Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiations

One of the core Agile values is customer collaboration over contract negotiations. This means prioritizing flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs.

Key Principles

• Be flexible and accommodating to customer requests.
• Avoid rigid adherence to contracts when changes are needed.
• Encourage and welcome change instead of resisting it.
• Define a clear and shared understanding of the finished product (Definition of Done).
• Foster trust between teams and customers to enhance collaboration.

Example

Imagine you are tasked with painting a wall white. The customer later requests an off-white shade.

• In a contract-driven approach, you might refuse the change, sticking to the original agreement.
• In an Agile approach, you embrace the change and adjust to meet the customer's evolving needs.
• By maintaining flexibility, the final product aligns more closely with the customer’s expectations.

Why It Matters

• Customer needs evolve, and Agile allows us to adapt effectively.
• Clear communication and shared goals prevent misunderstandings.
• Trust fosters a collaborative environment where flexibility thrives.