Discipilned Agile (DA) combines methods such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean and SAFe to enable teams to work in the best possible way. The focus is on context and results, which allows DA to adapt specifically to different projects. It not only promotes the agility of individual teams, but also supports the entire organization. 

The four core elements of DA

To understand the importance of DA, you need to know the four core elements that characterize this toolkit. The following four principles are responsible for DA's flexible approach. 

• Focus on context
  Every project and every organization is individual in its own way. DA attaches great importance to taking this into account before defining working methods. First, the tasks are analyzed and only then are the required tools selected from the toolkit. This promotes an effective and sustainable way of working.
  
• Focus on results
  The second point of DA is the focus on results. This point emphasizes that the focus is on achieving goals that create real added value. It is about meeting the customer's needs and not primarily adhering to processes. This approach makes it possible to deploy resources in a targeted manner. 
  
• Broad toolkit
  As DA takes the best practices from various approaches such as Lean, Scrum, Kanban and SAFe etc., it is very diverse. This leads to a flexible composition of methods and simplifies the achievement of goals. Thanks to this diversity, companies can ensure that they always use best practices. 
  
• Promoting business agility
  DA aims to spread agile thinking throughout the entire organization instead of limiting it to the IT department. It helps companies to introduce these agile principles in other departments as well. An agile culture in the company brings many benefits, such as promoting innovation and responding to market changes. 
  

Start with DA

The question now is how to get started with DA. You need a structured approach to make the start more effective and easier. Essentially, it is about analyzing the existing processes and selecting the appropriate methods. 

1. Actual state
   The first step is to understand where the organization stands and to analyse the existing processes. You need to ask yourself which departments benefit from agile approaches and where inefficiencies occur. This creates transparency and lays the foundation for the next steps.
   
2. Define goals
   The goals must be clearly defined in order to create clarity for everyone. SMART goals are recommended for this purpose.
   Specific = specific and clearly defined 
   Measurable = measurable 
   Achievable = realistic and achievable
   Reasonable = appropriate 
   Time-bound = with a fixed date
   
3. Training
   DA can only be successfully implemented if the participants/employees all understand which methods are available to them. It is therefore important to invest in workshops and training courses if this knowledge is not yet available. 
   
4. Appropriate working method
   A central principle of Disciplined Agile is "Choose Your WoW" (Way of Working), which enables the selection of suitable methods and practices based on the context and defined goals. Whether Scrum for software development or Kanban for IT support teams, the way of working is customized.
   
   In order to implement the selection effectively, it is advisable to start with a pilot project. This makes it possible to test the new way of working and gain initial experience. With these findings, you already have a good knowledge base.
   
5. Continuous improvement
   DA is a continuous process that does not end once it has been introduced. You have to regularly review your working methods and look for processes that can be optimized. This helps the organization to remain agile and develop further in the long term. 
   

Conclusion

Disciplined Agile is a powerful toolkit that helps organizations to work flexibly and effectively. By combining proven methods such as Scrum, Kanban and Lean, DA provides a versatile foundation that can be adapted to the specific requirements of projects and organizations. The four core elements of context focus, results orientation, a broad toolkit and the promotion of business agility make DA a valuable approach for companies. 

Getting started requires a careful analysis of the current situation, clear target definitions and the selection of suitable working methods. Pilot projects and continuous improvements are essential for the successful integration of DA.