Why Agile Matters
Agile is a mindset for navigating uncertainty and change, not just a process. Traditional 'waterfall' approaches assume we can plan everything upfront. Agile recognizes that requirements evolve and early feedback improves outcomes.
The Agile Manifesto (2001) established four core values: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools. Working software over comprehensive documentation. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation. Responding to change over following a plan.
These values don't reject the right side—they prioritize the left side when trade-offs occur. Good processes matter, but not more than enabling people to collaborate effectively.
Agile has proven effective across industries beyond software: marketing, HR, finance, and product development all benefit from embracing uncertainty and delivering value incrementally.
Key Points
- Agile is a mindset for navigating uncertainty
- Four values: People, Working Product, Collaboration, Adaptability
- Prioritize left side values when trade-offs occur
- Applicable beyond software development