{"id":33347,"date":"2022-10-20T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/?p=33347"},"modified":"2024-06-15T07:41:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-15T07:41:41","slug":"agile-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/agile-agency","title":{"rendered":"What Is An Agile Agency And How To Become One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re an Agile agency \ud83d\ude80.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buzzword alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably already know\u2014Agile isn\u2019t just for software developers anymore. Increasingly agencies, consultancies, and other knowledge-based project teams are adopting Agile as their preferred method to deliver projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, Agile projects deliver proven value in software projects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher profit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More meaningful projects and client relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clearer communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, there\u2019s no cookie-cutter way to be an Agile agency; people even refer to it as a \u201cmindset\u201d rather than a \u201cmethodology\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We\u2019ve separated the truth from the spin so you can figure out:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What an Agile agency is<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Should you adopt Agile at your agency?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The challenges when switching to Agile <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The steps to becoming an Agile agency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Agile agency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An Agile agency uses the Agile methodology to plan, manage, and deliver projects in collaboration with clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, agencies lean on sequential phases and tasks to deliver a project.&nbsp;On the other hand, an Agile agency focuses on delivering incremental value in each iteration of a project. This way a client sees outcomes right from the first iteration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Agile methodology?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations-1024x476.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations-1024x476.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations-300x139.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations-768x357.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations-940x437.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/agile-project-management-iterations.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soldevelo.com\/blog\/is-agile-always-the-best-solution-for-software-development-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Agile methodology uses constant iteration and feedback to deliver outcomes collaboratively with the client. According to the <a href=\"http:\/\/agilemanifesto.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agile Manifesto<\/a>, this methodology focuses on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>\u2705 Individuals and interactions<\/td><td>\u274c Processes and tools<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2705 Working deliverables<\/td><td>\u274c Comprehensive documentation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2705 Customer collaboration<\/td><td>\u274c Contract negotiation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2705 Respond to change<\/td><td>\u274c Set plans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional project management methods focus on each phase only once during the project&#8217;s lifecycle. For example, in Waterfall project management, the phases are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requirement analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Execution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivery (or Deployment)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each phase is executed once. And the resulting document is passed off to the next phase and team. There&#8217;s no way a client can get their hands on a working deliverable right until the end. As a result, accommodating change requests become extremely hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Agile, a project is broken down into 2-4 week iterations. In each iteration, the project team delivers a working part of a project to the client. This implies that in each iteration, the team goes through planning, execution, testing, and delivery phases to deliver a working iteration of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agile methodology example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down the Agile methodology using a typical agency example\u2014building a website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Designing a 10-page website<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Agile methodology<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Traditional or Waterfall methodology<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Gather website requirements<\/td><td>A scoping session at the start followed by detailed scope definitions for each iteration<\/td><td>One workshop with the client at the start to gather all requirements<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plan page development schedule<\/td><td>A high-level roadmap and detailed iteration planning allow for faster adjustments<\/td><td>Planning the entire project schedule at once results in rigid schedules<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Design and develop website pages<\/td><td>Uses open-sharing design tools so the client can see what\u2019s being built.<\/td><td>Takes place \u201cbehind closed doors\u201d and is closely based on original specs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Get client feedback and approval<\/td><td>Live wireframing sessions enable the client to provide feedback during development, weekly discussions, and reports to share progress.<\/td><td>Only takes place once each page or the whole website has been built.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scope changes<\/td><td>Can happen on the go, and the team can respond to changes without losing too much time.<\/td><td>Require new scoping exercises, timeline extensions, and additional resources.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Launch<\/td><td>Pages delivered at the end of each iteration can be launched after approval.<\/td><td>Only happens when the whole 10 pages are completed and signed off.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why should you adopt Agile in your agency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are four reasons why Agile might be your agency\u2019s catalyst for success (and bear in mind that these benefits all feed into each other):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accommodate ever-changing client expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Close to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/-\/media\/pmi\/documents\/public\/pdf\/learning\/thought-leadership\/pulse\/pulse-of-the-profession-2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">half the projects<\/a> experience scope creep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And sometimes changes are part of the project landscape and cannot be avoided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, marketing agencies often have to accommodate change requests as trends change. <a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/agile-project-management-in-marketing\">Agile project management in marketing<\/a> helps easily absorb these changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Weekly feedback sessions so teams can apply changes without being held back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open access to documents so clients can see work-in-progress (it doesn\u2019t have to be perfect)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shift focus away from set-in-stone specifications and onto making progress quickly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where possible, enable project phases to start simultaneously\u2014for example, copywriters can start writing the landing page while developers finalize the design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helps you stay profitable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may think that nailing down project specifications early on is the best way to control costs and budgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Waterfall projects fail to accommodate and control the major problems affecting your bottom line. For example, rework or lack of team productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shifting to Agile has helped <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/sponsored\/2018\/03\/survey-data-shows-that-many-companies-are-still-not-truly-agile\" target=\"_blank\">60% of companies<\/a> see higher profits thanks to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More frequent and integrated client feedback<\/strong>\u2014weekly reviews and live feedback sessions enable agency teams to respond quickly and collaborate effectively with clients. Changes are less likely to be dramatic and render months of work a complete waste of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bite-sized sprints that are time-tracked<\/strong>\u2014sprints give agencies greater visibility and control over their resources. Issues like <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/project-scope-creep\" title=\"scope creep\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">scope creep<\/a> and unproductive team members can be identified and dealt with quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attracts and retains the best talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Agencies are plagued by two expensive HR issues\u2014burnout and turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employee stress and burnout cost US businesses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/workplace-stress\" target=\"_blank\">over $300 billion per year<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And hiring a replacement can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shrm.org\/hr-today\/trends-and-forecasting\/special-reports-and-expert-views\/documents\/retaining-talent.