The APLN Declaration of Interdependence lists six core values that are the basis of agile and adaptive project leadership.  Discussions on this board provide insights and perspectives to promote the understanding and application of the DOI.
 

"We increase return on investment by making continuous flow of value our focus."

 

What does this mean to you?  How can agile project leaders apply it to their work and personal lives?
 

I think that there are two things to address in each point of the DOI - what it means (to me) and why it is surprising. Thus I propose posting an initial thought on this (and each) point of the DOI using the following format :

 

The ZZZ point contains (for me) the idea that ...

The ZZZ point contains the following surprises: ...

 

Here goes:

 

The "Continuous...

If you want to apply agile principles outside the software arena, I think you have to consider what “continuous” means.  The flow of development in an agile process is not literally continuous; it progresses in very small batches.  (Don Reinertsen talks about the concept of batch size in Managing the Design Factory.)
 
I’m not niggling over words here.  Software development is unique...

"We deliver reliable results by engaging customers in frequent interactions and shared ownership."

 

What does this mean to you?  How can agile project leaders apply it to their work and personal lives?

 

"We expect uncertainty and manage for it through iterations, anticipation, and adaptation."
 

What does this mean to you?  How can agile project leaders apply it to their work and personal lives?

"We unleash creativity and innovation by recognizing that individuals are the ultimate source of value, and creating an environment where they can make a difference."
 

What does this mean to you?  How can agile project leaders apply it to their work and personal lives?

"We boost performance through group accountability for results and shared responsibility for team effectiveness."

 

What does this mean to you?  How can agile project leaders apply it to their work and personal lives?

 

"We improve effectiveness and reliability through situationally specific strategies, processes and practices."

 

What does this mean to you?  Why is it surprising?  How can agile project leaders apply it in their work and personal lives?

I'm a believer in Agile development and I preach it as an approach to managing technical explorations.

 

One of the biggest hurdles to executive buy-in seems to be this concept of "situationally specific."  To an executive schooled in traditional project management, this seems to be license to change the process - the process that gives the executives what feels like...