of key terms in Agile. If you're new to Agile, consider this a crash course in the methodology. We'll cover everything you need to know about project structure, team member roles, tools, and processes.

Download and complete the User Stories Worksheet.

This lecture explains how to calculate budgets for Agile projects. You'll learn how to calculate per-sprint budgets for both time and materials and fixed-price projects. What if you don't assign enough budget to a project? Some contingency budget is always included in Agile projects, and you'll learn how to calculate it based on the confidence level i.e. how confident the team is in the project's success given the budgetary and time constraints. To conclude, we'll go over a few extra tips for staying within budget.

Download and complete the Agile Budgeting Worksheet.

The Agile Methodology does not make a project immune to problems - in this lecture, you'll learn what problems are often seen in Agile projects and how you can handle them. This includes interpersonal issues, scope creep, and issues when transitioning to Agile.

Download and complete the Overcoming Challenges In Agile Worksheet.

The nature of Agile projects lends well to implementing engagement strategies. In this lecture, we'll suggest a few tips for boosting team engagement, then we'll consider how you can adapt your management approach to accommodate individual needs, including the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Download and complete the Engagement And Individual Needs Worksheet.

This concluding lecture recaps the course content and encourages you to reflect on what you've learnt.

In this introductory lecture, we will explore the core strategies of lean software development and learn how to apply them to streamline software development cycles. You will discover how to scale lean practices across your organisation, optimise workflows and minimise waste while empowering teams to deliver high-value products efficiently. We will focus on the principles of just-in-time methodologies, continuous improvement, and better collaboration to enhance productivity. Using real-world examples, you will see how lean software development helps organisations reduce resource wastage, improve delivery times and stay competitive.

Download and complete the Introduction Worksheet.

In Lecture 2, we’ll explore the three core components that shape Lean Software Development. These elements are designed to help teams build better software by eliminating waste, optimising workflows and continuously improving their processes. You’ll learn how the concept of Muda, derived from Japanese manufacturing, helps identify seven forms of waste that often slow down development, from overproduction and waiting to defects and inefficiencies in collaboration. We’ll also dive into Value Stream Mapping (VSM), a powerful visual tool used by agile teams to identify bottlenecks and enhance workflow visibility.

Download and complete the Core Components Of Lean Software Development Worksheet.

Here, we explore how Lean Software Development teams use “just-in-time” (JIT) delivery to stay lean, focused and adaptable. You will learn how teams use JIT to prioritise high-value tasks, reduce unnecessary work and stay flexible in changing environments. We’ll see how setting Work-In-Progress (WIP) limits helps avoid overload and how visual tools like Kanban boards bring clarity and structure to ongoing tasks. Finally, we will uncover how these practices support faster, cleaner delivery without burning out teams or building features no one uses.

Delivering Just-In-Time Features Worksheet.

In Lecture 4, we will look into how Lean Software Development empowers teams and builds a culture of continuous learning. You will cover how a successful lean approach isn’t just about process, it’s about people. We will learn how giving teams decision-making authority builds confidence, accountability, and a sense of ownership. Finally, you’ll discover how trust plays a critical role in allowing teams to test new ideas, reflect on performance and learn from both wins and setbacks

Download and complete the Empowering Teams Worksheet.

In Lecture 5, we explore the power of feedback in Lean Software Development and how it drives better decision-making, faster innovation and stronger user alignment. You will learn how rapid, real-world insights shape product direction, reduce risk and improve team focus. We’ll dive into how frameworks like the Lean Startup Methodology, Design Thinking, and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) help teams validate ideas quickly, test assumptions and build only what users truly need.

Download and complete the Rapid Market Feedback Worksheet.

Here, we look into how large organisations can successfully scale Lean Software Development across teams, departments and regions. While lean principles are often associated with fast-moving startups, you will learn that larger enterprises can also benefit. Scaling lean can seem daunting, but we will uncover practical methods to overcome resistance, align teams and make lean sustainable over the long term.

Download and complete the Scaling Lean Software Development In Large Organisations Worksheet.

In the concluding lecture, we will reflect on the knowledge and skills you have acquired during the course and how you can utilise them in real-life scenarios.

In this lecture, you will learn about the three key roles in the Scrum framework. We'll understand how the Scrum Master facilitates the project, ensuring the Scrum process is followed and helping the team overcome challenges. You'll also discover how the Product Owner manages the product backlog, prioritising tasks to align with business goals and how this drives project success. Additionally, you will learn how the Development Team works in sprints to execute tasks, ensuring timely delivery of valuable outcomes.

