Context
The Federal Government of Germany, recognising the limitations of traditional bureaucratic structures, has embarked on an ambitious project to introduce agile working methods into the Federal Administration. This initiative is stipulated in the coalition agreement, a political document outlining the goals of the current governing parties. The Federal Academy plays a central role in this transformation by offering a hybrid training programme for agile coaches.
Objectives
The primary objective of this programme is to equip public servants with the skills and mindset necessary to adopt agile principles. The training focuses on core agile values such as trust, collaboration and openness. It equips participants with practical knowledge of specific methodologies such as Scrum and OKR (objectives and key results), along with coaching and facilitation skills to promote agile transformation within their departments.
Implementation
The Federal Academy’s pilot training in 2023 marked the initial step in this large-scale project. The curriculum emphasises the practical application of agile methods in the context of the public sector, acknowledging the unique constraints imposed by legal regulations. By training managers and fostering a community of agile coaches across different federal agencies, the programme aims to break down silos, overcome resistance to change and create a more user-centred and innovative Administration.
A key challenge in implementing agile methods lies in fostering acceptance within the traditionally conservative work environment. To address this, the programme specifically targets managers who can champion agile practices within their departments. Additionally, a community is being established to facilitate the exchange of best practices and foster collaboration across departments and agencies. This knowledge sharing through conferences and ongoing communication empowers public servants to navigate the complexities of agile transformation and overcome obstacles as a collective.