Abstract: Until recently, common wisdom held that humans stopped developing by their mid 20s. Whatever they were then is what they were going to be for the rest of their lives. In our own experiences as Agilists, we see the folly in this as we witness adults of all ages change to embrace agile as a way of thriving in a complex and confounding world. Our experience is supported by researchers who tell us that humans can develop throughout their lives. Instead of outward development, though, it's inner development; specifically one's mental complexity. They also tell us that although people can develop, there is no guarantee it will happen. Plenty of people stop.
At the same time, Agile has crossed the chasm and we see organizations of all sizes doing Agile -- kind of. Even the "doing" Agile part is not so healthy everywhere, never mind the "being" Agile part. The reality is just not as great as we Agilists imagined it would be. Is there a link between the two? Perhaps Agile requires a certain level of cognitive development to do well. If so, it's possible that we Agilists are bringing our way of working to corporate environments that are not developed to the necessary level. When we do this, are we agents of evolution? Specifically placed to aid the next unavoidable step in the unfolding of human development? Or, are we well-meaning zealots doing more harm than good? These are some of the questions we will consider as we look at our calling as Agilists and the moral responsibility that comes with it.
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