Introduction
In the Agile community, one of the most discussed topics is the distinction between “doing Agile” and “being Agile.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually represent two very different approaches to Agile practices. Understanding the difference is crucial for teams looking to embrace Agile fully and reap the benefits it offers.
What Does “Doing Agile” Mean?
“Doing Agile” refers to simply following Agile practices, such as Scrum or Kanban. Teams that are “doing Agile” implement the tools, ceremonies, and rituals associated with Agile methodologies. This includes things like sprints, standups, retrospectives, and other scheduled events that are central to frameworks like Scrum.
However, while the practices may be in place, teams that are merely doing Agile may not fully embrace the underlying Agile mindset. They may still be rigid in their approach, focusing more on adhering to the prescribed processes rather than truly understanding the principles behind them. This often leads to a mechanical, checklist-driven approach where teams are simply “going through the motions” without experiencing the true benefits of Agile—such as flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What Does “Being Agile” Mean?
On the other hand, “being Agile” is about adopting the Agile mindset at a deeper level. It’s not just about using specific tools or ceremonies, but about embracing values such as flexibility, continuous improvement, collaboration, and responding to change in a meaningful way.
Being Agile means building a culture where individuals and teams work together, adapt quickly to new circumstances, and continuously improve their processes. It’s about valuing individuals and interactions over processes and tools, fostering customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change rather than following a fixed plan. This mindset goes beyond the technical aspects of Agile and infuses every part of the work culture, helping teams focus on delivering value in the most efficient, adaptive, and collaborative way possible.
The Key Takeaway: Mechanics vs. Mindset
The key distinction between “doing Agile” and “being Agile” comes down to focus:
Doing Agile is about following the mechanics—the ceremonies, tools, and rituals—of Agile practices without necessarily embracing the deeper principles.
Being Agile is about adopting the mindset, understanding the values and principles that drive Agile, and creating an environment that fosters continuous improvement and customer-centricity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while following the practices of Agile is important, it’s the Agile mindset that makes the difference. Teams that embrace both the practices and the mindset are more likely to succeed in delivering value, improving processes, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of customers and the market. So, the real question isn’t just “Are we doing Agile?” but “Are we being Agile?”
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