Agility has disappeared from most corporate agendas. The magic of the rather new management approach has been replaced by a growing number of critical voices. Indeed, the hype about agility is over, but does it also mean that Agile itself is dead? To find out what is likely to remain, the example of love is well-suited to illustrate that the answer depends on the perspective of each organization and executive.
The first love of a couple is characterized by overwhelming emotions. You proudly present your friend to everybody and all your hopes and expectations of a happy future are ultimately linked to the inspiring and exciting person that you just have met. Yet, we all know, that this period ends – sooner or later. Then, we gradually realize the limitations and weaknesses of the counterpart that have been disguised by the outshining perfection before. The relationship begins to change and enters a critical phase, as now it decides whether the emerging disillusion turns into frustration or the initial enthusiasm becomes a deeper love that is based on valuing the original core of the person.
The first love for Agile has probably ended for most of the managers. For those who put their hopes into the idea of ‘agile as a method’, this might be the uncomfortable fall from their exceeded expectations, as the simple recipe has turned out not to fix the multiple organizational problems. In contrast, for those who have discovered the original core of agility and recognized Agile to be a holistic and complex concept that can help to operate in high dynamics and complexities, this is the beginning of a matured love and an exciting journey promising a lot of fascinating experiences and benefits – but also efforts and drawbacks.
Divorce or discovery – it’s the decision of each manager. Tough, post-hype agility or ‘true’ agility is not a joyride, the invest in a deeper relationship is likely to pay, as many studies have shown, so far. The necessity to adapt has already be pointed out by Darwin. However, the corona pandemic and its consequences, the disruptive changes in mobility, or our global ecological challenges are just a few examples demonstrating that the meaning of adaptability and thus agility is more important than ever.