Agile is the term most often used in Software development, which means dividing tasks into short phases of work and frequent review and adaptation of plans. In 2001, a group of 17 software practitioners created and documented the standard values and principles for approaches to software development at the Agile Alliance.
That document is called the Agile Manifesto or Manifesto for Agile Software Development. So here in this article, we are going to see the principles and values behind the Agile manifesto and how this document helps in an application for Scrum Masters and Product Owners. Check out how the CSM Certification Course can help Scrum Master to put this manifesto into practice.
Purpose of the Agile Manifesto:
The traditional approach, like Waterfall, has mainly focused on detailed planning and fixed requirements and, most of the time, relies on manual documentation and formal reporting; change is not encouraged during the process, and it takes costly time to implement in between any project stage.
To solve this problem, their Agile philosophy/methodology came into play; it gives priority to flexibility, collaboration, and accepting changes or revisions in between. These approaches completely contrast with traditional methods. Product Owner Training helps Product Owners to apply the principles of the Agile Manifesto.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Traditional Approach | Agile Approach |
| Planning | Detailed Plan Required | Iterative, flexible |
| Requirements | Fixed | Evolving |
| Phases | Sequential | Iterative |
| Communication | Written, formal | Face-to-face, collaborative |
| Change | Discouraged | Adopted, Encouraged |
| Customer Involvement | Limited | Active |
Behind the Agile Manifesto:
There are four core values and twelve agile principles that act as pillars of the Agile Manifesto and its implementation across the projects.
Below are the four core values:
- Individuals and interactions over project processes and tools
- Working Software over detailed documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change by following a plan
Now. Let’s come to the topic of The Principles Behind the Agile Manifesto: There are 12 principles.
1. Satisfy Customer Using Agile Delivery:
Our top goal is to keep customers satisfied by delivering useful Software quickly and often.
2. Welcome New Changes:
Adapt to changes in requirements, even if they come late in the project lifecycle because they can give our customers an edge.
3. Deliver functioning Software Regularly:
Aim to roll out working Software every couple of weeks to a few months, with a preference for the shorter time frame.
4. Work Together:
It’s important for business people and developers to team up and communicate daily throughout the project.
5. Setup Projects Around Motivated Individuals:
Focus on getting projects done by motivated people, providing them with the right environment and support, and trusting them to deliver results.
6. Promote Face-to-Face Communications:
The best way to share information with a development team is through face-to-face talks.
7. Primarily Measure Progress with Working Software
Progress is primarily measured by how well the software works.
8. Agile Promote Sustainable Development
Believe in sustainable development, meaning everyone involved should be able to keep a steady pace for as long as needed.
9. Continuous Attention to Technical Excellence and Good Design
Paying attention to good design and quality is important for helping us stay agile.
10. Simplicity
Keeping things simple. The art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential.
11. The Best Things Emerge from Self-organizing Teams
The best ideas and designs usually come from teams that manage themselves.
12. How to Become More Effective, Team Reflections on Regular Interval
Regularly, we take time to look back and see how we can improve and adapt our ways of working.
Conclusion:
The 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto started out mainly for software development. But now, agile has grown to cover much more than just creating products. These ideas can be used across an organization to improve processes, management, and how different departments operate.
How can you use the values and principles of the Agile Manifesto in your work? The main thing to do is make it work for your team. Converse with your coworkers about the Agile Manifesto and see what ideas they get from it. This isn’t a strict rulebook; it’s meant to be flexible. Take a look at it, see what fits, and figure out how to improve it for your team while keeping its main goal in mind.