A tenet is a specific, actionable guiding rule or doctrine that reinforces a larger philosophy within an organisation. Unlike values, which express what is important to an organisation, or principles, which provide broad guidance, tenets are prescriptive and define how teams should act in specific situations.
For example, in Kanban, the tenet “Flow efficiency over resource efficiency” directs teams to prioritise smooth, continuous workflow rather than simply maximising resource utilisation. This tenet translates the philosophy of flow into actionable behaviour—guiding teams on how to improve operational efficiency and value delivery.
Tenets are more than just rules—they provide clear, consistent direction for decision-making and behaviour across teams. They are actionable beliefs that help guide how teams operate day to day. By embedding tenets into daily operations, organisations can ensure that their actions align with larger philosophical frameworks. For instance, decentralised decision-making is a core tenet in Agile, empowering teams to make decisions quickly and autonomously, improving agility and responsiveness.
The long-term nature of tenets makes them essential in creating a consistent organisational culture. They are not just about individual actions or practices; they define the collective behaviour that teams should embrace to reach their goals. While practices may change depending on the project or technology, tenets remain stable, providing the foundation upon which practices are built.
Tenets also play a vital role in fostering continuous improvement. For example, the tenet of continuous improvement in Lean encourages teams to regularly reflect on their processes and outcomes, promoting a culture of learning and adaptation. This mindset of ongoing refinement is crucial for sustainable success in fast-changing environments.
It is important to distinguish tenets from values and principles:
- Values are foundational beliefs that guide an organisation’s culture but are often broad and abstract.
- Principles are broad beliefs or guidelines for behaviour, but they are less prescriptive than tenets.
- Tenets, by contrast, are actionable rules that directly inform decision-making and practices.
In summary, tenets are the specific, actionable rules that help organisations translate high-level philosophies into day-to-day actions. They shape decision-making and behaviours, ensuring that teams remain aligned with organisational values and goals. By embedding these tenets into an organisation’s culture, teams can work more cohesively and effectively, driving continuous improvement, adaptability, and sustainable success.
