Agile Manifesto
What is the Agile Manifesto?
The Agile Manifesto is a set of four values and twelve principles that guide agile software development and project management. It emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centric approaches in product development.
Synonyms: Agile principles, Agile values, Agile methodology, Agile framework

Key Principles of the Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto is built on four core values:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
These values are supported by twelve principles that guide agile practices in product development and project management.
Why the Agile Manifesto is Important in Product Management
The Agile Manifesto is crucial in product management because it:
- Promotes flexibility and adaptability in product development
- Encourages continuous improvement and iteration
- Emphasizes customer satisfaction and collaboration
- Enables faster time-to-market for products
- Fosters a culture of transparency and open communication
By following the Agile Manifesto, product managers can create more successful products that meet customer needs and adapt to changing market conditions.
How to Apply the Agile Manifesto in Product Management
To implement the Agile Manifesto in product management:
- Prioritize customer feedback and involve them throughout the development process
- Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks or "sprints"
- Conduct regular team meetings (stand-ups) to discuss progress and obstacles
- Embrace change and be willing to adjust your product roadmap
- Focus on delivering working features rather than extensive documentation
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration and self-organizing teams
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the 4 values of the Agile Manifesto?: The 4 values are: 1) Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, 2) Working software over comprehensive documentation, 3) Customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and 4) Responding to change over following a plan.
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Who created the Agile Manifesto?: The Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 by 17 software developers who met to discuss lightweight development methods. They included Kent Beck, Martin Fowler, and Dave Thomas, among others.
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Is the Agile Manifesto only for software development?: While originally created for software development, the Agile Manifesto's principles can be applied to various industries and project types, including product management, marketing, and business strategy.
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How does the Agile Manifesto relate to Scrum?: Scrum is a framework that implements the values and principles of the Agile Manifesto. It provides a specific structure for applying agile methodologies in product development and project management.