From 2022 to 2024, Digital Transformation (DT) spending in Western markets is projected to reach a staggering $6.3 trillion (IDC Research). Yet, despite this massive investment, failure rates hover around 84%, with no signs of improvement, according to IDC research. Organizations are pouring money into transformation, but many aren’t seeing the value they expected. Why?
The 2023 State of Agile Report offers a glimpse into the possible reasons behind this pattern. It highlights a disparity in satisfaction with Agile between smaller and larger organizations. While smaller organizations report satisfaction with Agile approaches, 61% of large organizations express disappointment, citing unmet goals and unfulfilled promises. And it’s likely these large organizations that account for the lion’s share of that $6.3 trillion investment.
The Scaling Framework Dilemma
One prominent factor at play? Scaling frameworks. About 59% of organizations report using frameworks like SAFe or LeSS, with larger enterprises especially reliant on them. Yet, as mentioned above, 61% of large organizations are dissatisfied with the results of their Agile transformations.
This data paints a clear pattern: reliance on scaling frameworks seems correlated with the billions wasted on DT efforts that don’t meet expectations. But why do these frameworks struggle?
The Problem Isn’t the Framework
In my experience working with large organizations, the issue isn’t the scaling frameworks themselves. Rather, it’s often a the inability to tailor these frameworks to the organization’s unique, evolving context. When organizations adopt frameworks without adapting them, they can end up with rigid processes that fail to keep up with internal and external changes. While frameworks can bring initial benefits, sustainable success requires continuous customization and evolution.
Frameworks are often adopted with the hope that they’ll provide a quick fix. And while they can certainly streamline processes and improve alignment, they can’t account for the dynamic, evolving needs of each unique organization on their own. Agile should be about adapting to change, but ironically, frameworks can make organizations too rigid when not tailored.
So, What Should We Really Be Asking?
When it comes to Agile transformation, the question isn’t,
“How can I adopt Framework X?”
Instead, the question we should be asking is,
“How can I evolve my framework to meet my organization’s changing needs?”
Adopting a framework is only the beginning; evolving it is where the real, lasting success lies. Let’s move toward an Agile that grows with us, adapts with us, and ultimately delivers on its promises.
Shifting the Mindset: From Adoption to Evolution With Creating Agile Organizations
Instead of focusing on adoption, the real question should be about evolution. The Creating Agile Organizations approach offers a way to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, providing a pathway to continuously evolve your Agile model to fit your organization’s specific needs and context. This approach supports sustainable agility that adapts as your organization grows and transforms, unlocking long-term value from your Agile investments.