A friend of mine on LinkedIn shared something that pierced my heart today. He drew a powerful parallel between Peter’s denial in Mark 14:72 and what we’re seeing in the Agile community right now. He noted how in times of great trial, we see who truly believes and who doesn’t — and how even those with strong convictions, like Peter, can crumble under pressure.
His parallel struck me deeply — just as Peter denied knowing Jesus when pressured, we’re seeing many Agile champions grow silent and even turn against their former convictions now that Agile has seemingly lost favor. As my friend movingly asked, “Did you not believe? Did you not see with your eyes? Did you not feel?”
The Season of Doubt
During Agile’s “golden years,” champions emerged everywhere, passionately sharing how these principles could transform the world of work and empower people. Their voices rang with conviction about building better organizations through trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
But now, as my friend observed, the winds have shifted. Those same vocal advocates who proclaimed their integrity to the crowds when these ideas were popular have now turned silent and/or are against them. It makes his observation even more powerful — did they ever truly believe in the transformations they witnessed? Did the impact they once celebrated suddenly become a faded memory?
Learning from Peter’s Journey
What moves me most about Peter’s story isn’t his moment of denial, it’s what happened after. Jesus told him, “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” His failure wasn’t the end of the story; it became the foundation for something stronger and more authentic and transformational.
This resonates deeply with what I’m seeing today. Yes, there’s doubt, yes there’s criticism, but like Peter, we have a choice … let that doubt consume us, or use it to fuel something more powerful.
The Heart of True Transformation
Through my work with organizations large and small, I’ve witnessed something that keeps my conviction strong: when practiced with integrity, Agile principles still create the most beautiful transformations I’ve seen. Teams find their purpose, people feel heard and valued, and their organizations learn to adapt and thrive.
The disillusionment we’re seeing isn’t because Agile and Scrum don’t work, it’s because what many organizations implement has lost connection with the heart of these principles. They’ve kept the ceremonies but lost the spirit.
Standing Firm in Our Truth
Just like Peter, we all face moments of doubt. But here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: the principles of trust, collaboration, and human-centered work aren’t just trends – they’re timeless truths about how people work best together.
This current swing back to command and control will run its course. And when it does, I believe we’ll see a return to these principles with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.
A Call to Those Who Still Believe
Like my friend reminded us, the world might take a darker turn, but we don’t have to turn with it. Instead, let’s be lighthouses, showing the way to better ways of working, leading, and being together.
What truth will you stand firm in today?
Onward and upward!
