Why the best leaders embrace both 'agile' and 'waterfall' thinking
Briefly

The article emphasizes the importance of balancing leadership between two approaches: long-term focus and adaptability. Whereas 'waterfall' strategies involved meticulous, long-term planning in software development, the emergence of 'agile' methodologies responded to rapid market changes with speed and iteration. This tension has historically shaped industries and continues to influence organizational success. The article also highlights experiences from coaching, illustrating how leaders need to navigate between these two methodologies to achieve desired outcomes without losing sight of their mission.
The tension between structure and adaptability isn't just theoretical; it's a foundational dynamic that has shaped industries for decades.
Early on in the software industry, a waterfall strategy reigned supreme, where road maps guided development and teams operated with near-military precision.
As the pace of change accelerated, agile software development emerged, favoring speed, iteration, and real-time user feedback to adapt more quickly.
Through coaching, we've seen the push and pull between waterfall and agile approaches shape the leadership dynamics and strategic decisions in organizations.
Read at Fast Company
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