The Evolution of Agile

The Evolution of Agile: 
Why Companies Are Turning Away from big ‘A’ Agile

When I first became an Agile Practitioner, the landscape was different. Agile was a revolutionary software development approach emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. However, over the years, Agile has lost its way. It's become a buzzword large corporations use to justify layoffs and restructuring efforts.

In recent years, we've seen a significant shift in how companies are approaching Agile. Gone are the days when Agile was the go-to method for software development. Instead, many organizations are now turning away from traditional Agile methodologies and adopting more agile approaches that better suit their needs.

Recently, several prominent companies have been downsizing or eliminating entire teams due to "Agile" restructuring efforts. Capital One is just one example of this trend. In 2023, they laid off over 1,000 employees in a single day, claiming a need for more  "agility and innovation." ¹

This trend is not limited to Capital One. Other companies like IBM, Mozilla, and Accenture have also implemented similar restructuring efforts under the guise of "Agile transformation." If you're reading this, you might be part of a lean company trying to solve its software problems efficiently. Maybe you tried Agile and it “didn't work,” or perhaps you've heard about Agile but didn't want to set up an entire "Agile Machine" to get a small software solution in place.

If you’ve worked around Agile, you've probably heard about Sprints, PI Planning, and Scrum Masters from all the Agile consultants you've spoken with. You might be wondering, "Do they ever talk about deadlines? Budgets? Delivering a solution quickly?" The answer is no. Traditional Agile methods prioritize processes over results. They focus on the journey rather than the destination.

Lately, there has been a notable shift in how companies approach Agile. While it was once hailed as a revolutionary approach to software development, many organizations are now turning away from traditional Agile methods. According to the State of Agile survey, 47% reported organizational resistance, and 41% said there is not enough leadership participation to make Agile functional in the organization.²

The Difference Between Agile and Being “agile”

The difference between Agile and being agile is stark. While traditional Agile methods focus on processes and frameworks, truly agile approaches prioritize solving problems quickly and efficiently. As someone who's been in this space for a while, I've seen the negative impact that traditional Agile has had on companies.

The distinction is critical:

• Big “A” Agile is about following processes, frameworks, and rigid structures, often at the expense of actual progress.
• Being agile is about adaptability, focusing on outcomes over processes, and ensuring teams can solve problems efficiently without unnecessary red tape.

For companies that need solutions, not ceremonies, being agile is the key.

Scalability Issues: As your company tries to do more, traditional Agile frameworks struggle to keep up with the demands. Processes become rigid and inflexible, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.

Lack of Maturity: Agile implementations often falter without proper training and buy-in from team members. This can lead to burnout and turnover among your best employees.

Just because your organization isn't a massive enterprise doesn't mean you're immune from dealing with complex problems. On the contrary, you have to solve these problems in the leanest way possible. So, forget about Scrum and Agile implementations and start being agile.

Our team can solve your problem quickly and provide a solution that matches your needs. Our Product Consulting team has developed an innovative approach that leverages the best of both worlds. Our methodology combines the flexibility and adaptability of Agile with the structure and discipline needed for complex software development projects.

Our Product Consulting approach offers several benefits that set us apart from traditional Agile methodologies:

Improved Collaboration: By fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility, our approach enables teams to work seamlessly together, regardless of location or role.

Enhanced Innovation: Our methodology encourages experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement - driving innovation and reducing risk.

Increased Efficiency: With a tailored approach that addresses specific needs and workflows, our clients experience reduced cycle time, increased velocity, and improved overall efficiency.

Solutions Designed for You: We meet you where you are and get right down to creating the solutions you need.

If traditional Agile methods have left your team feeling bogged down by processes instead of empowered to deliver results, there’s a better way forward. Our Product Consulting Team focuses on what matters most - solving your unique challenges efficiently and effectively. By blending flexibility, collaboration, and tailored solutions, we help you build the right product the right way without unnecessary overhead. Let us partner with you to turn your software challenges into success stories - on time, within budget, and designed to meet your needs today and tomorrow.

(1) 01/19/23, Yahoo! Finance, "Capital One scraps 1,100 tech positions"

(2) 2023 “State of Agile” Report