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The 12 Principles of the Agile Manifesto

The 12 Principals of the Agile Manifesto

Summary: number8 highlights the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto designed to support development teams in implementing and executing with agility.

The agile methodology started in the software development industry in response to the limitations of traditional software development principles. Eventually, companies realized that it could be used to improve project management, team management, and other such processes. Agile focuses more on individuals and interactions between different teams than processes or sophisticated tools. There are 12 core principles of the agile manifesto.

The 12 Principles of The Agile Manifesto

    1. Customer Satisfaction – Providing Early & Continuous Delivery

      The Agile Manifesto states that developers and companies can achieve customer satisfaction by delivering products early for testing and feedback. Teams can continuously share their progress with the clients and incorporate their input into the product.

      The focus is on fulfilling client priorities and then focusing on other aspects of the project. This allows developers to adjust to the client’s changing requirements during the development process. Customers get a more refined product at the end of this process, and they’re more satisfied.

    2. Responding Positively to Change – Even During the Later Stages of Development

      The modern business environment is fluid, and customer requirements change frequently. Traditional working models don’t adapt well to change, especially during the late stages. The agile methodology adapts to change quickly at every stage. Agile offers a simplified model for requesting and making alterations in the product design. There’s no formal documentation or approval required, which can speed things up.

    3. Frequent Delivery of Product Elements

      Rather than forcing the clients to wait for several months, the development team can deliver the project in stages. You need to make sure every aspect is finished, tested, and styled appropriately. This gives customers quick fulfillment and offers assurance that their project is progressing as planned.

    4. Communication Between Developers & Executives

      There’s often a communication gap between developers and executives. People who work on the project have more technical skills and knowledge about the product, while executives understand the business side of things. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and other such issues. Agile requires everyone to be on the same page and maintain open communications.

    5. Trusting Developers & Teams to Do Their Job

      Many executives don’t trust their workers to choose the right job, which results in micromanagement. Such micromanagement can hamper productivity and place unnecessary pressure on the team.

      Projects should be built around motivated and passionate professionals who understand their strengths. Self-organized teams are more efficient and content to work on every aspect of their projects.

    6. Face to Face Conversations

      Essential instructions and project requirements can become lost in endless chain emails, which is why face-to-face communication is necessary. Executives should obtain feedback from the source and work with the team on the project.

      Face to face conversations don’t need to limit your ability to remain agile while working with remote employees, virtual communications like video conferences can accomplish the same goals.

    7. Collocation & Pair Programming

      Collocation is the process of making a team work from the same open area. Pair programming is when two programmers are assigned the same workstation. One programmer is writing the code while the other looks at the bigger picture. Both swap roles every few minutes. Both of these processes improve product quality and make teams more productive.

    8. Sustainable Development

      No one can work continuously or at a demanding pace without experiencing some form of burnout. Agile methodologies focus on improving work-life balance and making sure everyone in the team is healthy. Product development is only sustainable if workers are allowed to get adequate rest.

    9. Self-Reflection to Improve Overall Performance

      The agile manifesto is focused on the human aspect of development. The best designs come from teams who are committed, passionate, and happy to work. They also come from teams that are willing to look back at their past work and improve.

    10. Simplicity

      The Pareto Principle says that you get 80% of the work done with 20% of the effort. Professionals should focus on the 20% and make sure that 80% of the work reaches the customer on a priority basis. You can then focus on the nitty-gritty and refine the project later.

    11. Self-Organizing Teams

      Executives should give their teams some room to flex their creative muscles. The team has skilled employees who are experts in their field. Allowing them some independence will help product development and improve overall work culture.

    12. Adapting to Change

      Agile means fluid and adaptive. You can only be agile if you’re willing to accept changing demands and requirements during a project. Everyone can plan for a perfect product, but you can only develop something substantial through trial and error.

      Adopting agile principles can help improve your team’s performance and productivity significantly.

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