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">cost up to 60%<\/a> of the employee\u2019s salary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These problems are soul-crushing for everyone. And remote work often compounds these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An Agile mindset is a powerful layer of protection against these issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2-4 week iterations ensure that no one is overworked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agile&#8217;s focus on communication and collaboration encourages and facilitates working in a team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that your agency processes become your greatest selling point as an employer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enhances creativity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re leading an agency providing marketing, web development, branding, or software engineering\u2014your success is defined by creativity. You started out because you love doing good work and creating beautiful things\u2014and you\u2019ve built a team of people who share that ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike traditional methods, Agile focuses on individuals over processes and working deliverables over documentation. As a result, team members feel empowered to take creative decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Challenges of switching to Agile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming an Agile agency is not an overnight process. It takes time, flexibility, and a few mistakes before your business, your team, and your clients get used to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the four most common roadblocks to prepare for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Figuring out what Agile looks like for your agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Agile is fairly flexible and can be adapted to any project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s critical to figure out what being <a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-agile-project-management\">Agile project management<\/a> means to your agency or consultancy. You may want to ask these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is the outcome we deliver at the end of an iteration?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long should an iteration be to plan, execute, measure, and report on this outcome?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What roles are needed in each iteration?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/kanban-vs-scrum\">Scrum vs. Kanban<\/a>\u2014what&#8217;s a better Agile method for us?  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do we get feedback and approvals from clients? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Agile is a great hammer, but that doesn\u2019t mean every agency process is a nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educating your team on Agile practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Switching to Agile may seem like a huge leap for your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Agile\u2019s success is widely documented, but it\u2019s still a complex and technical methodology to get your head around.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, Agile agencies need to invest in educating and supporting their staff alongside ensuring they have enough time and mental space to complete their BAU tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investing in Agile project management tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transitioning from traditional Waterfall to Agile agency processes may require a new tech stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, because Agile emphasizes internal and external collaboration and feedback, you may need to invest in tools with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meeting tools with screen-sharing functions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project management tools with <a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/agile-planning\">Agile planning<\/a> features like kanbans, product backlogs, sprints, and daily stand-ups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time-tracking capability to measure and track progress, productivity, and resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is exciting, but also potentially expensive, <em>especially<\/em> if you have to try and test a few tools at the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting buy-in from clients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, you need clients to support your journey into the world of Agile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a careful explanation of what Agile looks like and how it changes the status quo, clients might rush to assumptions that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019re looking for a way to increase prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have to invest too much time in feedback sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project deliverables are unstable and unclear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if they\u2019re not on board, they\u2019ll walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to become an Agile agency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve broken it down into seven steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Step<\/th><th><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1. Start small<\/td><td>Start with your most long-term and trusted client\u2014and your most straightforward but least mission-critical process.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2. Learn the terminology<\/td><td>Create an Agile glossary and share it with the team.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3. Understand Agile roles<\/td><td>Learn about Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Team member roles and what they\u2019ll look like for your agency.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4. Learn to work in Sprints<\/td><td>Deliver the project outcomes into sprints, use your PM tools and daily meetings to get the work done, and constantly iterate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5. Establish a culture of open communication<\/td><td>Focus on being clear, brief, and \u2018showing\u2019 progress. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6. Invest in the right tools<\/td><td>Build a tech stack of PM tools that include Agile-specific features like Kanban boards, Scrum boards, and <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/\" title=\"time tracking\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">time tracking<\/a>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7. Feedback, iterate, repeat until you get there<\/td><td>Build your Agile processes around regular, specific feedback within your internal team and with the client\u2014so you can constantly improve.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Start small&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not going to work if you try to change everything all at once, or try to transform all your client-facing processes overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your best bet is to start small, ask for feedback, iterate as you go, and document the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You know\u2026 apply an Agile approach to it \ud83d\ude09.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s best to start with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your longest-standing client or the strongest relationship:<\/strong> they\u2019ve been with you since the beginning, and you\u2019re well accustomed to their needs, communication style, and expectations. If it goes wrong, they have the most capacity for patience so you can make it right. You trust each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An internal process that\u2019s easy to follow but not mission-critical: <\/strong>everyone in your team understands the process inside out, but it\u2019s not a fundamental part of your agency workflow. You have room to tinker with it while continuing BAU, and you can roll it out in tandem with your old process to see how well it works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you go big from the start, you risk getting it wrong on a large scale, which could jeopardize your much-needed client and team buy-in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By aiming for small wins in areas that are easy to explain and document, you build an arsenal of success stories to use throughout your internal team and to the clients who are more conservative and risk-averse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Build a glossary of terms&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the time to clarify the Agile terminology to your team and your clients by building a glossary of terms, with the context of how they fit within your agency frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can implement the glossary, so it\u2019s as engaging, relevant, and accessible as possible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure that all team members have access to the glossary\u2014suggest that they bookmark it on their desktop, or produce a printable version for them to keep on their desks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When implementing the glossary into your digital processes, use the old terminology in explanations for context\u2014your team shouldn\u2019t feel like they\u2019re being tested when they\u2019re just trying to do their job.