{"id":11532,"date":"2022-04-21T15:51:23","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T22:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/?p=11532"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:23:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T16:23:45","slug":"lean-vs-agile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/","title":{"rendered":"Lean vs. Agile: What&#8217;s the Difference? [year]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What's the difference between lean and agile?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Agile process deals with the optimization of a project\u2019s development process. It aims to make the process flexible, transparent, and adaptable. The Lean approach revolves around optimizing the production process. It\u2019s all about minimizing risk and eliminating waste (lean production).\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confused between Agile and Lean?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve read up on modern <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/project-management-methodologies\/\">project management methods<\/a>, you might\u2019ve heard about frameworks like Lean and Agile\u2026 a lot!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And while these two approaches are often used<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> together<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they are two <\/span><b>very <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different project management methodologies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what are they?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More importantly, how is Lean <\/span><\/i><b><i>different <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from the <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methodology<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll look at both methods in detail and cover their differences in terms of approach, goals, and more. We\u2019ll also highlight the best project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software that\u2019ll help you manage<\/span><b> both<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lean and Agile projects efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-2ca1a1c8-bdc3-401d-b5fc-f20c0ba350cc\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">This Article Contains: <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#0-lean-vs-agile-a-brief-history-\" style=\"\">Lean vs. Agile: A Brief History<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#3-what-is-the-agile-methodology-\" style=\"\">What Is the Agile Methodology?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#4-what-is-lean-methodology-\" style=\"\">What is Lean Methodology?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#5-key-differences-between-agile-vs-lean-\" style=\"\">Key Differences Between Agile Vs Lean<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#6-1-differences-in-methodology-\" style=\"\">1. Differences in methodology<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#9-2-differences-in-the-approach-\" style=\"\">2. Differences in the approach\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#12-3-differences-in-project-timelines-\" style=\"\">3. Differences in project timelines<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#15-4-differences-in-the-team-\" style=\"\">4. Differences in the team<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#18-5-differences-in-the-overall-goal-\" style=\"\">5. Differences in the overall goal\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#21-6-differences-in-the-area-of-focus-\" style=\"\">6. Differences in the area of focus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#24-agile-vs-lean-what-are-the-similarities-\" style=\"\">Agile vs. Lean: What Are the Similarities?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-vs-agile\/#25-how-to-manage-both-agile-and-lean-projects-efficiently-\" style=\"\">How to Manage Both Agile and Lean Projects Efficiently<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-lean-vs-agile-a-brief-history-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean vs. Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A Brief History<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll first see how both of these methodologies came into existence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;After all, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differences start right here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-agile-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the 1980s, computer programmers used traditional development approaches like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/waterfall-project-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterfall methodology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to manage their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> projects. Not only was this process time consuming, but it was also costly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The world of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was rapidly growing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And growth usually means adapting to change.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Waterfall, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a product could take months and, at times, years. So by the time the software or product is released, it already becomes outdated with respect to the current needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To overcome this, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile Manifesto<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was written.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And the Agile methodology is built on the 4 values and 12 principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile helps teams better adapt to change by involving stakeholders throughout the process. This way, there\u2019s better planning, development, and deployment of working software.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-lean-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Lean<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the 1970s, Taiichi Ohno developed a system known as the Toyota Production System (TPS). It aimed to reduce inventory costs and <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/process-efficiencies\/\">improve the efficiency<\/a> of the automobile supply chain by eliminating any type of waste.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TPS was inspired by the <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/inventory-templates\/\">inventory management system<\/a> in grocery stores and used visual signals to indicate inventory needs precisely when items were needed. This reduced the overall waste and optimized the entire production process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This system was then used to form the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean manufacturing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> principles.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how did <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean software development <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">come into play?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mary and Tom Poppendiek wrote a comprehensive guide for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, inspired by the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean manufacturing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> principles.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s now take a look at what exactly is Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-what-is-the-agile-methodology-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the Agile Methodology?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/what-is-agile-project-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile is a software development<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that helps develop projects with an iterative approach.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike traditional <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile approach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a large project is broken down into shorter <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cycles known as <\/span><b>sprints<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Each sprint usually lasts for 2-4 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an example illustrating this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile principle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say you\u2019re building a robot.