Karl Sorochinski

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Agile Theater and the Death of Delivery

Summary

In November 2015, this post called out the rise of Agile Theater — a performative version of Agile where teams followed rituals without delivering value. Standups, velocity tracking, and story points became checkboxes, but real outcomes lagged. The post argued for a return to principle-driven delivery focused on actual user impact.

18-Month Update

By 2017, many companies introduced agile maturity models, shifted focus from velocity to business outcomes, and integrated product management practices to recenter delivery on value. Coaches became more outcome-oriented and less process-policing.

2025 Insight

In 2025, most organizations understand that agility is a mindset, not a set of ceremonies. Empowered teams, outcome-driven metrics, and continuous value delivery have replaced cargo-cult Agile — at least in the best-run companies.

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