When considering the optimal approach to the type of work, it’s not about agile or waterfall. It’s about agile (unknowable, unique) and lean (knowable, repetitive). Waterfall is “Think Big, Start Big, Learn Slow,” for which, in my opinion, there is no excuse. Why would you not optimize for early and often learning, continuous improvement, and the ability to pivot for unique change in order to de-risk and realize more value sooner and improve outcomes? Even construction has adopted agile and lean principles and practices.27