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a traditional project management method like Waterfall, you might take months to plan and develop the robot before finally deploying it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could lead to a situation where the AI feature, which you thought to be pretty cool, turned out to be useless. What the customer <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">really <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wanted was a robot with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">perfect<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> balance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image3-6.gif\" alt=\"robot falling backwards\" class=\"wp-image-11535\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this could\u2019ve been avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile way<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the customers are actively involved in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. At the end of each sprint, they provide <\/span><b>feedback<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/agile-team-structure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> implements the necessary changes in the next cycle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This continuous improvement leaves less room for errors, helping you build a robot that suits the needs of your customers <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">perfectly<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn how <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/tips-for-agile-project-management\/\">Agile experts implement<\/a> the Agile project management process in their workflows.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-is-lean-methodology-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Lean Methodology<\/span>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is based on the principles of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-principles-software-development\/#lean-principles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seven principles of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean methodology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliminate waste<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build quality in<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defer commitment<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deliver fast<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect people<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optimize the whole<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean principle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aims to optimize the production process by <\/span><b>eliminating waste<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also attempts to minimize risk while maximizing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">customer value<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait\u2026 what does \u201celiminating waste\u201d mean?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliminating waste refers to removing everything that does not add value to the process.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could be anything from unnecessary meetings and documentation to inefficient methods.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-key-differences-between-agile-vs-lean-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Differences Between Agile Vs Lean<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile method<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Lean approach involve, you already sense that they\u2019re different, right?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make things clearer, here\u2019s a detailed list of the key differences between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile Lean<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-1-differences-in-methodology-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Differences in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No surprises here.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most significant difference between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean thinking<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-a-agile-methodology-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deals with the optimization of a project\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It aims to make the process flexible, transparent, and adaptable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> values <\/span><b>continuous improvement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and happy customers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this, an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile project<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goes through iterative <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cycles (sprints) and the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> actively involves the customer from start to end.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-b-lean-methodology-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean approach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> revolves around <\/span><b>optimizing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the production process. It\u2019s all about <\/span><b>minimizing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> risk and<\/span><b> eliminating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> waste (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lean production<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, \u201c<\/span><b>eliminate waste<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d is one of the first principles of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean method<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image5-5.gif\" alt=\"kids saying how does it work\" class=\"wp-image-11537\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you exclude everything that doesn\u2019t contribute to the final outcome of the project, the production process automatically shortens and becomes efficient. This saves you tons of valuable money and time in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-2-differences-in-the-approach-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Differences in the approach&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While both the Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methods<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are excellent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approaches, they <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">slightly<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differ in their approach to development:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-a-agile-approach-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile approach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile practice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a project is developed in short incremental, iterative cycles or <\/span><b>sprints<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The iterative and incremental method refers to the breakdown of a project into various phases, each composed of planning, implementation, testing, and evaluation. This process is repeated until you achieve the desired outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-b-lean-approach-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean approach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean approach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aims to introduce small incremental <\/span><b>changes <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">within the manufacturing process to increase efficiency. While this can result in shorter development cycles, it\u2019s not the core focus of Lean.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-3-differences-in-project-timelines-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Differences in project timelines<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While both Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methods<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aim to deliver the product as early as possible, their project timelines are different:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-a-agile-project-timeline-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile project<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> timeline&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/scrum-team\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> works in <\/span><b>short cycles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to deliver quickly. Each cycle or sprint typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-b-lean-project-timeline-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. Lean project timeline&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean teams<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shorten their project timeline by <\/span><b>optimizing process flow<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They usually limit their work-in-processes, which reduces the overall project timeline. However, unlike Agile, there\u2019s no specified time frame.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-4-differences-in-the-team-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Differences in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methods<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> follow different <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> structures:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-a-agile-team-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Agile team is a small team of self-organized, <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/cross-functional-teams\/\">cross-functional individuals<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does that mean?