Why Agile is More Than a Project Management Practice

It’s about time tech start-ups moved towards a more agile way of working instead of relying solely on rigid, clearly defined business goals. The level of agility required will always depend on the management style and the industry. For instance, the way agility plays out in banking will be very different from how it operates in e-commerce.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing tech industry, fixed goals only take an organisation so far. Agility allows for greater collaboration and ongoing refinement of operational processes. A senior mentor in the e-commerce space once posed a question: “Do you want employees to have a map or a compass at the workplace?” A map shows a fixed route, but a compass gives direction in shifting terrain. The tech world demands the latter.

Iterations as the Core of Agility

The key lies in launching processes quickly, incorporating feedback, and refining continuously. Running two or three iterations and embedding stakeholder feedback at each stage significantly increases the effectiveness and efficiency of delivery. Even after launch, projects should be monitored, adapted, and improved in response to stakeholder input and market changes.

Agility Belongs to Everyone

Agile is not reserved for senior management or large-scale projects. Anyone can apply agile principles—even in small, everyday tasks. For example, if you send an email to cross-functional teams and don’t see the expected follow-through, treat it as an opportunity for iteration. Ask recipients for feedback:

• Was the email clear?

• Were the instructions actionable?

• Would they prefer the information in a different format?

By gathering insights and refining communication, even simple processes can become more effective.

A Way of Working, Not Just a Framework

Agility is not just a project management methodology—it’s a mindset. It encourages adaptability, collaboration, and accountability at every level of the organisation. No employee should confine themselves to a box, assuming that agility belongs only to leadership. Everyone contributes to the mission of the organisation, and agile ways of working help ensure that contribution is impactful.

Bottom line: agility gives organisations the compass they need to navigate complexity, stay responsive, and deliver results that matter.