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May 20, 2005 
Management and Business as Sources of Waste
Waste can be of several different types. Independent of what the types of wastes are, they can also come from different sources. When attempting agile work, it is essential to identify the underlying causes or sources of waste. Once these sources are identified, efforts can be made to change them so that they cause less waste.
Management is least effective and a source of waste in an agile work environment when it imposes decisions, plans work, and directs people. Management is most effective in an agile work environment as a facilitator, shield and servant.
Business can cause waste by not being focused or by being focused on un-profitable efforts. Paradoxically, business can also cause waste by being too focused on profitable efforts. A balance of investment in short-term, long-term and "cleanup" efforts is ideal for an agile work environment.
Related articles can be found in the following categories:
Theory
, Waste
I also maintain a page of references and recommended links to materials related to agile methods.
Posted by Mishkin Berteig at May 20, 2005 07:55 PM
