Agile People Fika

Agile People
Agile People Fika

Join us for a talk about agility with experienced coaches in the Agile People network.

Episodes

  1. MAR 18

    Agile People Fika Cast - Resource allocation budgets opposed to prioritizing flexibility with people

    Welcome to this episode of the Agile People Fika podcast, where we engage in an unscripted discussion about 'Resource Allocation Budgets versus Prioritizing Flexibility with People'. This insightful conversation among Agile People team members and guest David Thompson delves into the fundamental question of whether organizations should measure value or costs, particularly in the context of IT departments. The dialogue opens with an examination of the drawbacks of rigid budgets in stifling innovation and flexibility. One example cited is a team with a potentially valuable innovation but constrained by budget limitations in their specific 'money bag', hindering the project's fruition. This example illustrates how budgets can lock teams into a non- innovative mindset, focusing solely on meeting deadlines set by predefined projects. The conversation then shifts to the idea of dynamic resource allocation, which could be more effective if not constrained by fixed performance targets. This approach would allow resources to be shared where needed most, promoting efficiency and adaptability. The panel discusses the challenge of convincing those who control budgets ('money bag holders') to embrace this fluidity, acknowledging the inherent fear of 'going crazy' or losing control. Addressing the notion of control, the discussion highlights the importance of adapting to reality rather than adhering rigidly to plans made in the past. It's argued that using resources where they're most needed at any given time is a wise and responsible approach, as opposed to the false sense of security offered by fixed budgets. Further, the panel delves into the idea of agile for finance, emphasizing the need to shift from traditional budget rituals to more adaptive, reality- based planning. This includes acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the business environment and the impossibility of controlling complex human systems. The concept of 'value creation' versus 'cost management' is also explored, suggesting that organizations should focus on potential value rather than just costs. The discussion also touches on the tendency of organizations to stick with projects in which they've heavily invested, even when it's more sensible to abandon them. The benefits of small, focused teams over larger, less cohesive ones are considered, along with the need for agility in resource allocation and decision-making. Towards the end, the conversation steers towards practical steps for traditional organizations to transition towards more flexible resource allocation. Suggestions include questioning annual budgets, making changes as needed, and avoiding rewarding people based on performance against fixed targets. The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to explore further training with Agile People, highlighting an upcoming certification focusing on agile for finance. This initiative aims to foster modern leadership and governance for a more profitable and sustainable future. Join us in this engaging Fika session to gain deeper insights into navigating the complexities of resource allocation and prioritizing flexibility in organizations.

    30 min
  2. MAR 7

    Agile People Fika Cast - What are the drawbacks of having overly specific financial objectives

    Join us on this episode of the Agile People Fika podcast, where we explore the intriguing subject of 'What are the drawbacks of having overly specific financial objectives'. This engaging discussion explores the complexities and potential pitfalls of setting highly specific financial goals within organizations. Our conversation opens with reflections on traditional accounting practices and the resistance to change often encountered in the field of finance. The panel, including an ex-accountant, discusses how outdated methods persist in budgeting and management, highlighting the reluctance to adopt new approaches despite evident inefficiencies. We then shift to examining human behavior in organizations, particularly how adding complexity to problems often leads to short-sighted solutions. This is especially true in finance, where traditional values and practices are deeply ingrained. The conversation underscores the challenges of encouraging people to think creatively and adopt new methods, particularly in areas like budgeting and management. A significant part of the discussion focuses on the drawbacks of overly specific financial targets. These rigid objectives can lead to unethical behaviors, such as gaming the system, and foster a short-term mindset that undermines long-term organizational health. Specific examples are cited, illustrating how rigid financial goals can disconnect from the real- world context of a product or service, leading to counterproductive measures. The conversation then turns to performance management, especially in relation to financial objectives. The panelists discuss how managers often engage in counterproductive actions to meet financial goals linked to their performance bonuses. This leads to a broader discussion on the limitations of checklist-driven approaches in finance, where ticking off tasks can overshadow the holistic impact of actions. Towards the end of the discussion, the panel introduces the concept of 'beyond budgeting'. This approach involves breaking the link between annual budgets, fixed performance targets, and rewards, advocating for a more dynamic and responsive financial planning process. This method recognizes the need for agility in resource allocation and decision-making, moving away from the rigid structures of traditional budgeting. The podcast wraps up with reflections on the role of HR and finance as key enablers of organizational agility. The need for these departments to collaborate more closely is emphasized, suggesting that joint efforts could be a crucial step in advancing agile practices within organizations. Overall, this episode of Agile People Fika offers a deep dive into the challenges and potential solutions for moving beyond traditional financial objectives, highlighting the importance of agility

    27 min

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