Glorifying Agile

As a student of Agile theory but not involved in team practice until recently, I happily acknowledge that my understanding is incomplete.  But I was surprised to realize this week that one of the mind-sets contributing to my ignorance did not involve lack of practical experience, but rather a glorification of Agile. 

I had it on a pedestal – shining, holy, even – a easy, breezy process in which things happened with little effort.  Maybe I was confusing “idealism” from the reality of “ideal”. I guess I’m discovering what practitioners have known forever: Agile is anything but laissez faire.  It requires serious mental discipline.  The discipline and transparency involved is, to put it bluntly: more work.  This is a good thing. 

More work doesn’t mean more difficult work, more ineffective work, more spinning of wheels – it means more tasks complete, less "play time", and a more satisfying "leaving work experience".  Just don’t let all that hard work surprise you.