Values

Values represents the deeply held beliefs and principles that shape the way individuals and organisations think, act, and collaborate. These values form the foundation for decision-making and behaviours, influencing everything from leadership and accountability to team dynamics and culture. In the context of Agile, Scrum, DevOps, and Lean, values are not about immediate outcomes or performance metrics; they represent enduring principles that guide how work is approached, how people interact, and how ethical decisions are made.

The Role of Values in Ways of Working

Values are the guiding principles that inform decision-making at all levels within an organisation. They shape behaviour, culture, and the ethics of how work is performed. Key values include:

• Agile Values: Emphasising individuals and interactions, customer collaboration, and responding to change.
• Scrum Values: These values—commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect—guide teams towards transparency, accountability, and high performance.
• Lean Thinking: Respect for people and continuous improvement are central, fostering a culture of sustainability and value delivery.
• DevOps Culture: Collaboration, shared accountability, and trust are key values that break down silos and enable faster, more reliable delivery.

Values as a Philosophical Foundation

Unlike methods or practices, which focus on specific actions or processes, values represent the “why” behind the actions. They are ethical and philosophical anchors that influence how teams operate in complex and uncertain environments. Values help teams prioritise what is most important and ensure that actions are aligned with the organisation’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives.

For example:

• Respect: Treating people with dignity and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Courage: Challenging assumptions and embracing change.
• Transparency: Maintaining openness and honesty in communication.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of actions and continuously learning from mistakes.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and learning continuously.

Beyond Outcomes: Values as Enduring Beliefs

It is important to emphasise that values should never be reduced to metrics or performance indicators. While they inform strategic decision-making, their true purpose is to guide behaviour and shape the organisational culture. When an organisation deeply internalises its core values, those values guide its teams to make decisions that are in alignment with the organisation’s broader mission and ethical stance.

Organisations that embed strong values within their culture create environments where people thrive—not just in terms of productivity, but in how they think, collaborate, and continuously learn. This focus on values ensures that organisations are not just executing tasks, but driving long-term success in a sustainable and ethical manner.

In summary, values form the philosophical foundation for decision-making and teamwork within an organisation. They guide behaviour, shape culture, and ensure that teams are aligned with organisational goals. By fostering an environment where values are deeply embedded, organisations can ensure they remain adaptable, innovative, and resilient in a rapidly changing environment.