Agile: Coming to an end or having a bright future?
In our Agile Actors Digest story published in August, we featured two articles, one saying that the end of Agile is approaching and the other stating that Agile has a bright future lying ahead. It is only natural to feel confused. Are you actually helping your team and projects by implementing Agile? Should you go outside your comfort zone and search for another methodology? Is this another proof that all good things come to an end eventually?
Well, we will try to address each question at a time.
So, is Agile dead?
The Agile way of thinking emerged at a point where software development needed it the most. If you have been in this industry for a while, you will remember the “Waterfall” methodology and the challenges that came with it. Its linear and rigid approach made it difficult and risky for both teams and businesses. The Agile Manifesto brought an innovative set of rules and protocols to help both parties overcome some of their biggest challenges.
But, what has changed? Some managers think that in the data-driven world we live in there might not be a room for agile and thus it is becoming less relevant. And here raises an even bigger question. What is Agile?
Most professionals while implementing it they do not have a clear view of what Agile is. Agile is a mindset. It is an umbrella term that consists of a set of values and principles. Only when implemented in a process this process can be called Agile.
When it comes to software development, the Agile mindset can easily be applied to a set of methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Spiral etc. For an Agile Methodology to be successful all parties should embrace the Agile mindset!
What is the future of Agile?
Since Agile is not a methodology but a mindset, there is still very much room for it to grow not only in the software development spectrum but across other businesses as well. Think about it. The Agile mindset is a great asset to help businesses grow and come up with new products/services. Although it does not fall into the traditional business management technics taught in top-notch business schools around the world, the Agile mindset will not only survive in the coming years, but it will also show us the way on how to develop our mindset in business, in general.
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Interested in Agile? Read other similar stories in the PlayBook:
Agile Methodology Essential Books
Books, Talks, Articles: Resources for Agile Enthusiasts
Basic Agile Principles: How to employ them in your organization
