There are times when you feel like the system is working against you. You try and move forward, but you’re weighed down with established ways of doing things. You’re ready to run, but you feel like you can barely move. It’s like you’re walking through freshly poured concrete and every step forward takes huge amounts of effort.
Software development was facing the same problem. Dilbert cartoons were all too real for most developers as the management overhead of software projects doomed them before they could deliver real value to their users. In 2001, a group of thought leaders got together and wrote the Agile Manifesto.
The Agile Manifesto
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.
Open Up New Ways of Doing Things
20 years ago, this was revolutionary and liberating for a software developer. It was simple and focused, but not prescriptive and absolute. It didn’t disregard everything that existed (processes, tools, documentation, plans); it merely said we want to move to a more flexible and responsive approach to developing software. And things changed.
What can you learn from this and apply to your own life?
Respect What Exists
Notice that the manifesto doesn’t discredit, lay blame, or ignore the existing way of doing things. In fact, it explicitly acknowledges that there is value in the current process. When you want to make a change, it is worthwhile to consider what’s already being done and acknowledge the value of it. It will help you determine what to do next and it will improve the chances that others will buy in to a new idea.
Leave Options
The manifesto describes the more valuable way of doing things, but doesn’t make it an either/or statement. As you try new ideas, you may find there are reasons or circumstances when the old way of doing something makes more sense. It is best if your new approach leaves room to do that.
Keep it Simple
The manifesto is simple and straightforward; I could probably memorize it without a lot of work. That makes it easy to remember and recall when you have to make a decision. When you’re looking to change something, boil it down to a few simple concepts. That will make it easier for you to remember so that you can deliberately move your new ideas forward.
Apply It
Simple Sundays are all about applying these concepts to everyday life. The agile manifesto represents how a group decided to make a change in the status quo to try and have a better outcome. How can you apply that idea in your life? What are some areas that you’d like to see improved, but need clarity?
Wondering if you’re on the right career path? What about a statement to choose positions with social value over a cool title?In the middle of school? How about refocusing on the value of learning over grades?Thinking about your lifestyle? What about a statement that you will value health over wealth?Even for the more mundane… what about valuing family time over household chores?
What manifesto statements can you come up with? Pick something that needs changing, respect what’s already in place, keep options open, and focus on simple statements. When you articulate a statement, how does it feel?
Feel empowered? I hope so. Have a wonderful Sunday and make Monday awesome!
Some articles for further reading