Why failing Agile is so easy

For the past years, I have had the chance to implement Agile in many different types and sizes of organizations, in two different countries and even in my own companies. The successes and failures I have accumulated along that time allowed me to compile a list of facts and thoughts that help the successful implementation of processes guided by the principles and values proposed by the Agile manifesto.

Being Agile before doing Agile

It does not matter which methodology the team is using today. It is more important to understand how the team operates daily, how members collaborate to tackle problems, and how they accept and acknowledge changes and new ideas. In general, a team that does not evolve at the same pace as their market peers is very likely not to be suitable for an Agile practice — at least not before doing other small changes to improve speed and value-driven mindset.

“If you want truly to understand something, try to change it.” — Kurt Lewin

Agile is a mindset, all about culture. Changing anything related to that is hard and painful for us as human beings. It demands us to move from our comfort zone, to challenge the status quo. It requires effort and engagement not only from the dev team but all the other stakeholders. If you are…