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Self-organized<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: teams decide how to do the work by themselves<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Cross-functional<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: team members have various areas of expertise, but work towards a common goal&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team consists of members like a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">product manager<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">product owner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/agile\/agile-coach\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile coach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/scrum-master\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum master<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, developers, business analysts, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-b-lean-team-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. Lean <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/lean-project-management\/\">Lean project management<\/a>, you form multiple Lean teams, consisting of members from relevant departments.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each team is headed by a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team leader<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who manages their respective team and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">individual projects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And while your Lean team members should be capable, they don\u2019t necessarily have to be self-organized and cross-functional.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-5-differences-in-the-overall-goal-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Differences in the overall goal&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile Lean<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> development methods strive to achieve different goals:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-a-agile-goal-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goal&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the goal is to <\/span><b>create <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">something that complies with the end-user or stakeholder requirements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-b-lean-goal-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. Lean goal&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For <a href=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/what-makes-product-development-lean\/\">Lean development<\/a>, the goal is to <\/span><b>eliminate <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">any process that does not add value to product development.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-6-differences-in-the-area-of-focus-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Differences in the area of focus<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile Lean<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differ from each other:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"22-a-agile-area-of-focus-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> area of focus&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on project scope and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">customer value<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/project-scope\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scope of a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> product<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to its features and functionalities. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer value<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is prioritized as, at the end of each sprint, you take feedback and implement changes in the next cycle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"23-b-lean-area-of-focus-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B. Lean area of focus&nbsp;<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is about improving process flow and quality.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The focus is on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">process improvement<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and quality (zero defects is the goal).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is usually achieved using an approach known as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">value stream mapping<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">value stream mapping<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/value-stream-mapping-templates\/\">Value stream mapping<\/a> is a method used to visualize the series of events between product creation and delivery to the customer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/software-development-tools\/\">Software Development Tools<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"24-agile-vs-lean-what-are-the-similarities-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile vs. Lean: What Are the Similarities?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know why people often group the <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile framework<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Lean<\/span><\/i><b><i> together<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s because both the methodologies share values, such as the ability to adapt to changes quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some other similarities between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Continuous improvement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: both methodologies focus on regular inspection of the working method for possible improvements<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Customer value<\/b> <b>prioritization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: whether it\u2019s Agile\u2019s active involvement of customer\u2019s feedback or Lean\u2019s focus on delivering quality, both aim to provide increased value to the customer&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Efficient timelines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deploys products in frequent version releases while in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean project management<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involves the least possible number of steps. Both of these approaches focus on maintaining efficiency.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Continuous flow of results<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> process split into parts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> continually delivers value in increments while Lean keeps giving results with constant elimination of waste<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"25-how-to-manage-both-agile-and-lean-projects-efficiently-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Manage Both Agile and Lean Projects Efficiently<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So how are you going to manage Agile and Lean?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/agile-tools\/\">right agile tools<\/a>, of course!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Um\u2026 no. You can\u2019t just use <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">any<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tool!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To manage projects with agility, you need a suitable <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be able to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manage tasks and projects<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/automate-workflows\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automate workflows<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilitate <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/team-collaboration\/\">remote team collaboration<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrate with various workspace tools&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, be it Agile, the <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/scrum-project-management\/\">Scrum methodology<\/a>, Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, or any project management methodology, your software should be able to handle it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requires <\/span><b>separate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> functionalities from their tools.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, it\u2019s not like every team picks one approach and sticks to it forever!