Case Study: Elevating Agile Excellence with David Mayfield
This extended case study provides a detailed exploration of David Mayfield’s impact as an Agile Coach, emphasizing his leadership in Agile Development and his significant contributions to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). David’s journey showcases the transformative power of Agile coaching in complex organizational settings.
Agile Development Leadership:
David’s leadership in Agile Development is marked by his commitment to fostering incremental development through time-box methods. Overseeing 10 projects and training 8 Scrum Masters, he promotes the building blocks of collaboration, transparency, inspection, and adaptation. David incorporates Scrum’s Framework into mentorship, sustainment, and workshops, pledging the Agile culture across projects and system designs. Managing Scrum iterative planning, prioritizing Sprint goals, and facilitating Agility, David instills a culture of commitment, empirical processing, trust, respect, focus, and courage within the teams.
Contributions to DFAS Agile Infusion and Sustainment:
David’s outstanding contributions to DFAS Agile Infusion and Sustainment efforts are highlighted. Coordinating and leading multiple Agile Community of Practice training events, including Scrum Master 101 and Developer 101, he engages 225 DFAS employees. His efforts ensure the success of Agile across DFAS, aligning with the larger organizational goals.
Accomplishments and Impact on Specific Systems:
David’s impact on specific systems is notable. SMAS (Strategic Management Accounting System) is officially SFIS (Standard Financial Information Structure) ready, with 72 SFIS SCRs completed ahead of schedule. The ATAAPS (Automated Time, Attendance, and Production System) teams completed 54 SCRs ahead of schedule. His coaching efforts and Agile practices have expedited project schedules, reduced rework, and demonstrated the ability to work efficiently with organization partners.
Coaching and Mentoring Achievements:
David’s coaching achievements extend to coaching Product Owners, Scrum Masters, managers, and teams within DFAS. He successfully coached 4 Product Owners and 4 Scrum Masters, trained 154 DFAS associates in Agile transformation, and coached 18 managers transitioning from functional roles to technical Product Owners. His coaching extends to the successful training of six teams in executing a clear vision and strategy using the Scrum framework.
Recognition and Advocacy for Agile:
David’s commitment to Agile advocacy is acknowledged in his role as an Agile champion for the Agency. He co-authored the Agile Maturity Assessment, promoting Agile values and achieving increased productivity, collaboration, and prioritization. His role in coaching and training teams contributes to DFAS being recognized as an Agile advocate within the Agency.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, David has obtained three Agile Professional certifications: Certified Scrum Master, Certified Agile Professional, and Certified Agile Coach. He applies these foundations and Agile Development strategies to improve performance and team culture. His dedication to professional development is evident in attending training sessions, obtaining certifications, and actively applying new techniques and strategies.
Conclusion
David Mayfield’s journey as an Agile Coach at DFAS is a testament to the transformative impact of Agile coaching in large and complex organizations. His leadership, coaching achievements and continuous commitment to learning contribute to the success of Agile practices within DFAS. David stands out as a catalyst for change, promoting a culture of collaboration, adaptability, and excellence.
