Value

Values are the deeply held beliefs that define how individuals and organisations think, act, and collaborate. They serve as the foundation for ethical decision-making, shaping culture and behaviour across Agile, Scrum, DevOps, and Lean. Unlike strategies, methodologies, or frameworks, values are not about immediate outcomes—they represent enduring principles that guide how work is approached and how people interact.

The Role of Values in Ways of Working

Values influence every aspect of how teams operate, from leadership and accountability to collaboration and continuous learning. While Agile, Scrum, and Lean each articulate specific values, all effective systems of work are built on shared beliefs that foster a healthy, adaptive, and human-centric culture.

• Agile Values emphasise individuals and interactions, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change, prioritising human needs over rigid processes.
• Scrum Values—commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect—define the behavioural principles that enable successful teamwork and transparency.
• Lean Thinking is rooted in respect for people and continuous improvement, ensuring that every decision considers long-term sustainability and growth.
• DevOps Culture is driven by collaboration, shared accountability, and trust, breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional ownership.

Values as a Philosophical Foundation

Values are not rules; they are ethical and philosophical anchors that guide choices in complex, uncertain environments. They are the “why” behind the practices. When deeply embedded in an organisation, values create a system where teams can operate with autonomy while remaining aligned in purpose.

• Respect: A commitment to treating people with dignity and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Courage: The willingness to challenge assumptions, embrace change, and take risks in pursuit of improvement.
• Transparency: A culture of openness where truth is prioritised over convenience.
• Accountability: A shared commitment to ownership and learning from mistakes.
• Adaptability: Recognising that continuous learning is essential to long-term success.

Beyond Outcomes: Values as Enduring Beliefs

Values should never be reduced to metrics, targets, or performance indicators. While they inform strategy and execution, their primary role is to shape behaviour, foster ethical decision-making, and create sustainable cultures.

Organisations that deeply internalise values create environments where people thrive—not just in terms of productivity, but in how they think, collaborate, and continuously grow.