Download and complete the Introduction Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will dive into why Scrum has become the most widely adopted agile framework across industries such as banking, technology, healthcare, and automotive. You will explore how the 2020 pandemic accelerated Scrum’s adoption, with businesses using its structured and collaborative approach to manage remote teams and projects. You will also understand the benefits of Scrum’s focus on continuous improvement, with regular sprint reviews driving efficiency and project success.

Download and complete the Why Scrum Is Popular With Business Leaders Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will explore the five core components of the Scrum framework and how understanding them can help business leaders implement Scrum more effectively. You will learn about sprints, which break down complex projects into manageable tasks, ensuring continuous delivery of value and fostering improvement with each cycle. We will also discuss daily stand-ups, short meetings that keep teams aligned and quickly address any obstacles. Finally, we'll cover backlogs and the process of backlog grooming, which ensures that tasks are prioritised and refined to maintain productivity.

Download and complete the Core Components Of Scrum For Business Leaders Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will dive into how Scrum practices cover everything from empowering Scrum Masters to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and from promoting collaboration between teams to setting clear goals and tracking progress with data-driven insights. We will look into how giving Scrum Masters more autonomy can enhance team dynamics and product deliverability, and how a focus on continuous improvement encourages adaptive and efficient workflows. We'll explore the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the role of training and development to ensure teams are aligned with the latest Scrum methodologies.

Download and complete the Best Practises For Implementing Scrum In Your Organisation Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will learn how business leaders can overcome the common challenges associated with implementing the Scrum framework. We will explore practical solutions, such as leveraging collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and Jira to manage remote teams, and how cultivating an agile culture can help scale Scrum effectively. You will also gain insights into backlog prioritisation and how to ensure continuous improvement through iterative processes. Additionally, we'll discuss how to maintain a balance between speed and quality to achieve high-quality deliverables.

Download and complete the Common Challenges In Scrum Implementation Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will explore how to measure the success of scrum implementations through three key metrics. We will dive into Velocity, which helps track the amount of work completed during each sprint and forecasts future sprint capacities. You will also examine Customer Satisfaction, a vital metric that provides insights into how well the team’s deliverables meet customer needs and how this feedback can drive improvements in future sprints. Finally, you will look at Time-to-Market, a crucial indicator of how quickly a product or feature moves from development to release.

Download and complete the Measuring The Success Of Scrum Worksheet.

In the concluding lecture, we will reflect on the knowledge and skills you have acquired during the course and how you can utilise them in real-life scenarios.

In this lecture, we will explore the core mechanics of the Kanban framework and how it can significantly boost productivity within your organisation. You will dive into effective strategies for training employees and implementing the framework to optimise workflows and monitor complex projects. You'll be equipped with the knowledge to improve cross-functionality across teams and enhance delivery speed. Additionally, you'll learn how visualising tasks helps teams track progress, identify bottlenecks and maintain a smooth flow, ultimately improving efficiency and adaptability.

Download and complete the Introduction Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will dive into the Visual Board, a key tool that helps teams organise and track tasks through various stages of a project. We'll also look at Work-in-Progress (WIP) Limits, which help teams manage workload efficiently and maintain a balance between speed and quality. Additionally, we will cover Cycle Time and Lead Time tracking, important metrics that allow teams to evaluate workflow efficiency and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, you will understand how these elements work together to enhance productivity and optimise project outcomes.

Download and complete the Core Components Of Kanban Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will look into why Kanban is widely adopted by business leaders across various industries. You will learn about the simplicity and flexibility of the framework, which allows it to be easily integrated into existing workflows without causing disruption. We will dive into the key reasons Kanban is so popular, including its intuitive implementation, customisability and scalability. You will also dive into how Kanban helps businesses enhance productivity, tailor workflows to specific needs and scale across departments or even entire organisations.

Download and complete the Why Kanban Is Popular For Business Leaders Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will dive into how Scrum practices cover everything from empowering Scrum Masters to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and from promoting collaboration between teams to setting clear goals and tracking progress with data-driven insights. We will look into how giving Scrum Masters more autonomy can enhance team dynamics and product deliverability and how a focus on continuous improvement encourages adaptive workflows. We'll explore the importance of cross-functional collaboration to ensure teams are aligned with the latest Scrum methodologies.

Download and complete the Key Metrics And Tools For Kanban Success Worksheet.

