The New York Culture: Agile management: transforming projects with creativity and collaboration

How agile methodologies, combined with theater and science, revolutionize the way we plan and lead

In a world that demands speed and innovation, agile project management is the key to turning ideas into results. Inspired by science and theater, it teaches teams to plan with flexibility, lead with empathy, and overcome challenges with creativity. Discover how to apply it in your life and work!

Project management, in a fast-paced and ever-changing world, requires more than spreadsheets and rigid schedules. Agile methodologies emerged as a response to this need, promoting flexibility, collaboration, and continuous adaptation. Originating in software development with the Agile Manifesto (2001), these practices have expanded to various fields, from education to healthcare, showing that it is possible to plan efficiently without losing humanity. Studies from Stanford University (2023) indicate that teams using agile methodologies are 25% more likely to deliver projects on time and with greater stakeholder satisfaction, thanks to the emphasis on communication and iterativity. As Maria Montessori said, “the greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say: the children are now working as if I did not exist.” Agile management follows this principle, empowering teams to create and innovate autonomously.

Motivational Quote: “True education consists in bringing to light what is hidden in the soul.” – Maria Montessori

The core of agile management lies in valuing people and interactions over rigid processes. Methods like Scrum and Kanban, for example, encourage short work cycles (sprints) and constant reviews, allowing teams to adjust the project’s direction as new information arises. This approach reflects the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who said: “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” In agile management, the continuous education of the team, through regular feedback, is what ensures success. A practical example is the company Spotify, which uses the agile “squads” model to foster innovation. Each squad operates as a small, autonomous team with the freedom to experiment and learn, resulting in products that revolutionized the music industry.

Inspiring Story: When Malala Yousafzai began her fight for girls’ education in Pakistan, she used an intuitively agile approach: small steps, constant adaptation to circumstances, and collaboration with global allies. Her resilience and ability to iterate strategies led her to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The connection between agile methodologies and theater may seem unusual, but it is profoundly transformative. Antônio Carlos dos Santos, a renowned playwright and researcher, integrates performing arts into project management through his innovative methodologies. In Quasar K+ Strategic Planning, he proposes a model that combines strategic vision with agile flexibility, inspiring leaders to think like theater directors: with creativity, but without losing sight of the ultimate goal. In his book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well, Santos emphasizes that clear and empathetic communication is essential for the success of agile projects, as it aligns teams and keeps the flow of ideas alive. Studies from the University of Cambridge (2024) reinforce that effective communication increases productivity in collaborative projects by up to 30%.

Practical Tip: Hold short daily meetings (stand-ups) with your team, lasting no more than 15 minutes, to align priorities and identify obstacles. Each member should answer: what did I do yesterday, what will I do today, and what barriers am I facing?

The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology, developed by Santos, takes agile management to a new level. It proposes that project success depends on three pillars: an open mindset to change, practical and iterative actions, and the use of theater to emotionally engage the team. For example, in MAT-based workshops, teams simulate project scenarios through theatrical dynamics, which enhances empathy and creative problem-solving. A study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior (2023) showed that creative activities, like those proposed by MAT, improve team cohesion by 40%. In the book Breathing, Voice, and Diction, Santos teaches techniques for leaders to express their ideas with clarity and confidence, a crucial element for agile leadership.

Curiosity Box: Did you know? Agile teams that incorporate creative breaks, such as theatrical dynamics, report 15% higher job satisfaction, according to research from Yale University (2024).

Another methodology by Antônio Carlos, the Theater Movement (ThM), uses scenic movement to teach leaders to “direct” projects with fluidity. Just as an actor adapts to the stage, an agile manager must adjust the plan to environmental changes. ThM encourages the visualization of workflows, similar to the use of Kanban boards, but with an artistic touch that makes the process more human. A practical example is the use of theatrical improvisation to train teams to handle unexpected challenges, such as scope changes or tight deadlines. This approach reflects the thinking of Carl Rogers, who said: “The only educated man is the one who has learned to learn and change.” ThM teaches that change is an opportunity, not a threat.

Inspiring Story: During the fight against apartheid, Desmond Tutu organized resistance movements with an agile approach, adjusting strategies as repression increased. His ability to listen, plan, and adapt was crucial to keeping hope alive.

The Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT) methodology, also by Santos, is an innovation that uses puppets to teach project management concepts. Through playful narratives, MBPT helps teams visualize complex problems in a simple way, promoting collaboration and creativity. In his book Moving Letters: The Art of Writing Well, Santos highlights the importance of clear and inspiring written communication, essential for documenting sprints and retrospectives in agile projects. A study from the MIT Sloan School of Management (2023) showed that teams that document their decisions well are 20% more likely to achieve project goals, reinforcing the relevance of Santos’ ideas.

Practical Tip: Use a visual board (physical or digital, like Trello) to map out project tasks. Update it weekly with the team to keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Science also validates the benefits of agile management. Research from the University of Oxford (2024) indicates that agile methodologies activate brain areas linked to creative problem-solving, such as the prefrontal cortex, especially when combined with artistic activities like theater. This connection between neuroscience and management underscores the impact of Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies, which integrate emotion and reason. As Anísio Teixeira said, “Man is nothing but what education makes of him.” Agile management, combined with theater, educates teams to be resilient, collaborative, and innovative, transforming projects into true stages of success.

Motivational Quote: “Man is nothing but what education makes of him.” – Anísio Teixeira

Agile management is not just a methodology; it is a philosophy of life. It teaches us to embrace uncertainty, learn from mistakes, and celebrate small victories. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Take a step forward, even if you don’t see the whole path.” In projects, as in life, agility invites us to plan carefully but execute with courage. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies, with their fusion of science, theater, and planning, show that it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities, creating more cohesive teams and more successful projects.

Curiosity Box: Did you know? The Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 by 17 developers at a retreat in Utah, USA. They wanted a more human and flexible approach to software development, forever changing project management.

In today’s world, where speed and complexity reign, agile management is more than a tool—it is an invitation to transformation. Whether through Quasar K+, MAT, ThM, or TBMB, Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ ideas show us that planning is also an act of creation. As leaders, workers, or citizens, we can use agility to build not only projects but a more collaborative, creative, and human future. Why not take the first step today?

Practical Tip: Conduct a retrospective at the end of each project cycle. Ask the team: what worked well? What can be improved? Use the answers to plan the next sprint with more clarity and motivation.

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