Agile is ... Agile isn't ...

I am currently working on a short presentation which aims to communicate the justifications for and the benefits of employing Agile methods. The target audience is management, specifically the decision-makers, and includes those business people affected by the delivery of software and those people responsible for the development and delivery of software.

I want to conclude the presentation with the clear message that moving to Agile methods is not about following a prescriptive procedure of adoption (like you see with traditional methodologies such as RUP), nor is it about implementing a process, and it doesn't just involve techies. Reginald Braithwaite-Lee provides some excellent material in his post, Agile is an attitude, not a product. I have distilled the key points below:

• Agile methods are not a product that can be purchased as an off-the-shelf solution and installed by techies.

• Agile methods are about people whose attitude, or perspective on all things, is founded on open and honest communication, collaboration, empowerment, trust and respect.

• Agile methods are about living by a common set of values, being guided by a common set of principles, and interacting in a highly social environment.

• Choosing to employ Agile methods is the start of an extensive change process - Bob Schatz, Primavera. Employing Agile methods is a commitment to an effort, which weaves the values and principles into the cultural fabric of an organisation, and involves everyone in that organisation, from top to toe.

Obviously, I need to condense this text for the presentation, but nevertheless, I dig it! OK, maybe it gets a little fluffy but the message is a powerful one, IMHO. The question is: Will the audience get it? And that depends on how I deliver it.

Comments are always welcome.


Tags: agile

Posted by Simon Baker @ permalink