Developed by Anthony Galima, "Socio-Agile" is a unique methodology that combines the principles of Agile practices with the insights of Developer Intelligence and Business Anthropology. It aims to strengthen communication, collaboration, and alignment within Web3, crypto, and blockchain companies, considering the diverse social dynamics that exist in these organizations. By integrating the core values of Agile with a focus on effective communication and understanding across technical and non-technical teams, Socio-Agile enhances the mission and goals of the company.
1.) Core Principles:
a. Individuals and interactions: Socio-Agile recognizes the importance of effective communication and collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds; especially amongst "remote teams." It promotes open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect to foster a cohesive and inclusive work environment.
b. Working software and meaningful connections: Socio-Agile emphasizes the delivery of working/implementable solutions and the establishment of meaningful connections with customers. It encourages the Developer Intelligence Project Manager and teams to build bridges between technical complexities and customer needs, ensuring the product's value and relevance; while also establishing inclusion and trust within a caring community.
c. Customer collaboration and empathy: Socio-Agile puts a strong emphasis on customer collaboration and empathy. By leveraging the insights of Developer Intelligence and Business Anthropology, it encourages teams to engage with customers through open-ended questions, surveys, and various communication channels to gain deeper insights into their needs, expectations, and satisfaction.
d. Responding to change and continuous improvement: Socio-Agile acknowledges the rapidly evolving nature of the Web3 industry and the need for adaptability. It encourages teams to embrace change, iterate quickly, and continuously improve processes, products, and customer experiences based on feedback and market demands.
e. To simplify the tone, voice, and style of language; especially when discussing solutions of a very technical nature. What is apparent and obvious to some, is not so apparent and obvious to others. The development, marketing, sales teams, customers and community must be walking in stride. When everyone can understand what is taking place, moving forward together becomes frequent and effortless.
2.) Agile Practices Integration:
a. Scrum-based collaboration: Socio-Agile adopts Scrum as a framework to facilitate collaboration between technical and non-technical teams. It promotes cross-functional teams, daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives to foster effective communication, alignment, and iterative development.
b. Developer Intelligence Project Manager role: The role of the Developer Intelligence Project Manager is pivotal in Socio-Agile. They act as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring clear communication, understanding, and alignment. The Developer Intelligence Project Manager possesses deep technical knowledge, strong communication skills, and a keen understanding of the customer perspective. They also understand the different challenges within Marketing, Sales, and Development Teams.
c. Fluid feedback system: Socio-Agile places a strong emphasis on feedback loops. It encourages the use of open-ended questions and diverse survey methods to collect customer insights and identify anonymous users. Feedback is gathered through various channels such as email, in-app surveys, QR codes, and links, while leveraging social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn Direct Messages for internal communication.
d. Iterative process improvement: Socio-Agile promotes continuous process improvement through regular retrospectives. Teams reflect on their communication practices, identify bottlenecks, and implement changes to enhance collaboration, alignment, and the achievement of mission and goals; while at the same time playing to the strengths of each individual's working process. The age of remote working allows individuals to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness; and their process which may be different from others should be encouraged.
3.) Implementation Blueprint:
a. Foster a culture of open communication: Establish an environment where open and respectful communication is encouraged. Promote psychological safety, active listening, and empathy across teams. Keep in mind that "open communication" is not compulsory communication. Do not force conversations; especially those with specific deadlines.
b. Cross-functional teams and roles: Create cross-functional teams that include both technical and non-technical members. Ensure each team has a Developer Intelligence Project Manager to facilitate effective communication and understanding. The Developer Intelligence can jump into any role, of any team member, and execute that role/understand that particular perspective.
c. Regular retrospectives: Conduct regular retrospectives to evaluate team dynamics, communication effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine processes, communication channels, and collaboration methods. Realize that when evaluating team dynamics, it is possible there are no processes to refine; no real constructive criticism. Do not always look for problems or see change as the only form of progress. Within retrospectives, regular gratitude and acknowledgement should be given generously.
d. Feedback-driven development: Implement a fluid feedback system using various survey methods and communication channels. Gather customer insights, identify pain points, and use feedback to drive product/solutions and process improvements. It is more important to strengthen that which is working best and well received; rather than trying to create or fix that which is currently lacking. Make strengths stronger, move away from points of weakness rendering them obsolete. This ensures that by both giving and receiving feedback, there is no trepidation between participants, nor will they ever be frowned upon or shunned.
e. Training and development: Provide training and development opportunities to enhance communication. Encourage employees to shadow and work with colleagues within different departments and teams. Not only will this create greater meaning, understanding, and overall communication; but it awakens new passions. It allows for the super-stars to move up and within the community and entity. It will help with the high employee turnover rate within Web3 entities. This article is merely an appetizer. Business Anthropologist Anthony Galima brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the Web3 industry. With his technical writing abilities, experience in DeFi, community management, NFTs, marketing, and sales, he can contribute to the success of Web3 entities, from Polygon Matic to Ripple/XRP or any number of hybrid/remote teams looking to create the times within this 4th Industrial Revolution. Moreover, his passion for fostering a strong working culture that celebrates cultural diversity and a diversity of thought ensures an inclusive and dynamic environment capable of setting benchmarks cross-culturally.
With Socio-Agile and the addition of Anthony Galima's skill set, Web3 entities can expect improved communication and collaboration across technical and non-technical teams. This will lead to more efficient decision-making, faster problem-solving, enhanced customer acquisition and retention, and ultimately the advancement of the Web3 industry as a whole. By embracing the Socio-Agile methodology and harnessing the expertise of thought leaders like Anthony Galima, Web3 companies can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving and fast-paced digital landscape. They can present their solutions in ways different demographics can understand, while at the same time helping to ensure their unique customs, culture, and way of life are preserved to amplified and celebrated.
If you are an anthropologist in the business world, and would like to be able to add "Socio-Agile" to your toolbelt, certainly read: "The Making and Unmaking of the Modern World." Then reach out to Anthony Galima directly on LinkedIn for more information and potential mentoring opportunities.