I had a good discussion with ChatGPT about two weeks ago. I started by asking “What is Agile?” The response was that “Agile is a methodology” with a bit more details. While technically incorrect, given the amount of information and vectors it pulled from, it wasn't completely wrong. What I mean by this is that many people, including some “Agile experts”, refer to Agile as a methodology which is incorrect. Depending on where ChatGPT is pulling this information from, this isn’t a surprise.
- My response: “Agile is a set of values and principles. Some Agile information is not aligned with Agile values and principles and instead rely heavily on Agile processes and methodologies or people's misinterpretation on what is agile”.
- ChaptGPT's response: You are correct. Agile is indeed a set of values and principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto, and it emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, iterative development, and customer satisfaction. However, misinterpretation or a focus solely on Agile processes and methodologies can lead to a deviation from these values and principles.
I was happy to see that it was aware of the Agile Values and Principles as this is how Agile is defined by the Agile Manifesto which is the seminal information defining Agile. And as I mentioned in my previous article, The Dangers of ChatGPT to Agile, there is a lack of quality evaluators on the numerous Agile articles and presentations in cyberspace that indicate if the information provided is right or wrong, good or bad.
Two weeks later (today), I asked ChatGPT the same question, “What is Agile.” This time it included the Agile Values and Principles as part of its long-winded response that included:
"Agile is an iterative and incremental approach to project management and product development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It was created as a response to traditional, plan-driven project management methodologies that often struggled to adapt to changing requirements and deliver value in a timely manner.
Here are some key aspects of Agile:
- Values and Principles: Agile is guided by the Agile Manifesto, which outlines four core values: individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan. These values prioritize human-centric approaches and adaptability.
- Iterative Development, 3. Cross-functional Teams, 4. Continuous Improvement, 5. Customer Collaboration, 6. Flexibility and Adaptability" (Note: I removed the details of 2 thru 6 from ChatGPT as this wasn’t relevant to this article).
While ChatGPT will continue to develop and response to my queries, I am happy to see that it is using my (and others’) input to fine-tune its language model and improve its responses.
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