People over Process and Tools

The first line of the Agile Manifesto is “Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.” My interpretation – and my experience – of this, is that no matter how great your process and tools, it is people and their interactions that is the success of any organization.

In his book, What the CEO Wants You to Know, Ram Charan explains that:

“A leader of the business knows what to do. A leader of the people knows how to get it done”

Business acumen provides the roadmap and clarity but the ability to link people’s action and decision to the right priorities is what make successful organizations.

“When you know what must be done, think about the people around you. Do they have the skills and talents required? How can you coach them? What kind of Social Operating Mechanism might speed the flow of information and decisions?”

Assess the fundamentals of your organization and what needs to be done then Listen, learn and coach.