By Nicola L. Brown
Whenever I thought about the Agile Manifesto, automatically I focused on the values and principles that were outlined. Recently though, while looking back at the Manifesto, somehow the very first line now stood out and it was almost like it took on a whole new meaning. More than anything, I could see that even that very first line was symbolic of the continuous learning that agile emphasizes.
We are uncovering
better ways of
developing software
by doing it and helping others do it.
By now, we can all agree that agile is by no means limited to software development, so for this discussion, let’s imagine for a moment that “developing software” can be replaced by something as generic as ‘better ways of working’ or you could replace it with your specific field. Whatever you choose, let me dissect it and show you what it means to me.
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| Brett Jordan on Unsplash |
“We are uncovering”
Now, I want to look at this two ways. First, based on the dictionary definition, and in this instance we’re using Merriam Webster, uncover means to make known; bring to light; disclose; reveal.
Immediately, we can see that through the act of uncovering, it naturally affords transparency to occur. Secondly, the use of the present participle implies that this is an action in progress, that is, it is a continuous process. There’s always an opportunity for something else to be revealed, for new learning to take place. It is never complete.
“better ways [insert field here]”
Better is very subjective. Everyone is not at the same level. I guess that’s one of the reasons why one of my biggest pet peeves is if someone attempts to compare me with another person. There can never be a broad brush (or one size fits all) approach to deciding what “better” looks like. This is true whether we are talking about individuals, teams or organizations. So to decide what is better, it’s necessary to look at where you currently are and finding that one thing that improves that specific circumstance.
That way, better reinforces the idea of improvement.
“by doing it”
‘Doing it’ requires deliberate action to be taken. It’s about being actively involved in the process; it is not just theoretical. It ties together all those previous actions, making it clear that we aren’t just bystanders in the process. We are the ones ‘uncovering the better ways’.
“helping others do it”
This is the act of collaboration and it evokes a sense of willing participation to share. This may be far reaching but I feel as if it also speaks to the belief that people are inherently good and not only do they want better for themselves; but are willing to share once they have ‘uncovered’ it.
You can check out the Agile Manifesto here (https://agilemanifesto.org/) and tell us, what stands out to you the most and what new meaning(s) have you 'uncovered'?
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