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Article

Agile Is Dead—Or Is It?

September 19, 2024

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Emily May

If you keep up on industry news, whether on social media, listening to podcasts, or attending events, chances are, you’ve heard rumblings that paint a bleak picture of the future of agile. “Things have changed quite a bit around us since the introduction of Agile (2001). Is Agile dead?” posted one LinkedIn member. Agile professionals are wondering what’s next. 

This article provides compelling reasons to change your perspective on the state of agile, setting the stage for a discussion on whether agile is truly dead.

The Question Everyone’s Asking: “Is Agile Dead?”

Many agilists are talking about the disadvantages of agile methodology and why agile doesn’t work, with some common arguments pointing to the failure of particular frameworks and processes or failing agile transformations.

However, there are multiple perspectives to the agile story. After all, there are still plenty of organizations–big and small–benefitting from agile ways of working who view integrating these ways of working as critical to future success.

2 Reasons to Reframe Your Perspective on the State of Agile 

cartoon of a person spinning the top of a rubik's cube

In an echo chamber that focuses on problems with agile methods, it can be helpful to revisit the purpose behind agile approaches - and their intended use. 

1. Frameworks Were Never The Goal of Agile Transformations 

The Agile Manifesto, written in 2001, defines the core values and principles that support organizations in fostering more collaboration, customer satisfaction, and adaptability in rapidly changing markets.

The four values of agile are: 

  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
  • Working software over comprehensive documentation
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
  • Responding to change over following a plan

In reading through the values and the principles outlined in the Manifesto, the ideas within are not a set of frameworks but an invitation for a shift in mindset. Agile has always been a means to achieve organizational purpose while maintaining adaptability. The agile mindset supports organizations in remaining creative and competitive.


A successful agile transformation helps organizations achieve their mission and adapt to change by implementing strategies for continuous improvement.

Agile values provide structure and core concepts for teams to follow. While agile frameworks like scrum, lean product development, or kanban can be complementary to agility, they aren’t what makes a team agile. Organizations often get too focused on the processes and lose the intent of why they set out to be more agile in the first place. 

When we think of agile only as a set of frameworks, it discounts the value of an agile mindset, which helps teams adapt when something isn’t working. If a framework falls short, agile isn’t to blame, but rather, it’s a signal that something more systemic needs to change. 

Agile transformation requires a shift in mindset. While frameworks can support an agile mindset, they are only a piece of the puzzle. Therefore, whether “agile is dead” cannot hinge on the success or failure of a framework.

2. Teams Need To Adapt To Be Agile

cartoon of a team discussing ideas across devices

Agile values encourage teams to adapt as necessary with a goal of continuous improvement. If something isn’t working within an organization’s approach or processes, it’s time for change.

An agile mindset invites us to choose ways of working based on the current circumstances. Teams may change their approach based on the nature of the work, budget, or collaboration preferences, for example.

Perhaps a team is experiencing a problem with a lack of accountability. This situation likely calls for the team leader to change their leadership style and provide more oversight. 

On a regular basis, to account for changing conditions, agile teams need to assess what they are trying to accomplish and the best tools and ways of working to help them meet those goals. A tool or approach may be exactly what a team needs at the beginning of their agile transformation, but chances are, they will outgrow many of the initial systems put in place. 

While some agile critics often blame frameworks or processes for agile’s decline, we must also concede to the fact that adapting approach and implementation is not optional but necessary. If a framework isn’t working, it’s time to try something else.

The agile mindset is about growing with change rather than against it. How we approach our agile processes and systems isn’t supposed to be rigid but malleable.

Is Agile Still Relevant Today?

a person at a desk thinking with gears turning

When it comes to the effectiveness of agile ways of working, the approach is everything. Agile is not a set of frameworks but a mindset that continues to adapt over time. We believe that both of these points are critical to the discussion around the continued relevancy of agile.

What’s our point of view on whether “agile is dead?” We believe agile is still relevant and even necessary in the rapidly changing business landscape. The core values and principles of agile remain the same and continue to support organizations in adapting to micro and macro-level changes across the world.

Learn more about adopting an agile mindset by becoming certified in Agile Fundamentals. You’ll walk away with a foundational knowledge of the history and purpose behind agile and the criticality of adapting the processes and products within your organization for essential growth. 

Find an Agile Fundamentals class, and start your learning journey with us today!

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Agile Fundamentals

About the author

Emily May | ICAgile, Marketing Specialist
Emily May is a Marketing Specialist at ICAgile, where she helps educate learners on their agile journey through content. With an eclectic background in communications supporting small business marketing efforts, she hopes to inspire readers to initiate more empathy, productivity, and creativity in the workplace for improved internal and external outcomes.

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