What is Agile Methodology
Agile is a mindset, “the ability to create and respond to change. It is a way of dealing with, and ultimately succeeding in, an uncertain and turbulent environment,” as defined by the Agile Alliance.
We Are Agile
Being an Agile workforce is like being an acrobat walking on a tightrope. We are fully alert, ready to react and adapt to the unexpected. Sure, it looks hard but with the right preparation and expertise the acrobat is committed to his action, able to adapt to sudden change thus constantly improving his skills. That’s what it means to be Agile.
Being Agile is being able to adapt to any situation, even if the plan evolves over time. It’s an attitude, a state of mind to develop technology responsibly. Things can change quickly in business, and we are prepared to accommodate constantly moving targets.
The Agile mindset has become an umbrella for many Agile methods, such as Kanban, Scrum, Lean, and more. At Polar Stork we go all in for the Scrum framework, a tried and true method for software development. With Scrum, we observe reality as it is and plan for optimal results.
Agile Culture
Our Agile mindset reflects the culture at Polar Stork. We trust each other and are responsible for each other. We believe in a horizontal workspace that allows for ideas and creativity to flow freely.
We are resilient and deal with complexity, uncertainty, and change with an open mind.
Agile is our favorite approach because it enables us to reach solutions through collaborative, self-organizing, and cross-functional teams.
Agile teams
The Agile Values
Following the Scrum approach, our teams are:
- Courageous
- Focused
- Committed
- Respectful
- Open
What is it like to work with an Agile team?
The results are rapid outcomes, better deliverables, and low turnover rates. Our systemic model structures work with continuous planning, testing, and integration.
The Product Owner supports development by acting as the liaison between the client and the team, understanding our clients’ vision, preparing the backlog and priorities to meet and exceed expectations.
Each project is assigned a team of 3-9 members. The team size is restricted in order to maximize efficiency and communication. This team is coached by the Scrum Master who provides the best tools and techniques to achieve goals and remove blockers.
The Scrum Process
Its founders describe Scrum as “a framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value.” It’s especially effective in its iterative and incremental approach, enabling Polar Stork teams to develop your product in chains of 2-week sprints.
We plan and set goals for 2 weeks, and every day our Scrum team meets to stay aligned and remove obstacles. By the end of each sprint, we review with our clients and stakeholders to gather feedback. This allows us to assess results and improve the process for the following sprint.
In a nutshell, being Agile in our way of thinking and doing, gives us the ability to deliver excellent products, developed by happy teams, to satisfied customers.
