Agile Foundation guidance clearly states that the transition from merely “doing Agile” to truly “being Agile” is driven by adopting an Agile mindset, making option C the correct answer. An Agile mindset represents a set of beliefs, attitudes, and ways of thinking that prioritize flexibility, learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement over rigid plans and fixed assumptions. Without this mindset, Agile practices often become mechanical routines that fail to deliver their intended benefits.
“Doing Agile” typically involves implementing visible practices such as daily stand-ups, iterations, backlogs, or boards. While these practices are useful, Agile Foundation documents emphasize that they only create lasting value when supported by the right mindset. “Being Agile” means embracing uncertainty, welcoming change, learning from feedback, and focusing on delivering value rather than following predefined plans. The Agile mindset encourages experimentation, reflection, and adaptation at both team and organizational levels.
Option A, the Agile Onion, is a conceptual model that explains the layers of Agile but does not itself transform behavior. Option B, psychological safety, is an important enabler that allows people to speak up, learn, and collaborate, but it is not the overarching driver of Agile transformation. Option D, Agile sustainability, focuses on maintaining Agile ways of working over time rather than initiating the shift from doing to being Agile.
Agile Foundation documents highlight that an Agile mindset fosters a culture where learning is continuous and failure is treated as an opportunity to improve. Leaders support this mindset by empowering teams, encouraging autonomy, and focusing on outcomes instead of outputs. When an organization adopts an Agile mindset, practices become adaptable tools rather than rigid rules. This cultural shift is what truly transforms an organization, enabling it to respond effectively to change, innovate continuously, and remain focused on delivering value.
