FaST Method & Framework
FaST is both a method and a framework.
FaST has a core prescriptive method and then supporting features or aspects that are not prescriptive. These supporting aspects and features make up the framework portion of FaST.
Below is an overview of the method and framework. A deeper understanding can be found in the FaST Guide.
FaST Method (Center Hexagon) & Framework (Outer Hexagons)
FaST Method
In a few sentences and one picture
One-Time Setup
Bring everyone together to work as a Collective.
(Merge teams if there are multiple.)Throw your work on a wall.
(Visually represent business goals and work.)
Continuous Flow
Have a meeting where the Collective self-organises and self-selects into teams.
Work (which includes breakdown).
On a short cadence, meet back together to synchronise.
While together, kick off the next cycle by again self-organising and self-selecting into teams, i.e., repeat the above three steps.
FaST Framework
Visualising Work
Visualise the Big Picture and work of the Collective.
When FaST was born, Product Mapping and Discovery Trees were invented. A Collective can use these tools or others.
Forecasting
FaST does not have a prescriptive mechanism for forecasting.
A Collective could choose to do Wisdom of Crowds forecasting in the instances that an estimate is required. Or find other alternatives.
Single Team FaST
FaST can be used in place of Scrum - as an example of Single Team FaST.
Improve
the System
the System
Nowhere in the core FaST method does it specify when or how to improve.
A Collective must work out what works best for their situation.
Product Management
FaST can be used in traditional agile delivery-focused feature factory mode.
OR
Embrace Modern Product Management and have the Collective take on more of a product mode/mindset. In such a mode, the Collective will be working on both discovery and delivery work. Compared to only delivering work, a.k.a. feature factory mode.
Improve Yourself
The FaST core method provides autonomy and purpose. What is missing from the trio of intrinsic human motivators, though, is mastery.
FaST recommends that you find a way to address mastery so every collective member can meet this human desire in the workplace and for their career.
Management Innovation
A FaST collective is a non-traditional organisational structure. It creates a fluid network structure rather than static teams. This network structure introduces new and exciting questions about people management.
Many of the questions and challenges have already been answered by other pioneering and progressive organisations that have trodden this path before you.
You may like to read one or some of these books for ideas and inspiration:
Organize for Complexity by Niels Pflaeging, Reinventing Organisations by Frederic Laloux, This is Beyond Budgeting by Bjarte Bogsnes, and Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan.
Large Scale FaST
If you have multiple static teams in your current org design, then to move to FaST, you would dissolve those teams by merging them into one Collective.
A Collective can hold many people, and FaST recommends staying within Dunbar's number - 150 people.
FaST can have multiple collectives.
For a deeper understanding of FaST, download the FaST Guide.