Five Questions on agile

“Q1: Why use Agile methods?

Because they work. If they don’t work in your organization, there’s no reason whatsoever to use them—certainly not so you can brag about being “agile.” When you do make them work, they make projects more manageable. You may or may not get quicker project completion. You may or may not save money. But you will get better customer satisfaction, and you will stay on top of your projects and be able to predict how much they will cost and how long they will take. You may or may not stay out of trouble, but if trouble comes, you’ll see it coming in time to do something about it. That’s what project management is all about.

Gerald M. Weinberg

Gerald Weinberg gave one of the best explanations,  away from annual reports, statistics,  and promises. Use Agile methods, simply because they work! If they don’t work in your context, try to understand why and make them work, or simply don’t use them. 

Q2: Biggest challenge of implementing Agile methods?

The process of creating a new normal. It’s all about people,  getting out of your comfort zone, creating new habits and dealing with change and resistance. There are various models, theories, frameworks to do that. Whatever is your preferred choice, respect your context and your people, start small, learn, get started, enjoy the change, stick to change, be committed, adjust again, get improved. This is simply the process of creating a new normal. 

Q3: In what environment will Agile be most successful?

In environments where continuous improvement, experimentation, teamwork and learning is part of people’s DNA. In environments where Agile is not introduced and executed as just another project. In environments where people have the passion, support, patience and motivation to overcome observed and surfaced dysfunctions through continuous interactions and relentless communication.   

Q4: What is the future of Agile?

Becoming the new normal of doing great stuff and cultivating a humane culture,  across organizations, domains, and services? It might be. In any case, it is in our hands now to shape the future!

Q5: Can you recommend a book, blog, podcast, website, or other information source to our readers that you find interesting or intriguing right now?

check out our blog! we’ll frequently add interesting content there!

inspiration

“Agile Impressions“, Gerald M. Weinberg, 1933-2018