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run short workshops or meetings where your team can ask questions or gain more context into what the new terminology means and how to implement it into their role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Understand Agile roles&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The wild thing about Agile is that it has thrown a lot of traditional agency roles out the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agile roles focus on cross-functional expertise. Teams have a holistic focus so that they can be put on any project and deliver high-quality results quickly, institutional knowledge isn\u2019t trapped within your people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break it down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Traditional role<\/th><th>Agile role<\/th><th>Responsibility<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Client\/Account manager<\/td><td>Product Owner<\/td><td><ul><li>Understands the project from the client\u2019s perspective and can communicate feedback<\/li><li>Sets and prioritizes items (tasks) in the Scrum project backlog<\/li><li>Ensures project is meeting criteria for success<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Project manager\/Team lead<\/td><td>Scrum Master<\/td><td><ul><li>Supports coordination and progress between team members<\/li><li>Handles administrative tasks like booking meetings, noting feedback, and protects team members from distracting delays<\/li><li>Helps the Product Owner prioritize backlog items<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team<\/td><td>Team<strong> <\/strong>(designer, writer, engineer, SEO, trader)<\/td><td><ul><li>Get the work doneManage their own time to maximize productivity and meet deadlines<\/li><li>Effectively communicate progress, barriers, and wins in daily stand-up meetings<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Learn to work in Sprints&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Agile projects are executed in iterations\u2014also known as Sprints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Sprint is a single period of time to deliver a working outcome to the client. Usually, a sprint is 2-4 weeks. But depending on the work involved it could also be less or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what a typical Sprint looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before the Sprint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the product owner chooses things to work on during a Sprint from the <strong>project backlog<\/strong>. A backlog is a prioritized list of project outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, the scrum master along with the team breakdown the chosen outcomes into tasks. They also <strong>assign estimates<\/strong> to each task. Depending on the estimates and the time available some of the outcomes may go back to the project backlog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the team and product owner <strong>agree and commit<\/strong> to the outcomes of a Sprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">During the Sprint <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The team uses a Kanban board or a Scrum board to <strong>track the progress of each task<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every morning, the team comes in a <strong>stand-up meeting<\/strong> (15-minute meeting where everyone is literally standing up) together to discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What did we do yesterday?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are there any roadblocks or challenges?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are we doing today?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As the tasks get done, team members responsible move the task cards on the board from &#8220;To do&#8221; to &#8220;Done&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After the Sprint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire team along with the product meets for a <strong>retrospective meeting<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the retrospective meeting, the team discusses what went well and what didn&#8217;t during the last Sprint. Learnings are noted down and used to improve future Sprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Build an open and transparent team communication culture&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Well-implemented Agile communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensures everyone is on the same page<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tackles challenges and roadblocks quickly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps you gain more insight from the people closest to the deliverable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passes more relevant and accurate information between team members and clients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is about building your processes around the meetings including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sprint planning meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Daily standup meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retrospective meeting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The approach to Agile comms is simple: Show the thing, be clear, and be brief.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Choose the right PM tools&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As an Agile agency, your <a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/agile-project-management-tools\">project management tools<\/a> should be built around your people and their processes\u2014not the other way around!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To successfully implement and see the most value from Agile frameworks, look for these features in your project management tech stack:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kanban boards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project backlogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Task scheduling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progress visualization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right project management software ensures that your teams are empowered to be productive, creative, collaborative, and effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Ask for feedback, learn, rinse, and repeat&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Feedback is the secret to Agile\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not just by increasing the amount of feedback from the client, but also by constantly gathering it from all areas of your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you restructure your agency processes to become more Agile, build feedback within each phase so that after every Sprint is complete, people have the opportunity to reflect on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What went well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What didn\u2019t go so well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunities and ideas to improve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to build a process around documentation so that all feedback is written down, stored in an organized way, and easily accessible for future reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an agency owner, this part of the process is the most rewarding because you get to learn exactly how to improve your business, make it more profitable, and ensure that it\u2019s a great place to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The insights gained from your team and your clients can quickly become the messages you use to <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/recruitment-strategies\"   title=\"attract top talent\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">attract top talent<\/a> and win future clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Becoming an Agile agency requires an Agile approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Agile can be a catalyst for growth and success for your agency <em>if<\/em> you invest the time and energy into educating your team, supporting your clients, and discovering what processes truly help your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The key is to take it slow, keep talking to your team and your clients, and be honest about the results.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We break down why so many agencies are going Agile, what that means, and how you can become an Agile agency to improve all aspects of your 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