Marc Bless: Agile Principle 6: Face-to-Face Conversation

Let's take a look at the sixth underlying principle of the agile manifesto:

"The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation."

What does that really mean? What are the implications for our daily business? Let's analyze this principle and see where this gets us.

"The most efficient and effective method of conveying information" - it is not enough to make information available in a passive way but it should be pushed actively to the target audience.
Values: Communication, Openness
Principles: Transparency, Make Work Visible, Tell don't ask
Practices: Osmotic Communication, Informative Workspace
"to and within a development team" - do not only expect active communication from the outside of your team but also foster active communication with your own team members.
Values: Communication, Openness
Principles: Humanity, Transparency, Make Work Visible, Tell don't ask
Practices: Osmotic Communication, Informative Workspace, Servant Leadership
"is face-to-face conversation" - do not open inefficient communication channels like writing things down on paper, emails, and bug-tracking systems. Rather talk to the receiver of your message directly via phone, video, or in the best case in front of a white board from person to person.
Values: Focus, Feedback
Principles: Tell don't ask, Mutual Benefit, Collaboration and cooperation between all stakeholders
Practices: Sit Together, Team Room

To say it in four words, the sixth principle is about Face-to-Face Conversation.

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Marc Bless