It is difficult to solve a problem if the problem itself cannot be stated clearly. How does one "create a compelling user experience that will double our sales" or "build me something really cool"? Our Agile Architect discusses why the first problem an agile team must often solve is to define the problem itself.
After tearing down code branching strategies in a previous column, our Agile Architect demonstrates a different way to support parallel software development that fosters greater agility and speeds development.
Our Agile Architect shares a success story of extreme agile taken not just to the edge but over it.
We have the best software development tools in history. Why are our developers so afraid to refactor? Our Agile Architect explores how powerful code management tools can lead to powerful problems that inhibit agility -- and what you can do about them.
This is the completely true and not at all exaggerated story of how I, the Agile Architect, saved the Earth from complete and utter destruction. I'm sure there's an agile lesson in there somewhere.
Agile software development can be stressful. Recognize it, admit to it, deal with it, fix it.
Agile proponents promote self-organization. But what does this really look like? It turns out that achieving real self-organization takes...organization.
Who needs respect? It's more important to be right! And to be right, you have to be heard. So go ahead and talk over your colleagues. It's for the betterment of the project. Am I right?
A standup meeting is supposed to be an effective way to have a quick, meaningful team meeting, yet it is routinely despised as being too long and a waste of time. And it can indeed be a waste of time. Our Agile Architect explains why you might just not need a standup.
A standup meeting is supposed to be an effective way to have a quick, meaningful team meeting. Yet it is routinely despised as being too long and a waste of time. Our Agile Architect investigates ways to turn that around.
Agile rules can sometimes become a barrier to progress and even be perceived as impenetrable. Our Agile Architect spins a story about recognizing these artificial barriers and how to break through them.
If you've seen any trailers for movies lately, you know that superheroes are the new hotness. In a blatant rip-off of the genre, our Agile Architect describes how to have your own secret origin as a super software developer.
Our Agile Architect, for whom Spock was his primary emotional role model, brings in a ringer to talk about the soft skills required to be successful in the agile world.
Agile doesn't just apply to software. Cities around the country are experimenting with agile practices to change how they govern. This is the story of one such unbelievable town.
Software development is a creative process that requires a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their bizarre ideas that lead to that next great breakthrough. Our Agile Architect discusses the importance of a safe environment for a successful and creative agile culture.
A team charter is a common tool of an agile team to create consensus on how the team will do its work. Unfortunately, the act of creating a team charter can be lengthy and dull. Our Agile Architect describes an alternative approach to team chartering that embraces the agile concept of delivering real value rather than talking about it.
How's your agile? Our Agile Architect shares with you his in-depth agile maturity assessment based on many years of helping teams and companies be agile. First up, understanding the assessment model and uses.
Our Agile Architect shares the first part of his Agile Assessment, focusing on technical craftsmanship.
Our Agile Architect shares the second part of his Agile Assessment, focusing on quality advocacy.
Our Agile Architect shares the third part of his Agile Assessment, focusing on the user experience.