In projects, that direction is called purpose. Without purpose, agility runs fast… but in circles. With purpose, each sprint adds real value for people and for the planet.
I want to invite not only the organisation, but every professional who works there, to adopt an agile and sustainable approach in every project.
I propose a three-tiered approach — North (why), Route (how) and Rhythm (at what pace).
The North
Purpose is a brief statement that answers: What positive change are we seeking to create, for whom, and in a sustainable way?
It should be inspiring, measurable in impact and aligned with the business. Think of this as your North Star that guides decisions when there are trade-offs between speed, cost and sustainability.
However, before we launch into new goals, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the previous year. What worked? What didn’t? This assessment will allow us to learn from our experiences, aligning our future efforts with the values of sustainability and agility. Just as in an agile project, where continuous improvement is always sought, this process of reflection will help us adapt and become more resilient. Our North Star from ‘what we do’ to “why our project exists
- Define your Vision: As in an agile project, vision is essential. What impact do you want to have on your community, the environment, or your organisation? Having a clear vision will motivate you to keep going.
- SMART Goals: Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will not only give you clarity, but also help you measure your progress throughout the year.
- Prioritise Sustainability: Integrating sustainable practices into your projects is not only ethical, but can also be beneficial for long-term profitability. Consider how you can reduce waste, optimise resources, and promote social responsibility.
The Path: Linking Purpose with Agility and Sustainability
Agility is about adapting and responding to change. As you implement your purposes, keep an open mind. Use agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban to manage your projects, allowing for constant iterations and learning along the way.
- Think of three tactical levels that connect your north star with execution: Impactful outcomes that combine business value, people value, and environmental/social value
- Integrate green and ethical acceptance criteria into your stories
The Rhythm: Scrum at the service of purpose
- Sprint Planning. Connect each sprint goal to an outcome and a sustainability indicator.
- Define DoR with a mandatory field ‘What positive impact do we expect and how will we measure it?’
- Daily. An additional question: ‘What did we do today that brought us closer (or further away) from the outcome and the environmental metric?’
- Review. Demonstrate value with data
- Retrospective. Organise regular reviews to assess progress. This will not only allow you to adjust course, but also foster collaboration and innovation within your team.
Recommendations for this journey
Iteration and Adaptation: Don’t be afraid to change direction if something isn’t working. Flexibility is key to success in an ever-changing environment.
Don’t forget to celebrate every small achievement. Every step counts on your journey towards a year of purpose. Recognising successes, no matter how small, will motivate you to keep moving forward.
Starting 2026 with a focus on agility and sustainability will not only enable you to achieve your goals, but also contribute to a better world. As you do so, remember that this year is a year 1, full of possibilities and new opportunities. Harness this energy to build from the ground up and create a lasting impact.
I hope this article inspires you to start the year with purpose and determination. Let’s go for an incredible year!
