Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software #181: How to Start Agile Without Overengineering It with Cort Sharp
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May 13, 2026 They talk about how teams often load up on process instead of seeing problems clearly. The conversation highlights starting with transparency, short feedback loops, and clear priorities. Listeners hear practical minimums like a visible backlog, short iterations, and a strict definition of done. They also cover common slowdowns such as coordination complexity and false confidence.
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Begin With Mindset Not Frameworks
- Start with the Agile mindset before frameworks and terminology.
- Focus on transparency, inspection, and adaptation so teams learn by doing rather than memorizing process rules.
Launch A Minimum Viable Process
- Use a minimum viable process: visible backlog, short planning horizons, and regular inspect/adapt loops.
- Start small, make work visible, then learn by doing instead of perfect upfront planning.
Adopt A Practical Definition Of Done
- Define a strict, realistic Definition of Done that lets you release safely in short cycles.
- Aim for work items small enough to complete in a few weeks and that you'd be comfortable releasing on a Friday afternoon.