What goal diagrams should a team select first?

Disciplined Agile’s goal diagrams are intended to help teams select the process decisions that fit their unique situation. The framework explicitly instructs teams to start with the goal(s) that are most relevant to their immediate context (e.g., current phase, life-cycle, and challenges). This maximises practical value and avoids unnecessary analysis of goals that do not presently apply.

A. Lack of experience alone is not a selection criterion; relevance takes precedence.
B. Customer/stakeholder choices may overlook internal process needs; DA is team-driven.
C. “Easiest” goals may be irrelevant and provide little benefit; context alignment is key.

1. Ambler, S.W. & Lines, M. “Choose Your WoW!”, PMI Press, 2020, p. 17 (How to Use Goal Diagrams – start with those relevant to your context).

2. University of Calgary, Software Engineering 699 Lecture Notes (2021) – Disciplined Agile Goal-Driven Approach, slide 12 (“Select the goal most germane to your situation”).