4 Reasons Why Agile Still Works: A Modern Agilist’s Perspective

Over two decades since its inception, Agile methodology has become a cornerstone of product management and development. Yet, this era has also been marked by ongoing tension between enthusiastic adoption and critical skepticism. To this day, polarized opinions persist: some consider it essential, while in other circles, the mere mention of "Agile" evokes negative connotations—viewed as outdated at best or an unyielding dogma at worst.

As an Agile Project Manager with experience implementing Lean-Agile practices across enterprises, I have often reflected on these tensions. This led me to question whether our attitudes toward the management models we adopt are driven by momentum or grounded in well-reasoned conviction. How willing are we to reevaluate their logic and implications? Through this introspection, I identified four key reasons why I believe Agile is not only the most effective option but also the most fulfilling approach to tackling the challenges of modern organizations.

Reason #1: People

The greatest strength of Agile lies in its deliberate prioritization of human capital within complex systems. This approach is not merely a “nice idea” but a pragmatic and proven perspective that drives project success. By favoring empowerment over bureaucratic processes, ineffective tools, or rigid hierarchies (traditionally designed to enforce sequential predictability), Agile fundamentally transforms workplace dynamics. It places people at the forefront, creating an environment that fosters peak performance while cultivating a culture of trust and genuine collaboration.

Being an Agilist requires a firm belief that individuals, their ideas, and their ability to communicate and collaborate closely are the true engines of success in any initiative. While processes, tools, or methods are valuable when they facilitate teamwork, Agile asserts that they must remain subordinate to what truly matters. This "people-first" mindset forms the foundation of Agile and lays the groundwork for all other considerations.

Reason #2: Value

A defining characteristic of the Agile mindset is its commitment to the continuous delivery of tangible value. As Thomas Edison once said, “The value of an idea lies in its use.” In this spirit, Agile promotes a culture of action and delivers “usable” results while systematically eliminating various forms of waste.

In Agile, "waste" extends beyond unnecessary documentation. It also includes overly elaborate presentations, lengthy meetings (15 minutes is often enough to sync and make decisions), exhaustive reports filled with irrelevant details, vanity metrics, and unproductive tasks. Agile practices aim to maximize value and minimize waste at every step. This makes "value" the guiding compass for every decision, ensuring alignment with real business and customer needs.

Reason #3: Feedback

Another key strength of Agile is the integration of the customer as an essential part of the development process. This collaborative paradigm establishes a continuous dialogue of early feedback, where the user’s voice becomes an active and constant presence within the team. This virtuous cycle of direct communication enables quick and precise adjustments, often exceeding initial objectives.

Rather than striving for a one-time “perfect agreement,” close and ongoing collaboration with those we aim to serve positions us to make better decisions at every stage. This synergy, built on co-creation and transparency, minimizes risks and costs while ultimately enhancing the quality of the final product. By working iteratively, side by side with the customer, we progressively refine outcomes to ensure that the product aligns with the identified needs.

Reason #4: Adaptability

Finally, I am an Agilist because I firmly believe in the pursuit of excellence through continuous improvement—not as a slogan, but as a life philosophy that extends into the workplace. When applied consistently, this discipline drives meaningful and lasting transformations.

Continuous improvement, in my view, is one of Agile’s most powerful ideas. It directly impacts quality, elevating satisfaction and loyalty across all stakeholders. This incremental approach is not only sustainable over the long term but also ensures improvements naturally integrate into workflows and, eventually, organizational culture. Agile makes continuous improvement—and the resulting benefits, such as efficiency and cost reduction—not only possible but achievable, both within the organization and through its partnerships with service providers.

While adaptability is often cited as Agile’s defining concept, its greatest advantage lies in proactively seeking change. This mindset enables us to adapt to dynamic environments and become agents of ongoing transformation, strategically leading change rather than merely reacting to it.

Final thoughts

For me, there are many other reasons—such as transparency, empiricism, or simplicity—that embody the Agile “stamp.” However, I have focused on those rooted in the 2001 Agile Manifesto to emphasize that Agile is neither an abstract concept nor mere adherence to specific methods or tools. It’s far more than redefining terminology while continuing with the status quo. Instead, it involves embracing approaches that fully align with its core values.

I am an Agilist by conviction, advocating for this perspective despite the criticisms Agile has faced since its early days. While Agile has withstood the test of time, it must continue to evolve and enrich itself (true to its spirit) to effectively address new challenges. These challenges might include fostering psychological safety, strengthening talent excellence, invigorating risk management, integrating generative AI, and aligning corporate efforts strategically, among others. Agile will continue to expand, responding to emerging needs across diverse contexts.

We live in a time where how well we execute human capital management is more critical than ever—especially in increasingly remote and distributed environments where technology, particularly A.I., is driving one of the most transformative revolutions the industry has ever seen. In this context, I am convinced that Agile is more relevant and necessary than ever, as long as human beings remain at the heart of interactions for value creation and delivery.

Curious how Softtek’s Agile software development services bridge people, processes, technology, and nearshore excellence? Check out our infographic.