How Companies Like LEGO® Scale Project Management with Agile and Scrum

What Is Agile Methodology and Why Do Enterprises Rely on It?

Agile is a modern, iterative approach to project management designed to handle complexity, enhance team collaboration, and deliver value in short, functional increments. Unlike the traditional Waterfall model, Agile encourages flexibility, stakeholder feedback, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Originally developed for software development, Agile has evolved into a leading enterprise framework adopted across various industries, including telecommunications, education, and retail. According to the 13th Annual State of Agile Report by CollabNet VersionOne, 97% of organisations now leverage Agile methodologies to improve delivery speed, product quality, and team performance.

Why Agile and Scrum Matter in Enterprise Project Management?

Agile and Scrum have long been recognized as flexible, iterative frameworks for software development. However, in recent years, enterprise organizations in both product and service sectors have begun to apply these methodologies beyond IT. The reason is simple: Agile and Scrum enable teams to break down complex problems, adapt quickly to change, and deliver results faster.

Scrum, in particular, a subset of Agile, is known for its structured approach. It introduces roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and development team, as well as ceremonies including sprints, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. When scaled properly, Scrum can transform siloed departments into cross-functional, self-organizing teams that communicate and collaborate more effectively.

According to digital.ai, business leaders and executives are at the forefront of driving Agile transformation, accounting for 32% of the leadership, followed closely by individual technical teams at 31% and CIOs/CTOs at 20%. Additionally, 42% of respondents indicate that their organizations have adopted a hybrid model that combines Agile, DevOps, or other methodologies.

How LEGO® Scaled Agile to Drive Enterprise-Wide Project Success

One of the most significant benefits of adopting an agile framework is the ability to facilitate seamless planning, collaboration, and execution across teams and departments. At LEGO Group, a global leader in the toy industry, agile wasn’t just implemented, it was scaled. The company introduced agile practices at every level of its operations, from individual team members to cross-functional teams and all the way up to strategic portfolio planning.

To bring this to life, LEGO organized large-scale planning sessions every eight weeks, involving around 20 product teams. Over one and a half days, these teams came together to share progress, align on dependencies, assess risks, and collectively plan for the next development cycle. This agile transformation helped eliminate siloed work and outdated management structures, reducing the reliance on traditional “managers with spreadsheets.” It also led to more accurate forecasts, stronger team morale through real-time communication, and a more dynamic and visual approach to planning.

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LEGO and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

LEGO followed the SAFe Framework (Scaled Agile Framework) to scale the process to their specific business requirements. Skilled SAFe “agilists” can align their organizations in a common configurable process model that follows a lean-agile hybrid framework. SAFe practitioners apply their principles to coordinate strong value streams across projects and unlock the intrinsic value of workers at every phase in the process. As with LEGO, it creates a better project management environment that contributes to long-term success.

Why Choose Simplilearn for Agile and Scrum Training

Simplilearn Learning Hub+ offers a comprehensive learning library of agile and Scrum programs tailored for both individuals and enterprises. The Agile Scrum Master Certification Training equips learners with hands-on experience in key Scrum roles, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and retrospectives, guided by expert instructors. For organizations seeking to scale agile practices, the SAFe Agilist Certification is ideal, as it helps teams adopt a consistent framework across multiple departments. 

Simplilearn also offers specialized Enterprise Agile Coach programs to develop internal champions who can lead agile transformation across the business. Each course features interactive learning through capstone projects, simulations, and real-world case studies from top companies such as LEGO®, Amazon, and Spotify. Backed by globally recognized certifications from the Scrum Alliance, Scaled Agile, and PMI, Simplilearn ensures your teams are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to drive agile success at scale.

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Final Thoughts

LEGO®'s success in scaling Agile and Scrum is a compelling case study for enterprises looking to innovate and grow in an increasingly volatile market. Their ability to adapt, empower teams, and continuously improve is what keeps them ahead, not just in toys but in business strategy.

If you’re ready to scale agile like LEGO®, invest in building the right capabilities with expert-led training. With Simplilearn, your teams will be equipped to deliver high-quality projects more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and drive better business outcomes.