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you can\u2019t buy<\/span><b> new<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">each time your team uses a different <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, you have powerful tools like <\/span><b>ClickUp<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to efficiently handle all your tasks and projects, no matter what <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you prefer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>But what\u2019s ClickUp?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4-1400x667.png\" alt=\"clickup devices\" class=\"wp-image-16995\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4-1400x667.png 1400w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4-300x143.png 300w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4-768x366.png 768w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4-1536x732.png 1536w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image11-4.png 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ClickUp <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is the world\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/reviews\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highest-rated Lean Agile<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;Whether you need help to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lean<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/agile\/agile-scrum\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/kanban-project-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kanban<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme Programming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or any <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Track all your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile software development<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> projects<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manage an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or several <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean teams<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sprint planning<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/scrum-meetings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> meetings<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ClickUp is the <\/span><b>only <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you need!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s see how ClickUp can help you adapt to Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile techniques<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"26-1-custom-task-statuses-for-varying-project-stages-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/custom-task-statuses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom Task Statuses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for varying project stages&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each project requires its own set of statuses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software engineer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can have stages like \u201cGit Upload\u201d and \u201cDebugging\u201d for their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean UX<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> project. In contrast, a content development project can have steps like \u201cEditing\u201d and \u201cQuality Check\u201d.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With ClickUp\u2019s <\/span><b>Custom Statuses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> feature, that won&#8217;t be a problem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lets you create custom statuses that reflect your project\u2019s needs accurately. Get as descriptive and creative as you want!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quick look at a task\u2019s status is enough to determine what stage it\u2019s in. This way, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team leader<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or anyone working on the project can instantly check how it\u2019s progressing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image10-1.png\" alt=\"clickup board view\" class=\"wp-image-11542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image10-1.png 1999w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image10-1-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image10-1-768x257.png 768w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image10-1-1400x469.png 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"27-2-set-goals-to-achieve-your-sprints-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Set Goals to achieve your sprints&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology you prefer, you\u2019ll have multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/project-goals\/\">project goals<\/a>, like \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">develop 20% of the product in sprint 1\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase website traffic by 10%<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So how do you keep track of them?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three words: <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/goals\">ClickUp\u2019s <\/a><\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/goals\">Goals<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/goals\"> feature<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goals are high-level containers that you can break down into smaller, measurable <\/span><b>Targets<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose from a variety of units to measure a Target, like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Currency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an amount of money<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Number:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a range of numbers from 0 to infinity<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Tasks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a list of tasks you must complete to achieve the Target<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>True\/False:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only two possible outcomes (done or not done)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2698\" height=\"942\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Goals.png\" alt=\"goals in clickup\" class=\"wp-image-11546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Goals.png 2698w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Goals-300x105.png 300w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Goals-768x268.png 768w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Goals-1400x489.png 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2698px) 100vw, 2698px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"28-3-collaboration-over-comments-and-chat-view-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Collaboration over Comments and Chat View<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nodding your head and one-word answers don\u2019t make for good conversation, do they?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image6-4.gif\" alt=\"man nodding\" class=\"wp-image-11538\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help teams communicate <\/span><b>efficiently,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> each ClickUp task comes with a dedicated <\/span><b>Comment <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">space.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps facilitate all project-related communication within the Lean or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use this section to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exchange project related information<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tag members to highlight important comments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handle problems and deadlocks with the right context<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share relevant files and links within any task section<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/assign-comments\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assign Comments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to specific <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> members to ensure that it doesn\u2019t go unnoticed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For better <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/team-building\/\">collaboration and team building<\/a>, use the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.clickup.com\/en\/articles\/2957033-chat-view\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chat view<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to have conversations unrelated to any tasks.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image11-6.gif\" alt=\"responding to comment in clickup\" class=\"wp-image-11543\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"29-4-workflow-automation-to-automate-50-repetitive-tasks-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Workflow Automation to automate 50+ repetitive tasks<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chances are you deal with tons of repetitive manual tasks every day.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And we\u2019re pretty sure those are the tasks you hate performing the most too.