What is the Agile manifesto and how would it benefit your team?

What is the Agile Manifesto?

The Agile Manifesto is a brief document based on the 4 values and 12 principles of Agile software development. 

The 4 Values of the Agile manifesto include:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Working software over comprehensive documentation
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding the change over following a plan

The 12 principles of the Agile manifesto include:

• The highest priority of the Agile manifesto  is to ensure that the customer is satisfied through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
• The Agile manifesto welcomes the everchanging requirement, even through late developments.Agile operations utilize change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
• Deliver working software more frequently, on a shorter timescale.
• Clients and developers must ensure that they work together daily throughout the project.
• Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need and trust them to get the job done efficiently.
• The most efficient and effective method of communicating information to and within a development team, is face-to-face conversation.
• Working software is the primary measure of progress.
• Agile operations promote sustainable development, all parties involved should be able to maintain a constant pace.
• Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
• Simplicity is the art of ensuring that the maximum work is not done, is essential
• The best ideas, requirements and designs emerge for self-organizing teams.
• The team frequently analyzes on how to become more effective and then adjusts their behavior accordingly

6 Benefits of an Agile focused strategy:

1.  Satisfied customers – The agile focused strategy involves customers opinions and makes the customers aware that their opinions are valued.

2.  Improved quality – Agile methodologies reflect and improve processes each time the interval is completed. 

3.  Adaptability – Agile is based on flexibility. Teams are able to adapt to change effectively.

4.  Predictability – Agile teams work in short time periods and are therefore able to predict upcoming changes and react accordingly

5.  Reduced risk – Developers regularly assess progress and therefore have better visibility for possible obstacles upcoming and react accordingly.

6.  Better communication – Agile teams prioritize face-to-face communication and continuous interaction. They will generally conduct daily meetings to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that they are all working together towards the same goals.

Agile is a shift in mindset and is definitely one of the most successful and useful tools that a company can incorporate within their business teams.