Agility Over Agile — How the Agile Movement Has Transformed in Two Decades

Giles Lindsay
6 min readFeb 1, 2024
Business organization teamwork people working together
Business organization teamwork people working together

Adapting to the Times

Two decades after the Agile Manifesto transformed software development and project management, we see a significant evolution in how Agile principles are applied and interpreted. This evolution raises a crucial question: must the focus now move from ‘Agile’ to the broader concept of ‘Agility’? While Agile represents a specific set of methodologies and practices initially developed for software project management, Agility embodies a broader, adaptable approach, merging these principles into a clear framework for addressing various business and organisational challenges. As we venture further into this exploration, it becomes clear that the journey from Agile to Agility is not just a change in terminology but a fundamental shift in mindset and operational ethos.

Agile Then and Now

Originally an approach to streamlining software development, Agile prioritised teamwork and customer satisfaction. Beginning in the 1990s, businesses, notably in manufacturing, sought rapid adaptation strategies to meet evolving customer demands, setting the stage for Agile’s evolution. Today, Agile transcends methodology, evolving into a mindset and culture beyond technology. Agile is no longer just about specific practices or procedures used in…

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Giles Lindsay
Giles Lindsay

Written by Giles Lindsay

Follow me for expert insights and strategies on Agile, AI, ESG, Technology Leadership, Digital Transformation, Change Management and Business Agility.

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