Empower Your Team with Agile Methodologies and the Concept of Shuhari!

Hi everyone! Today I would like to share an interesting relationship between agile methods and the Japanese concept of Shuhari derived from martial arts. Both are incredibly transformative when properly applied to our professional and personal journeys. However, it is important to understand the importance of maintaining the first axiom of the Agile Manifesto.

Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban have gained prominence over the last few decades due to their ability to foster collaboration, flexibility, and continuous value creation. They are based on four core principles, and the first axiom of the Agile Manifesto is “Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.”

This axiom emphasizes the importance of putting people at the center of the development process, recognizing that effective dialogue and collaboration are essential to success. In the context of shuhari, the first stage, shu (obey), is particularly relevant. It is important to learn and follow established Agile practices and principles as a foundation.

But what exactly is the Shuhari concept? Shuhari is derived from Japanese martial arts, a path of learning and mastery he represents in three stages.

1 — Shu (obey):

The initial focus is on following the rules and guidelines set by the experts. During this phase, you will learn the basic practices and underlying principles of Agile methodologies. Before adapting or innovating existing technology, it is important to master it.

2 — Ha (deviate):

Once we have acquired solid skills and deep knowledge, we can begin to explore different approaches and deviate from traditional practices. Here, in the agile sphere, is where we can adjust methods to the specific needs of our team and organization, adapting them to maximize effectiveness.

3 — Re (Transcendence):

This stage achieves a level of mastery and autonomy beyond existing practice. We can go our own way and combine different methods to explore uncharted territory. In Agile thinking, this means driving innovation, experimentation, and revolutionary change.

Combining Agile methodologies with Shu-ha-ri concepts opens up a world of possibilities to improve teamwork, increase adaptability, and achieve extraordinary results. The Agile learning journey becomes a journey of continuous growth and excellence.

Upholding the first axiom of the Agile Manifesto is critical to ensuring that Agile methods remain human-centered, prioritizing collaboration and human interaction. In this way, we build a healthy, motivated and agile team that can succeed.

Please share your experiences and ideas in the comments. I look forward to learning from you and discussing how these concepts can be applied to our professional lives. Together, we can build an agile team that can thrive in your company.

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