Article 3: Individuals and Interactions
The Human Side of Progress
Why People Come Before Processes

In this third article, let’s explore how the Agile Business Creed™, the LID-BID-WID-RID-GID Framework™, and the Achieving Unity Success Formula™ can help us put people first. 

Here’s the Reality: checklists, charts, and processes are only as powerful as the relationships that drive them. Conversations turn into connections, and connections turn into meaningful action, creating trust, collaboration, and Unity in your business, family, or commUNITY.

The Agile Manifesto starts with a simple yet profound statement:

“Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.”

It’s a reminder that even the most sophisticated tools or processes can’t replace genuine human connection. Think about it: how many times have you seen a system or checklist fail, not because it was flawed, but because people weren’t truly engaged or connected?

This isn’t just about technology; it is about why Individuals and Interactions matter. 

At home, at work, or in your neighborhood, we sometimes rely too heavily on “the way things are done” and forget that relationships are the key to progress. When trust, encouragement, and clear communication are present, processes and tools become powerful allies. Without them, even the best-designed systems can fall flat.

The LID-BID-WID-RID-GID Framework™ gives us a clear roadmap to transform dialogue into connection, and connection into action as we turn conversation into connection:

1. Listen In Dialogue (LID)

Real connection begins with listening, not just hearing, but truly understanding. When you give someone your full attention, you show respect and care. Whether it’s a colleague sharing a challenge or a child telling you about their day, listening affirms their value and builds trust. 

2. Break It Down (BID) 

Big conversations can be overwhelming as we can also lose major points in the discussion. Breaking them into smaller, focused steps allows us to identify the actions that matter most. This way, we avoid getting lost in complexity and can make real progress together. 

3. Write It Down (WID)

Putting agreements, insights, or commitments in writing creates clarity and accountability. It ensures nothing slips through the cracks and lets everyone know their voice matters.

4. Review Its Dependencies (RID)

Every action depends on factors like time, resources, or cooperation. Taking a moment to review these dependencies together prevents misunderstandings and strengthens trust.

5. Get It Done (GID)

Action is the proof that interactions matter. When we follow through, people see that their contributions have an impact, and relationships deepen. Action turns connection into results.

The AUSF Perspective: Encouragement, Inspiration, and Inclusion

The Achieving Unity Success Formula (AUSF) reminds us that encouragement, inspiration, and inclusion make every interaction stronger:

• Encouragement shows people their presence and ideas matter.
• Inspiration gives individuals the courage to share, innovate, and move forward.
• Inclusion ensures everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the outcome.

When people feel encouraged, inspired, and included, they bring more energy, creativity, and commitment to every interaction, whether at a business meeting, family dinner, or neighborhood project.

From Processes to People: Real-Life Examples

• At Work: Imagine a team bogged down by endless email threads. Shifting to short, face-to-face check-ins can reduce misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and accelerate results. Listening in dialogue turns frustration into collaboration.
• At Home: Instead of relying only on chore charts, families that pause to ask, “How is everyone feeling?” create stronger bonds. Kids, teens, and adults all feel valued and are more willing to cooperate.
• In CommUNITY: Volunteer groups or neighborhood associations that prioritize open conversation often accomplish more than those fixated solely on rules and procedures. Interaction fuels action.

In every scenario, it’s the quality of human connection that determines whether processes succeed or fail.

Your Turn: Can You Take Action Today?

What’s one area in your life where tools or processes have overshadowed human connection? 

Here’s a simple way to start and then make it a daily habit:

1. Choose one conversation and really listen, more deeply than usual.
2. Break down what you hear into clear, actionable steps.
3. Write it down, review dependencies, and then act on it.

Remember: processes and tools support progress, but people create it. When we prioritize individuals and interactions, we honor the first principle of Agile and set the stage for stronger businesses, healthier families, and more connected communities.

That’s the human side of progress, and it starts with you, with us.

True progress happens when we put people first, turning conversations into connections, and connections into meaningful action.