Navigating the Agile Landscape: Are We Evolving Beyond the Frameworks?

The winds of change are blowing yet again

The shifts

In the ever-changing realm of enterprise agility, the winds of change seem to blow yet again. The 17th State of Agile report has revealed a fascinating trend: a decline in satisfaction with agile practices and frameworks such as SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework for Enterprise).

This shift may indicate an inflection point where enterprises are re-evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed methodologies and frameworks.

The decrease from 72% to 59% satisfaction among companies using agile practices suggests that simply adopting a framework isn't a panacea.

Moreover, the dip in reliance on scaled frameworks (with SAFe experiencing a 27% drop) aligns with a broader movement towards a more individualized approach to agility.

This year saw a rise in companies either creating their own frameworks (from zero to 12%) or opting to eschew a framework entirely at the enterprise level (from zero to 22%).

Is the industry evolving and maturing?

This trend could be read as a maturation of the industry. Instead of clinging to the safety of structured frameworks, organizations seem to be embracing a more nuanced, fit-for-purpose approach to agility.

This evolution aligns with the recognition that what works for one company may not work for another; agility is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The decreased usage of pre-packaged frameworks may also reflect a growing disillusionment with the "Agile Industrial Complex," a term referring to the commercialization of agile certifications and training.

There's a sense that the industry is saturated with "certified" professionals who lack the practical scars of experience. The dialogue in the industry is shifting towards the value of hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge, a move that could foster a more profound, authentic commitment to agile principles.

This pivot away from frameworks towards a more principles-based, experiential approach to agility suggests that companies are seeking to empower their teams to craft solutions that align more closely with their unique challenges and business goals. It's an encouraging sign the industry may be moving towards a more sustainable, value-driven application of agile thinking.

Five takeaways

1. Empowered to innovate: Empowerment in this context means giving teams the autonomy to tailor agile practices to their unique challenges. An empowered organization trusts its teams to innovate beyond rigid frameworks and find solutions that are both creative and practical.

2. Inspired to adapt: Inspiration here would come from seeing agile not as a set of prescriptive practices but as a mindset that encourages continual adaptation. This inspiration can lead to a culture where change is not just accepted but embraced as an opportunity for growth.

3. Confidence in customization: Confidence stems from understanding that agile methodologies are starting points, not destinations. Teams that feel confident in customizing these methodologies according to their needs can more effectively drive value and deliver results.

4. Motivated by mastery: Motivation in agile transformations comes from a desire to master the craft. As practitioners move beyond certifications to seek true mastery, their motivation can lead to deeper engagement with agile principles and more successful outcomes.

5. Passionate about principles: A passion for agile principles over prescriptive practices indicates a shift in focus towards values and ideals that underpin successful agility. This passion can manifest in a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement and excellence.

Next steps

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