Trends in Agile

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I was invited to speak at DHL’s Agile Day 2023 earlier this year, where I discussed the latest trends in Agility. Although Agile is not a new topic, I feel it could be interesting to cover some basic concepts as well as new trends in a blog post. Whether you’re new to Agile methodologies or already familiar with them, this blog is for you.

Background

Agile is an iterative and flexible approach to project management and software development. It emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and customer satisfaction. Agile teams work in short cycles called sprints, delivering functional increments of the product at the end of each iteration. Regular feedback and continuous improvement drive the development process, allowing for quicker responses to changing requirements and market conditions. The key principles of agile include self-organizing teams, frequent communication, and a focus on delivering value to the customer. You can learn about Agile and in IBMs Agile Academy.

Trends

In recent years, an increasing number of organizations have opted to adopt agile methodologies as a progressive alternative to conventional top-down project management. Notably, large teams have adeptly embraced agility to enhance the efficiency of their projects, yielding commendable outcomes. Nonetheless, the question concerning the viability of current Agile Coach certifications for the future was thoughtfully raised. Nobody so far looks into agile trends. Personally, I harbour reservations on this matter, recognizing the profound influence of cultural factors on the implementation of agile practices within companies. Analyzing instances from industry leaders like DHL and IBM further underscored this realization.

Moreover, a notable trend has emerged in the realm of organizational management, spearheaded by DHL and other prominent entities, centred around the revolutionary approach of Shu-Ha-Ri in conjunction with agile methodologies. Derived from martial arts principles, Shu-Ha-Ri embodies three distinct stages of learning and mastery. The initial stage, Shu, entails disciplined adherence to established practices. The subsequent phase, Ha, encourages experimentation and adaptation to optimize outcomes. Finally, Ri represents the ultimate stage of mastery, marked by transcending rules through profound comprehension.

I firmly believe that solely consuming existing training materials fall short of unleashing the full potential of agility. To unlock the true benefits, companies must undertake a more comprehensive endeavour. This involves embracing agile concepts that seamlessly align with their unique corporate culture. This harmonious integration will facilitate a holistic and transformative adoption of agility throughout the organization.