Maximizing value

This strategy, which is to discover useful techniques that add value and improve upon them, is a fundamental concept in both Scrum and Lean-Agile development. Competitive factors and good stewardship on the use of resources drive our organizations to improve continuously. As we improve, we must always bear in mind that our primary objective is to add customer value, and do no more – except where legal, regulatory compliance, and liability issues are involved.

Yes, I realize your customers may not want to pay for those legal, regulatory, and compliance activities – and ultimately, they do. Still, if you are adding real value, they don't need your company to go out of business, either.

I know many of you are probably thinking – "those types of activities add costs without providing customer-centric value." If this is what you are thinking, I ask that you look at things differently. When all companies compete fairly, taking...