Agile 2025 - 4 Threats and 4 Opportunities
The world needs Agile
The world has changed drastically in the 20+ years since Agile was born. Most of the developments proved beneficial for Agile’s popularity. Just think of Cloud computing, CI/CD and smartphone apps that make it easier to create and deploy product updates quickly.
But for a few years now, we have seen a shift. The work environment has seen significant developments driven by further automation and artificial intelligence (AI). These are shedding a different light on how organizations create products.
On top of that, we see a cultural shift impacting Agile approaches involving self-managing teams.
Today, I want to discuss four big threats to Agile and how these can be turned into opportunities. Because the ones finding the opportunities survive.
Threat 1: The Evolution of Work
The rise of AI in the workplace is a huge threat to established team structures. As these technologies advance, they may make many roles obsolete as in many cases it has become very easy to let AI do the job it takes a human far longer to do.
This is disrupting the landscape as tools increasingly take over essential tasks, replacing work traditionally done by humans. Before we know it, many roles will become obsolete. If they haven’t become so already.
Opportunity 1: Emphasizing Creativity
For the people who are impacted by the rise of AI, it will hardly be a consolation. But this shift is not unprecedented. We have seen similar disruptions in the past. Examples are the evolution of computer programming languages and the rise of the internet. I distinctly remember how my work drastically changed when a 4GL computer language made it extremely easy to generate screens and reports. Yes, I am that old.
As with every revolution, we need to learn how to incorporate AI. We have to re-invent how to organize the work. To me, this also brings great opportunities. Teams can focus on creativity and holistic product creation, meaning that they can focus on the product as a whole and not (only) the software.
By doing so, companies can leverage the full potential of their people to bring down silos, innovate and deliver unique solutions. This approach not only improves product quality. It also fosters a culture of collaboration and engagement among people.
This focus on creativity and innovation helps organizations approach product development comprehensively instead of working solely on functionality.
Threat 2: Accelerated Competition
Another critical threat involving the fast pace of technological advancement is how product creation is accelerated and competition intensifies. Organizations that fail to stay on top of new developments risk being outpaced by competitors.
Opportunity 2: Staying Ahead of the Developments
To outpace the competition instead of being outpaced, organizations should stay informed about new technologies and trends. By embracing progress and adapting to new possibilities, companies can position themselves as leaders in their fields, ready to reap the rewards that come with being at the cutting edge of innovation.
To thrive in this fast-evolving landscape, companies must remain proactive and embrace technological progress.
Threat 3: Shifts in Workplace Culture
Then there’s a different threat: the cultural changes within organizations. We witness a comeback of hierarchical management styles that can lead to a work environment where employees feel like mere cogs in a machine.
This is strongly related to the previous point of advanced technology taking over work that used to be in high demand. Now, the scarcity is disappearing, and people simply have less power.
Opportunity 3: Fostering Trust and Collaboration
In the end, though, I’m convinced organizations can achieve superior results and stand out in a competitive landscape by prioritizing trust, empowerment, collaboration and creativity. Organizations that embrace these values will not only see higher employee satisfaction but also drive innovation and productivity.
Threat 4: The Decline of Agile Approaches
Agile approaches, once celebrated as the solution to modern work challenges, are now often seen as outdated. Many cease to work with Agile concepts, choosing instead “new” frameworks that often mirror Agile principles but under different names (like the Product Operating Model).
Opportunity 4: Embracing True Agility
I believe it is important to recognize that true agility transcends specific approaches and techniques (like Scrum or XP and certainly like SAFe or Jira). While it may seem foolish to advocate for Agile principles in a world that appears to be moving away from them, the foundational elements of agility remain crucial for success.
The Core Principles of Agile
The enduring truth is that the core principles of Agile are vital for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. These principles include:
Trust: Building a foundation of trust among team members fosters collaboration and creativity.
Collaboration: Working together towards common goals.
Focus on Outcomes: Prioritizing results over rigid processes helps teams to be adaptable and responsive.
Creative Creation: Encouraging innovative thinking leads to unique solutions and products.
Reflection and Learning: Continuous improvement through reflection and learning is essential for growth.
Agile principles are essential for organizations seeking to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By embracing these values, companies can not only survive but also excel while facing challenges. I argue that the path to sustainable success lies in recognizing the continued relevance of Agile principles and integrating them into the core of organizational culture.
How does one argue with the Product Operating Model when it comes from the inventor of Scrum (Scrum.org)? I'm not saying it's good or bad, but when the inventor of something says "we're evolving and this is the latest evolution" it's pretty hard to ignore.
Great piece. However, Agile’s undoing is its far too simple perspective on the world of work. 20+ years on and how many transformations actually succeeded? Be honest with yourself. I’ve been in the technology business since 2002. An SM since 2008 and an Agile Coach since 2018. I’ve seen the high and the lows. And even the highs tend to die out once organizations restructure. Organizations in most cases have yet to reap the benefits of true Agility. Failed promises. The over emphasis on certifications. Dinosaurs still in executive positions. And what is the rally cry. If only….we had a flatter organizations. If only this:.. if only that. Culture eats strategy for breakfast. Had organizations actually seen the real ROI, we wouldn’t be in the position that we are in now. We still have people authoring pieces about user story splitting or the use of story points. I’ve come to realize that Agile zealots (which to a degree I’m one) love to talk about Agility. But it just hasn’t lived up to the hype. CSTs and PSTs have bleed the the industry dry. Courses that once cost $1500 now being offered for $300 bucks. And let’s face it we don’t get paid to practice Agile, we get paid to deliver results. Agile has failed to really deliver.