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t worry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/automations\">ClickUp\u2019s <\/a><\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/automations\">Automation<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/automations\"> feature<\/a> brings tons of task automations to your workplace to solve that.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can easily use this to automate repetitive tasks, which saves you time and frees up your resources for tasks that actually require them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how ClickUp\u2019s workflow Automation works:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.clickup.com\/en\/articles\/3904925-automation-triggers\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trigger<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> happens and a condition is true, a specific action is executed automatically.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This versatile <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers <\/span><b>50+ prebuilt Automations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help you get on the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of these are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a task\u2019s status changes it automatically changes the assignee&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply a template while creating a task<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update task priority when its checklist is cleared<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change tags when a task\u2019s deadline arrives<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Archive a task when its priority changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can even create your own Custom Automations to suit your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image2-4.gif\" alt=\"custom automation in clickup\" class=\"wp-image-11534\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"30-5-dashboards-for-visual-overviews-of-your-project-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Dashboards for visual overviews of your project<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/dashboards\">ClickUp\u2019s <\/a><\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/dashboards\">Dashboards<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> give you quick visual overviews of your Agile software development or Lean projects. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sorta like a space craft\u2019s mission control center.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The benefit?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">team leader<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or even your entire <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrum team <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can get a clear idea of everything happening around in the workspace.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For maximum flexibility, customize your Dashboard with various graphs like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/velocity-chart\/\"><b>Velocity Charts<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights the completion rate of their tasks<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/burn-up-chart\/\"><b>Burnup Charts<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows the amount of work already completed in a project&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/burndown-charts\/\"><b>Burndown Charts<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> displays the amount of work remaining in a project&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/cumulative-flow-diagram\/\"><b>Cumulative Flow Charts<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> view how the project is progressing over time&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image7.png\" alt=\"cumulative flow chart in clickup\" class=\"wp-image-11539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image7.png 484w, https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/image7-300x124.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"31-6-gantt-charts-for-monitoring-project-timeline-easily-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Gantt Charts for monitoring project timeline easily<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tired of using a spreadsheet to track your project timelines or progress?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say goodbye to the 90\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mindset<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/gantt-chart-view\">ClickUp\u2019s <\/a><\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/features\/gantt-chart-view\">Gantt Charts<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are perfect for tracking and managing your project timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quick look at your Gantt chart is enough to determine if things are on track or not.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best part?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These Gantt charts come with tons of automated capabilities.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automatically readjust task dependencies when you reschedule items<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare expected vs current project progress<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calculate the project progress percentage based on tasks completed\/total tasks<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/critical-path\/\">Calculate critical path<\/a> to identify the tasks to be prioritized<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help with <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/agile-workflow\/\">Agile workflow management<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gantt-dependencies.gif\" alt=\"gantt chart in clickup\" class=\"wp-image-9275\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"32-conclusion-\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, Lean and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agile practices<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differ in several aspects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, while each <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">development<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methodology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is perfect for a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> kind of project, you\u2019ll still need the <\/span><b>right <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to manage everything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, all you need to do is use ClickUp, the best Agile and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lean software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the market!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From helping you follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/resources\/software-teams\/the-agile-mindset\">Agile mindset<\/a> to skyrocketing your business agility, ClickUp has everything you need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So why not <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clickup.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sign up<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for free today and ace your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> activities?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Confused between Agile and Lean? If you\u2019ve read up on modern project management methods, you might\u2019ve heard about frameworks like Lean and Agile\u2026 a lot! And while these two approaches are often used together, they are two very different project management methodologies.&nbsp; So what are they? More importantly, how is Lean different from the Agile [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":11547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_is_visible":true,"cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_title":"Start using ClickUp today","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_bullet_1":"Manage all your work in one place","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_bullet_2":"Collaborate with your team","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_bullet_3":"Use ClickUp for FREE\u2014forever","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_button_text":"Get Started","cu_sticky_sidebar_cta_button_link":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[979,766,312],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-agile","category-manage","category-project-management"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/lean-vs-agile.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Erica Chappell","author_link":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/author\/erica\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Lean vs. Agile: What&#039;s the Difference? 2026 | The ClickUp Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Confused about the differences between Lean and Agile? 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