Swarming Principles

In an earlier post I introduced a set of values that might be used to guide swarming teams. Values are a good start. They provide very broad guidelines to give teams guidance when making big picture decisions. Principles help give more specific guidance. So here are a few principles that are aimed at guiding teams practicing swarming as a discipline.

Swarming Principles

• The most important thing I can do is whatever I am most passionate about today
• Prefer one way broadcast over two way communication
• Using agreed upon protocols enhances the effectiveness of our communication and decision making

The first principle tells us that we need to be fully engaged in whatever we care most about. That means that people move to where ever they have the most interest. Teams are spontaneously formed dynamic entities that are composed of people who share a common passion.

The second principle tells us that we not only need to communicate, we need to radiate. Information needs to be broadcast exuberantly without reservation or hesitation.

The third principle tells us that one of the foundations for emergent behavior is in simple protocols. We need to be explicit and disciplined in how they are applied and we need to be always seeking new protocols to add to the mix.