Agile is dead! ☠️
The new year is only a few weeks old, but I’ve already read various LinkedIn articles claiming the death of Agile. Again. 🤷♀️ Given the yearly claims of Agile’s death, we can draw various conclusions. Agile never really died, or it reincarnated and came back alive and kicking.
In recent weeks, I have spoken to people from different countries, and they all knew organizations that — at a large scale — got rid of their Agile Coaches, Scrum Masters, and various related roles.
I don’t know all the exact reasons, but an economic setback seemed a pattern. It does raise an interesting question:
Why are organizations increasingly questioning the value of Agile Coaches (and similar roles) while the need for organizational agility is more important than ever?
“Why are organizations increasingly questioning the value of Agile Coaches (and similar roles) while the need for organizational agility is more important than ever?”
I’d say that organizational effectiveness with satisfied stakeholders/users/customers made possible by teams with high morale is essential. Aren’t Agile Coaches the ideal people to make this happen?
I’ll be the last person claiming to have all wisdom. I do speak to lots of coaches AND people fulfilling different roles (leaders, managers, customers, team members, etc.
My recommendations would be:
1. Stop talking about Agile
Get nerdy with like-minded crafts(wo)men, but most people don’t care. They merely want their problems to be solved.
2. Focus on organizational needs
Have an open mindset. Don’t get stuck with your favorite framework or methodology. The organizational need comes first; your approach should always be secondary.
3. Get your hands dirty
When was the last time you developed a product yourself? Or you were part of a team developing a product? When did you last have skin in the game with an organizational change? These experiences are invaluable.
4. Don’t get stuck in your Agile bubble
It’s tempting to get stuck in your Agile bubble, claiming Agile is dead or alive. A whole world outside your bubble doesn’t care one bit. Most likely, they could use your help. Leave your bubble and try to see things from other people’s perspectives. What is their need, and how can you offer support?
5. Work with management and leadership
They greatly impact the success of teams and organizational agility in general. Despite the many negative articles, managers *can* have lots of value. They go to work with the best intentions but often struggle with a new reality. Instead of bashing, show compassion and support.
What’s your take on this? I’m happy to learn from your experiences AND recommendations.