8 Patterns to Set Up Your Measure and Grow Program for Success

Launching a new initiative in an organization always takes time to gain traction. However, when teams and leaders recognize the value, they will strive to make it successful. This is true for the implementation of a Measure and Grow or Continuous Improvement Program. While it takes effort to get started, the benefits in the long term will far outweigh the initial challenges.

At AgilityInsights®, we work closely with organizations to establish Measure and Grow programs tailored to their unique needs. Through our experiences, we’ve observed key patterns that contribute to the success of these programs, whether for commercial, government, or non-profit sectors. Understanding these patterns can help ensure that your program is set up for success.

What is a Measure and Grow Program?

A Measure and Grow or Continuous Improvement Program helps organizations track progress toward business agility. According to Sally Elatta, AgilityInsights® Founder and CEO, and Evan Leybourn, Founder of the Business Agility Institute:

“Business Agility is the ability to adapt to change, learn and pivot, deliver at speed, and thrive in a competitive market.”

To stay competitive, organizations must continuously improve and adapt. A Measure and Grow Program assesses team health, performance, and maturity, offering clear roadmaps for growth.

Patterns to Follow for a Successful Program

1. Define How You Will Measure Success

As Bertrand Dupperin said, “Tell me how you will measure me, and I will tell you how I will behave.” This applies to teams and leaders as well. Start by defining success criteria and provide teams with a safe environment to measure their own maturity. Use a neutral facilitator and standardized questions across all teams to encourage honesty and openness.

2. Provide a Way to Help Teams Grow After Measuring

“Measurement without action is worthless data.” This wisdom highlights that the next step after measuring is taking action. Ensure your program includes paths for teams to learn and mature. Common strategies include:

• Dojo Teams: Pairing high-performing teams with newer teams to foster learning.

• Pre-defined Learning Paths: Using instructor-led or virtual learning sessions.

• Communities of Practice: Offering intentional learning options.

• Mentorship and Accountability Partners: Creating partnerships to encourage growth.

3. Tie the Importance of Measurement and Growth to Organizational Goals

“Why are we doing this?” Teams and leaders often question the time spent on measurement and growth. Clarify how this effort ties into the organization’s strategic goals. Share these goals with teams and managers to help them understand why measuring and growing is crucial to the organization’s success.

4. Provide a Maturity Roadmap to Remove Subjectivity

When teams rate their performance and maturity, there’s often variability in understanding what “good” looks like. One team member might rate a 7, while another rates it a 10. To minimize subjectivity, use a shared maturity roadmap to clarify expectations and ensure consistent assessments across teams.

5. Measure at Multiple Levels for Correlation Across the Organization

Measuring maturity from only the team level provides one perspective, but to gain a comprehensive view, assess leadership, stakeholder perspectives, and team dynamics. By using the “sandwich model,” where results are rolled up from teams to leaders and beyond, you can draw connections and understand how each layer influences the others.

6. Minimize Competing Priorities and Platforms

Teams are often overwhelmed with competing priorities and systems. Schedule your measurement and retrospective time when teams naturally take breaks in their workflow. For instance, at the end of every Program Increment (PI) during Inspect and Adapt sessions, use this time to focus on measurement and growth initiatives.

7. Engage Leaders in the Process

When measurement and growth are seen as a collaborative effort between teams and leadership, trust is built. Leaders must be on board with removing obstacles and supporting teams as they reflect on their growth. Creating an environment where leaders actively engage in this process fosters psychological safety and transparency.

8. Understand That Change Takes Time

As Roy T. Bennett said, “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” It takes time, patience, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations to implement lasting change. However, when the end results include stable, high-performing teams and improved business agility, the effort is worth it.

Get Started with Your Measure and Grow Program

Setting up a Measure and Grow or Continuous Improvement Program can be challenging, but for organizations that invest the time and effort into doing it right, the rewards far outweigh the work. By following the key patterns outlined here, you can lay a solid foundation for a thriving program that supports long-term growth.

For more guidance on developing a tailored program, consider reading additional resources or booking a consultation with an expert at AgilityInsights®.