The Incan Empire: Unearthed Agile Practices from the Past

As you traverse the remnants of the Incan Empire, a historical testament to impeccable organization and innovative systems, one begins to discern themes reminiscent of modern Agile practices.

Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

28.07.2023
Alfa Sommersol

The Incan Empire: A Historical Canvas for Agile

Step back in time to the height of the Incan Empire, where distributed leadership, iterative development, and a keen attention to continuous improvement were integral to the civilization's success.

Distributed Leadership: Incas’ Agile Governance

The Incan system of governance was predicated on a distributed leadership model, remarkably akin to the roles of Scrum Master and Product Owner in Agile methodology. The Sapa Inca, or the Emperor, made key decisions, while regional leaders executed these plans.

Iterative Development: The Incan Approach

As you trace the terraced agriculture fields and expansive road networks of the Incas, observe the embodiment of Agile's iterative development. Every infrastructure project was a continuous work-in-progress, constantly evaluated and improved upon.

Stakeholder Engagement: Incan Public Works

Public works projects in the Incan Empire are striking examples of stakeholder engagement, an important aspect of Agile methodologies. Locals were actively involved in the construction and maintenance of roads and other public infrastructure, enhancing the sense of shared ownership.

Feedback and Adaptation: Incan Agriculture

In Incan agriculture, one finds echoes of Agile's emphasis on feedback and adaptation. Farmers would observe crop performance on different terraces, adjust farming practices based on results, and continuously refine their approaches, mirroring Agile's iterative cycles.

Empirical Process Control: Incan Civil Engineering

In Incan civil engineering, the Agile principle of empirical process control shines through. Structures were built using trial and error, with each successive iteration improving upon the last, embodying the essence of Agile development.

The Incan Empire: Agile Lessons from the Past

The parallels between Agile practices and the operations of the Incan Empire serve as a compelling reminder of Agile's enduring principles. The Incas' approach to leadership, development, and stakeholder engagement holds valuable lessons for modern Agile practitioners.

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