In a recent interview with seasoned software development leader and Agile expert, Gary Cohen, we discussed how current-day Agile methodologies are failing to meet the needs of modern product management.

Here are 9 key insights from the interview on how Agile can evolve to better align with product management needs:

1. Lack of Focus on Product Discovery
Agile has historically focused more on delivery than on discovery. It’s time to change that.

2. Misalignment with Product Vision and Strategy
The two-week sprint model often conflicts with the long-term planning required by product managers.

3. Agile Fails to Incorporate Ongoing Product Discovery
Discovery should be continuous, not a one-time event at the beginning of the project.

4. Overemphasis on Flow, Efficiency, and Velocity
Focusing too much on delivery metrics like velocity overlooks the importance of real outcomes.

5. Two-Week Sprints Misaligned with Product Management Needs
The sprint mentality forces product managers to constantly fill the backlog without room for strategic thinking.

6. Scrum’s Overhead and Meeting Fatigue
Excessive meetings that don’t deliver value are draining time and energy from product teams.

7. Overemphasis on Agile Roles and Certification
Too much focus on doing Agile ‘by the book’ has led to inefficiencies, instead of focusing on product value.

8. AI’s Impact on Agile and the Need for Change
With AI accelerating delivery, Agile must evolve to focus more on product discovery and customer value.

9. Need for Greater Executive Support in Agile Transformations
Agile transformations require buy-in from executives, not just the engineering and product teams.

🔗 For fuller details and actual quotes from Gary Cohen, check out the article here: https://www.edensoftlabs.com/post/fasddigc