A recent blog posting by Todd Vernon titled "False Precision on Agile Development" caught the attention of a few agilists, myself included. I am glad Todd had the courage to post his dis-beliefs of agile methods working in some real-life, real-company scenarios. I will let you read for yourself on his blog about his agile beliefs and a number of comments responding with some potential reasons his experience with agile methods may not have been as effective.

While there are circumstances in which agile methods should not be used, most instances of failed implementations occur from a mis-understanding or a mis-application of the agile methods. I know because I have applied agile methods wrong or the wrong agile methods in many instances in my past leadership positions. Agile method adoption does require knowledge and discipline, but when applied properly, can reap substantial benefits.