I am now developing the Agile Introduction Series. I believe a foundation in these is useful before moving on to methodologies, frameworks, conventions or further ways of working are discussed.
Teaching Agile Value statements to new teams.. or those who may have forgotten
The Agile Introduction Series - Agile Values overview is being written and collated as part of the large set of Agile material presented on methodolagile.architectfwd.com.
If a team member, leader or your product owner / business owner or other stakeholder shows a lack of knowledge in these or if a grounding is required, refer to the value statements.
Going back to the value statements and principles is helpful when guiding the why, especially if agile is new, agile ways of working or agile workstreams are not going as expected.
The value statements summary is presented below. Refer to the agilemanifesto.org site for more information.
These value statements may be catered for in different ways depending on the agile methodology or framework you choose for your team, but the core value remains as valid today as they were when written.
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
Have respect for people. Those in your team, or in other teams upstream / downstream. Thinking about those doing the work. Respect plans made by others.
Working software over comprehensive documentation
There is so much to cover here. Documents should not be artefact used to pass the stage gates to get to production. Rather review and evaluate the software build objectively.
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Project Statements of Work may not support agile projects, changes in prioritization etc. Collaboration is key to successful outcomes. Of course contracts and funding may be required when scope changes.
Responding to change over following a plan
This does not imply there is no plan. Accommodate requirements and changes throughout the plan to support business outcomes. Leaders, business owners and Product Owners should remember value 1 - Individuals and Interactions over processes and tools.
I detail more aspects of each statement in my slidedeck on this subject, call out if you’d like to see it as it is developed.
The Agile Introduction Series - Agile Values overview page will be updated with more material so refer to that page for more info on this aspect of agile.
Certified Scrum Master (PSM I). Agile Coach. Mentor, Architect. My core skills are in agile, architecture, solutions, strategy, consulting, team leadership, coaching and mentoring. I have over 20 years experience in solving business problems and maximising opportunities through technology in a variety of industries.