Overview
Japan's rich history with Agile is foundational. Yet, it's now seen as innovative. As modernity beckons, a core question persists: Are we truly evolving or simply rebranding traditions?
Japan's Agile approach evokes its ninja heritage, prioritizing authenticity over flashiness. While ninja traditions might face decline, they adapt and merge into contemporary roles. The essence isn't in copying templates but in resonating with our ethos. True agility is culturally rooted.
In the land of the rising sun, where cherry blossoms whisper tales of old, the Agile methodology took root within Japan's corporate realm. It was there that the Iga ninjas became legendary, particularly when Ieyasu Tokugawa chose the shortest route to Mikawa, now known as Toyota City, following the dramatic Incident at Honnō-ji in Kyoto. What captivates me, however, is pondering why Toyota's iconic Kanban system emerged from that very place. Such musings might be the height of my intrigue.
Scrum development, once a hallmark of Japanese manufacturing, has curiously been rebranded and re-imported from Silicon Valley, complete with its newfound allure of being a magical solution. PMBOK7's influence resonated deeply, capturing attention far and wide.
It's bewildering to witness a method, proven and practiced for over half a century, now entwined with adjectives like 'innovative' and 'creative'. A mere 30 years ago, this methodology was deemed so foundational that even plumbers in secluded fishing villages were enlightened with its tenets. However, a recent conversation revealed a spreading sentiment: "Agile suits smaller ventures, but struggles to fit within expansive enterprises or bureaucratic systems." Avoiding the discomfort of unfamiliarity seems to further fuel these misconceptions.
Indeed, initiating a new business may benefit from the agility of smaller-scale approaches. In the material economy, we secured competitiveness through highly reproducible knowledge and mass production. But then, where does that place giants like Toyota?
Trendy keywords may shine for a moment, but their luster can be dimmed by the age-old adage that theory and practice differ, even if the root cause lies elsewhere. The interest in new methodologies might not stem from a genuine desire for growth through learning, but rather from continuous concerns about their impact on the "bigger picture." Even the most promising ideas can be devalued by rejection or bias.
Regardless of the strategy or slogan, the more there's an intent to enhance stakeholder satisfaction, the more it becomes necessary to consider cunning mechanisms to avoid responsibility. The pivotal factor is whether stakeholders, deep down, are demanding business as usual.
Those central to operations, after navigating numerous meetings and strategies, consistently grapple with the question, "Has the core of our work genuinely evolved, or is it merely a facade?"
My Agile:
For me, Agile is a philosophy of life, representing the journey of living one step at a time through my current practices. It's a path — '道' — that involves reflecting on the void and contemplating my existence along with that of others for my personal enlightenment. My approach has been one reminiscent of the ways of Bushido and tea ceremony.
As the term Agile grew into a buzzword, my exploration revealed that the distinctiveness of my thought process — the oscillation between divergence and convergence and the drift into abstraction — is essentially design thinking. The creative discourse fostered through reversing roles in one-on-one discussions resembles pair programming. The practices I envisioned through the paradigm of the Satsuma clan's Jigen-ryu correlate with what is called test-driven development.
Related Articles:【Test-Driven Blogging with GPT: My First Week's Journey with GPT-4】
Related Articles:【My Developmental History: In Light of Ego Development Theory】
Related Articles: #Agile
Like a Ninja:
When engaging with young individuals assigned to new ventures about their unique take on Agile, I invariably resort to a soccer analogy. We might not display the flamboyant agility of Brazilian 'fantasistas', but our approach is distinct, echoing the stealth and commitment of ninjas. Every member of the team embodies dedication, ensuring a harmonious blend of communication and collaboration. This is our signature—our very own Agile methodology, deeply rooted in our experiences and cultural ethos. Some might raise eyebrows or smirk, but it's vital to remember: it isn't about mirroring a set template. It's about discovering what truly resonates with us. After all, constant cheerfulness isn't a necessity; what truly matters is authenticity.
As waves of change and uncertainty crash around us, agility emerges as a beacon, drawing inspiration from timeless wisdom and intangible knowledge.
Like the elusive ninjas of old, they operate from the shadows—selfless and unseen. They champion community over self, epitomize dedication, and promote synergy. Their unwavering loyalty prioritizes customer value, always.
In the face of capitalist excesses, will ninja traditions fade? Where is the repository of their tacit knowledge? How is a 500-year code maintained? Through festivals or religious rituals? Carved into stone?
Are they fading as the world changes? Or are they adapting, hidden in plain sight?
Perhaps they're undercover in corporations, or maybe they're researchers, working discreetly like spies. They could be comedians in high-stress settings, or shining in unpredictable environments. Or, they might find solace in the rice paddies.
Likely, they'd adapt, assimilate knowledge, and await the right moment, deeply connected to nature and community. Born on an island shaped by nature's fury and Shugendō culture, I recognize this ethos within me. A community-driven individual, the spirit of shame influences my actions. While I dream of success, I remain compassionate during hardships. I'm deeply connected to cultural treasures like the tea ceremony, Wabi-Sabi, and Zen.Ninja teachings of old are today's modern skills:
- Endurance – Today's GRIT.
- Harmony with Nature – The Sustainability of today.
- Ninjutsu Techniques – Modern Engineering.
- Physical Skills – Today’s agile sportsmen.
- Mastery in Information Warfare – Communication skills, logical thinking, empathy, and emotional recognition of today.
- Disguise – Contractual Roles, and Participant Observers of Today.
- Mental Training – Stress resilience, psychological safety, mindfulness of the modern era.
Domains where Ninja talents fit:
Sustainable societies, coexistence and co-creation with nature, volatile situations, risk management, communication with a diverse range of stakeholders including rivals, long-term business perspectives, cultures of continuous learning, trust-building, guerrilla-style operations with minimal resources, understanding local cultures, digital marketing, empathetic observation akin to mind-reading, resource-poor environments reflecting the beauty of Wabi-Sabi.
Reasons for Agile's failure in high novelty projects:
Belief in predictive planning, denial of circumstances, fear of shame, and lack of an accepting heart to overcome these obstacles.
Reference:【Ninja - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja
