#agilists

The Rock Cycle and Lean-Agile Leadership

“I just want to get everything that’s in her brain…into mine.” The determined–newbie-Agile leader said. “I want that knowledge.” “No, you don’t.” I set a small piece of granite on the table between us. He picked up the rock, unimpressed, à la McKayla Maroney. “Why not?” “You want the experiences and learning in leading Agile and Lean that give you knowledge.” “Well, fine, I want those…

At times I have a feeling that folks want to do Agile because it's cool and not because it makes sense.

The other day I heard a consultant asking for advice, her client wants to do Agile (notice I said "do" not "be") and here's the kicker - they want to do it because everyone else is.

Ha!

What a great way to run a business.  Doing something only so it looks good on a RFP and not based on an intrinsic need!

This will not let them slide very far and guarantees to put their associates through turmoil and high cost, especially where the company cannot be re-structured to allow for new processes (all off-shore development for one). Slapping on a label doesn't allow you to use the methodology at a full capacity and really benefit from it. This only opens up a floodgate of issues - think cost, low quality and chaotic management.

Yes, there are good ways of implementing Agile, but that is not the point here. Let's not get stuck here on a trend.  I think twenty years from now only true Agilists will stick while everyone else will go chasing something new. 

And from a business stand point, well maybe integrity, creativity and innovation should be the foundation (wait...did I hear Apple?) not Joe.inc next door.

...am I ranting? ugh!

I think it's really irresponsible that we are creating this "us vs. them" (traditional Waterfall) environment and we are missing the real objective here - do what brings best results for your company!

It's the same with a health regimen, just because it works for one doesn't mean that it will for someone else. Heck, if you're getting a thrill from walking for two hours a day don't go swimming just because you read an article! Soon you will quit all of it, throw your hands in the air and say:

See, I told you I just can't stick to anything!

Same here, people hear buzz words: Agile, speed, save money, faster delivery and they jump on it - except they do it all wrong, they forget to change their culture, way of thinking and process.  This is why you see people throwing their hands in the air proclaiming:

See I told you this Agile thing doesn't work!

Please, stop and think. Have a clear message, know your objective and stay true to yourself.  Reevaluate your process and truly ask yourself:

I have noticed that Agile is often attacked for its "limitations".  It seems that people try to make a case of why traditional approach is better, point out what Agile is lacking and why it may jeopardize a project.  I'm not sure where the whole concept of "Agile will save the world" came from and I truly think that the real wisdom comes from knowing when to use Agile and when to stick to other methods. Agile is not meant for all companies, all teams, all cultures and projects.  It can certainly work wonders when implemented correctly, but there are occasions when sticking to old and tested processes is a better answer.