Be Pragmatic

The concept of "Be Pragmatic" in Disciplined Agile emphasizes the importance of applying practical and context-specific solutions over rigid adherence to prescribed methodologies. It recognizes that every project, team, and organization is unique, and therefore, the practices and processes employed should be tailored to fit the specific circumstances and challenges at hand. Being pragmatic involves making informed decisions based on the current context, constraints, and objectives. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, teams assess their environment—such as team skills, organizational culture, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements—to determine the most effective way to work. This principle encourages flexibility and adaptability. Teams should be open to adjusting their practices as situations evolve, learning from experience, and continuously improving their processes. It also means being willing to blend different methodologies and frameworks, such as combining elements of Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, to achieve the best results. Another aspect of pragmatism is focusing on delivering value over following processes for their own sake. Teams prioritize actions that contribute directly to achieving project goals and meeting customer needs. They avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and documentation unless it serves a clear purpose. Being pragmatic also involves risk management. Teams proactively identify potential issues and address them in practical ways, balancing the need for speed with the necessity of due diligence. In essence, "Be Pragmatic" is about finding the most effective and efficient path to success given the realities of the situation. It empowers teams to think critically, make wise choices, and not be constrained by dogma. This approach leads to better outcomes, higher team morale, and greater satisfaction for stakeholders.