DevOpsUK
DevOpsUK
Agile methodologies are a popular way for teams to work collaboratively and adapt to change, but there is a difference between "doing agile" and "being agile." In this blog post, we will explore the distinction and why it is important for organizations to strive for true agility.
'Doing Agile' vs 'Being Agile'
Agile methodologies have become a popular way for teams to work collaboratively and adapt to change. However, there is a distinction between "doing agile" and "being agile."
"Doing agile" means following the prescribed processes and practices of an agile framework, such as Scrum or Kanban. This might involve conducting daily stand-ups, creating user stories, and following a set of rules for how work should be completed. At the surface level, it may seem like an organization is successfully implementing agile practices by following these processes. However, simply going through the motions of agile practices does not necessarily lead to true agility.
On the other hand, "being agile" means embracing the principles and values of agility, rather than just following a set of practices. This involves being flexible and adaptable, valuing collaboration and transparency, and continuously learning and improving. True agility requires a shift in the culture and mindset of an organization, rather than just following a set of practices. It means that the team is empowered to make decisions and solve problems on their own, rather than relying on a prescribed set of rules. This leads to more ownership, engagement, and creativity within the team.
The difference between "doing agile" and "being agile" is important because it determines the success and sustainability of an agile transformation. Simply following the practices of an agile framework may lead to short-term gains, but true agility requires a cultural shift within the organization. It requires a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Without this cultural shift, the organization may struggle to sustain agile practices over the long term and may eventually fall back into traditional, rigid ways of working.
Furthermore, "being agile" allows organizations to be more responsive to the needs of their customers and the market. It enables teams to quickly pivot and adapt to changing circumstances, rather than being stuck in a rigid way of working. This can be especially important in today's fast-paced, competitive business environment.
In summary, "doing agile" involves following a set of practices, while "being agile" means embracing the principles and values of agility. True agility requires a cultural shift within an organization and empowers teams to make decisions and solve problems on their own. It is important for organizations to strive for "being agile" rather than just "doing agile" in order to achieve sustained success and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
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PROS of 'being agile'
- Improved team engagement and ownership: Embracing the principles and values of agility empowers teams to make decisions and solve problems on their own, leading to increased engagement and ownership.
- Increased flexibility and adaptability: “Being agile” means being able to quickly pivot and adapt to changing circumstances, rather than being stuck in a rigid way of working.
- Continuous learning and improvement: True agility requires a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, which can lead to more innovative and effective ways of working.
PROS of 'doing agile'
- Improved collaboration: Following the prescribed processes and practices of an agile framework can improve collaboration within a team.
- Increased transparency: Agile practices, such as daily stand-ups, can increase transparency within a team and improve communication.
- Better project management: Agile frameworks, such as Scrum, provide a structured approach to project management that can help teams stay on track and deliver projects on time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial for organizations to understand the difference between "doing agile" and "being agile." While following the prescribed practices of an agile framework may seem like a quick fix, it is important to remember that true agility requires a cultural shift within the organization. Embracing the principles and values of agility, rather than just following a set of practices, leads to improved team engagement and ownership, increased flexibility and adaptability, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement. These benefits are essential for sustained success in today's fast-paced and constantly changing business environment.
On the other hand, "doing agile" can still bring benefits such as improved collaboration, increased transparency, and better project management. However, it is important to recognize that these benefits may not be as long-lasting or impactful as the benefits of "being agile." In order to truly thrive, organizations must strive for true agility and the embrace of the principles and values of agility. It is up to each organization to determine the best approach for their team and goals, but it is clear that "being agile" is the way to achieve sustained success in the long term.
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