What are agile values?
Agile values refer to the 4 agile values outlined in the Agile Manifesto. Drawn together in 2001, it is a set of guiding principles for product development teams. The values are formulated so that each of them states that one thing should be valued more than another.
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
People are the most important resource for any team, much more so that the tools and processes that they use.
Responding to change over following a plan
A static plan soon becomes obsolete because it does not allow for any reaction to a dynamic environment, changes in needs or shifting priorities
Rather software teams should be able to pivot and change direction with a flexible roadmap that reflects that.
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
In the past, a product or solution was outlined in a contract for product development teams to fulfill. This was a problematic approach as there was often a contrast between what the contract said, what the product did, and what the customer actually required.
The focus according to the manifesto is continuous development driven by customers' actual needs. This ensures any solution built will actually meet those needs and work for them.
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Delivering customer value by getting software to the user as quickly as possible and getting user feedback from users as early as possible is prioritized over comprehensive documentation before writing any code.
It's important to note that 'comprehensive' documentation does not mean 'all' documentation. Indeed a critical product management skill is to master the product documentation which will help deliver on working software to the customer.
