Individuals and Interactions

Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools

• People should interact and communicate effectively.
• Avoid silo activities; no one should work in isolation.
• Processes and tools are necessary but should not take precedence over human interactions.
• Projects are driven by people, not tools.
• Microsoft Project (or any tool) doesn't do the project; people do.

Problems in Project Management

• Project management is more about problem management.
• Every project has problems that need resolution.
• Project managers and scrum masters facilitate work rather than doing it themselves.
• Problems occur between people, not between tools.
• Tools won't complain, but miscommunication among people can cause issues.

Encouraging Interactions

• Projects are about people.
• People work best when they can interact openly.
• Break down barriers that hinder communication.
• Encourage open desk spaces instead of isolated cubicles.
• Hold meetings that involve all key participants.

Example:

Instead of assigning tasks purely through an online tool, hold daily stand-up meetings where team members can discuss their progress, challenges, and collaborate in real-time.