Sometimes we can’t see the tree for the forest

This time of year many of us are making resolutions. Try something new. Get some improvement.  Of course, the biggest challenge is often how to stick with the something new long enough to see the improvement. 

Take your team for instance. Over the past year, how many new things did they try? How many stuck? Did any make a positive difference?

If you're struggling with these questions, here's an idea. Simplify the picture. Sometimes we can’t see the tree for the forest. So rather than attempt to understand the impact of multiple new things, try focusing on just one thing for the next month or so.

Have your team pick one agile practice. It can be one that they are already doing or something that's new. Have everyone pay attention to what difference that one practice makes. What is the team learning through its use? Does it provide new insight to their process?... their product? ... the organization?... themselves?

Above all, don't give up too soon. Give the practice a chance... perhaps 2 to 3 Sprints. What changes are happening Sprint over Sprint? The team might be surprised the difference even one agile practice can make. By focusing on the change, the team is more likely to see the benefit of that one practice and will be more likely to continue the practice. If you find this approach effective, continue by adding another practice and try that for a few Sprints. After a bit of understanding the trees, the forest will emerge.