> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://framework.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://framework.aic.io/company-operating-manual/company-operating-framework/operating-principles.md).

# Operating Principles

### Principle 1: Start With the Outcome

We define the business, user, operational, and technical outcomes before deciding the solution.

### Principle 2: Work in Controlled Increments

We break work into manageable increments with clear objectives, owners, and acceptance criteria.

### Principle 3: Make Work Visible

Plans, risks, issues, decisions, dependencies, and progress must be visible to the delivery team and relevant stakeholders.

### Principle 4: Use Evidence Over Opinion

We use user research, technical evidence, delivery data, security findings, and customer feedback to guide decisions.

### Principle 5: Reuse Before Rebuild

We use existing company IP, patterns, templates, and accelerators where they are suitable.

### Principle 6: Protect the Company Position

We protect our commercial position, IP, people, security obligations, and delivery reputation.

### Principle 7: Govern Lightly but Effectively

Governance must support delivery, not slow it down. Controls must add value, reduce risk, or improve confidence.

### Principle 8: Design for Assurance

We create evidence as we deliver, not retrospectively. Decisions, risks, approvals, and acceptance should be traceable.

### Principle 9: Secure by Default

Security, data protection, access control, and auditability are built into delivery from the start.

### Principle 10: Improve Continuously

Every project should improve our reusable assets, templates, processes, and delivery knowledge.