The Startup Podcast Best of 2024 #4 – Agile vs. Waterfall: Stop Practicing Agile Theater w/ John Cutler
Jan 6, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, product expert John Cutler discusses the crucial differences between Agile and Waterfall methodologies. He shares insights on why many teams fail to execute Agile effectively, warning against the perils of 'Agile theater.' Listeners learn about the importance of strategic planning and the evolving blend of Agile and Waterfall, dubbed 'Wagile.' Cutler also emphasizes the need for a clear vision and adaptive practices to avoid iterative dead-ends, ensuring teams learn faster than they ship.
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Agile's Value in Quick Delivery
- Agile delivery enables shipping thin slices of value frequently to market.
- This allows faster learning and earlier value realization compared to waterfall's long development cycles.
Agile Fits Uncertain Environments
- Agile is essential in uncertain environments where you don't know the exact solution upfront.
- Short build-learn-iterate cycles enable route finding through uncertainty.
Discipline Prevents Agile Drift
- Maintain discipline to prevent strategy drift when using Agile.
- Avoid endless MVP pivots; polish and iterate upon a validated product direction.