In this lecture, you will learn how Kanban can be scaled across an entire organisation, enhancing cross-departmental collaboration, goal alignment and accountability. You'll explore how Kanban, originally developed by Toyota, is now widely used to streamline workflows, increase visibility and improve team collaboration. We will cover how Kanban's visual nature fosters alignment between departments, helps track progress from ideation to production and ensures that all teams are working towards common goals with improved coordination.

Download and complete the Scaling Kanban Across Organisations Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will cover how to implement Kanban within your organisation, starting with pilot projects and scaling up gradually. You will look into the benefits of beginning with small teams, testing the system and refining it before expanding to other departments. We will also explore how data analytics, such as cycle time and lead time metrics, can help identify inefficiencies and optimise workflows for continuous improvement. You will gain a clear understanding of how to introduce Kanban, monitor progress and make data-driven decisions to enhance operational efficiency.

Download and complete the Best Practises For Kanban Implementation Worksheet.

In the concluding lecture, we will reflect on the knowledge and skills you have acquired during the course and how you can utilise them in real-life scenarios.

In this introductory lecture, we uncover the transformative power of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and its ability to revolutionise how organisations manage workflows and achieve strategic goals. We will explore the core features of SAFe, from lean portfolio management to just-in-time practices and discover how it can enhance productivity, streamline projects and foster collaboration across teams. You will learn how SAFe builds on agile principles to create a structured yet flexible framework that empowers organisations to adapt to market changes, meet customer demands and achieve long-term success.

Download and complete the Introduction Worksheet.

In Lecture 2, we will look into how the SAFe framework transforms organisational workflows by emphasising adaptability and collaboration. You will explore three core principles which work together to streamline processes and boost efficiency. We will dive into how PI Planning aligns teams and sets clear objectives for multiple weeks, ensuring better resource allocation and risk management. You'll discover the role of Agile Release Trains in fostering communication, reducing silos and speeding up delivery. Finally, we will uncover how Value Streams identify bottlenecks and optimise workflows, helping organisations deliver value faster and more efficiently.

Download and complete the Core Components Of SAFe Worksheet.

Here, we will dive into the concept of Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) and explore its crucial role in aligning resources with an organisation's strategic goals. You will discover how LPM, a key component of the SAFe framework, helps businesses prioritise high-value projects, ensure effective resource allocation and drive long-term growth. We will explore how LPM increases strategic alignment by connecting funding decisions with broader business objectives, as well as how it enables flexible budget management to respond to market demands. You will also learn about value stream funding and how it ensures continuous investment in long-term, value-driven initiatives.

Download and complete the Lean Portfolio Management Worksheet.

In Lecture 4, we will look into the key considerations for successfully scaling the SAFe framework across large organisations. You will explore how strong leadership, clear communication and effective training are essential for driving successful implementation and ensuring the framework’s versatility. We will discover how SAFe manages team dependencies through Programme Increment (PI) planning and Agile Release Trains (ARTs), ensuring synchronisation and collaboration across departments. You'll also understand how to maintain consistency in applying agile practises and how transparency and clear communication help foster a culture of collaboration.

Download and complete the Scaling Agile Across Large Organisations Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will look into the key benefits of adopting the SAFe framework for organisations aiming to optimise project outcomes and business performance. You will explore how SAFe helps business leaders align resources, manage investments and foster effective cross-collaboration, enabling companies to achieve strategic goals. We will dive into five major benefits including improved investment strategies through Lean Portfolio Management, enhanced teamwork via cross-functional collaboration and the cultivation of a culture of continuous improvement. You will also discover how SAFe increases visibility, reduces risks and accelerates time-to-market, helping businesses stay competitive in fast-paced industries.

Download and complete the Benefits Of SAFe For Business Leaders Worksheet.

In Lecture 6, we will establish the best practices for successfully implementing the SAFe framework within your organisation. You will uncover how leadership commitment, strategic planning and investing in skilled teams are crucial to building a strong foundation for long-term success. We will look into the importance of leadership support and continuous training to align teams with SAFe principles. You will explore how Programme Increment (PI) planning and metrics help streamline workflows and improve project outcomes. Finally, we will address the value of investing in skilled Release Train Engineers (RTEs) and Agile Release Trains (ARTs) to ensure effective execution.

Download and complete the Best Practises For Implementing SAFe Worksheet.

In the concluding lecture, we will reflect on the knowledge and skills you have acquired during the course and how you can utilise them in real-life scenarios.