In this insightful presentation, Eik Thyrsted Brandsgard, an expert in Agile transformation, discusses the significant changes at LEGO as they embraced Agile principles to enhance creativity and collaboration. Key themes include:

• The Challenge of Micromanagement: Brandsgard begins by referencing "Lord Business," a metaphor for rigid management styles that stifle creativity and innovation. He explains how traditional management practices can lead to a lack of autonomy among teams, ultimately hindering productivity and morale.

• Agile as a Solution: The talk highlights how LEGO adopted Agile methodologies to combat these challenges. By restructuring teams around Agile principles, LEGO shifted from a top-down management approach to one that empowers individuals and encourages self-organization.

• Cross-Functional Teams: Brandsgard emphasizes the importance of cross-functional teams in the Agile framework. These teams are composed of members with diverse skills who collaborate closely, enabling faster decision-making and more innovative solutions. This structure helps break down silos that often exist in traditional organizations.

• Iterative Development and Feedback: The iterative nature of Agile allows LEGO to develop products incrementally while continuously incorporating feedback from stakeholders. Brandsgard discusses how this approach not only accelerates product development but also ensures that customer needs are met more effectively.

• Cultural Transformation: A significant focus of the presentation is on the cultural shift within LEGO as a result of adopting Agile practices. Brandsgard shares examples of how fostering a culture of trust and collaboration has led to increased employee engagement and satisfaction.

• Real-World Impact: Throughout the talk, Brandsgard provides concrete examples of successful projects at LEGO that illustrate the positive impact of Agile methodologies. He discusses how teams have been able to deliver high-quality products more efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on innovation.

This session is particularly valuable for leaders, managers, and practitioners interested in understanding how Agile can transform organizational culture and improve team dynamics. Brandsgard’s insights provide a roadmap for avoiding micromanagement while fostering an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration.

Speaker Bio

Eik Thyrsted Brandsgard is an experienced Agile coach and consultant specializing in organizational transformation. With a background in software development and project management, he has worked with various companies, including LEGO, to implement Agile methodologies effectively. Brandsgard is passionate about empowering teams to achieve their full potential through collaborative practices and continuous improvement. He frequently speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing his expertise on Agile transformation and team dynamics.