Agile Practices in Government Work: Insights from Beth Hatter

In the latest episode of the Illuminating Insights podcast, host Trisha Hall spoke with Beth Hatter, Director of Agile Training at Genesis Partners.  With more than 17 year of experience, Beth is certified as a PMI-ACP, SAFe SPC, Agility Health Certified Agile Coach (AHC), PMP, CSPO and CSP-PO. She shared her invaluable perspective on how government institutions are navigating the complexities of adopting agile practices.

Trisha and Beth's conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities presented by agile transformations in government. From aligning missions to fostering collaborative partnerships, Beth's insights provide actionable strategies for success in this specialized environment.

The Power of a Shared Mission

One of the standout observations Beth shared was the advantage of a unified mission in government work. “In the public sector, there’s a clear purpose—serving the community,” she explains. This shared commitment creates a solid foundation for collaboration, but challenges such as resource constraints and fluctuating legislative requirements often impede progress.

Despite these hurdles, Beth emphasized the importance of leveraging this collective purpose to drive alignment and resilience.

Busting Myths About Government Roles 

Beth debunked the common misconception that government jobs are narrowly defined. Instead, many employees juggle diverse responsibilities, requiring agility and adaptability. Far from being limited to administrative tasks, government teams are tackling strategic initiatives, disaster recovery, and innovation.

“Government roles are far more dynamic than people think,” Beth noted. This versatility, she argued, positions them well to embrace agile practices.

Building Bridges: Agile Vendor Collaboration

Vendor relationships are pivotal in government operations, often involving multiple stakeholders. Beth and Trisha discussed strategies to enhance collaboration between internal teams and external vendors. Techniques like off-the-record retrospectives foster open communication and problem-solving while reinforcing a shared focus on outcomes.

A Shift Toward Agile Contracting

Beth highlighted the evolution from rigid, long-term contracts to agile contracting models. Unlike traditional agreements with exhaustive requirements, agile contracts focus on iterative deliverables and measurable outcomes.

“This approach allows for greater responsiveness and adaptability,” she said, describing how it aligns with the fast-paced nature of modern government work. Outcome-based contracting represents a cultural shift, placing functionality and impact above rigid specifications.

Lessons from an Agile Transformation Journey

Beth recounted a transformational case study of a government agency transitioning from traditional processes to agile practices. By focusing on gradual, incremental changes—what she described as moving from “crawl to walk”—the agency empowered teams to embrace agility across operations.

The result? Not just improved IT delivery but a ripple effect of agility throughout the organization, unlocking significant value realization.

Centering People in Agile Change

Beth concluded with a reminder for leaders and change-makers: “Put people first.” Navigating transformation with empathy, trust, and respect fosters stronger, more sustainable outcomes. She stressed the importance of cultivating a culture where individuals feel supported in adapting to change.

Listen now and take the first step toward building agile practices that create lasting impact.