Thoughts from a Thirsty Bear

Paraphrasing an overheard conversation, " This agile process is creating all sorts of problems for us. We are finding all sorts of problems that we wouldn't normally find. "  <pause>   " Oh. Wait. They were always there, weren't they? We just never realised... " All agile processes are designed around regular feedback. They try and touch all phases of delivery as soon as possible, forcing issues to the surface early before they become too damaging. The process is designed makes problems visible regardless of how uncomfortable this may be. They are an unforgiving mirror on the reality that we are often too close to see. But visibility is only the beginning. Just because something is visible does not magically change it into something better - it just means that you know it is there. To change something requires a conscious effort. Your success or failure depends entirely on how you react to the information you are provided with. This reac...

Those jolly fine people at Energized Work are at it again with their "No Bull" paper which provides us with Simon Baker's personal view of the state of software development 12 years(-ish) after the Agile Manifesto. Now, I know Simon and Gus, the founders of Energized Work, well. I have worked with them extensively, and I have nothing but respect for what they have achieved - quality software development with integrity. I also agree with most of what they say and do. I also know the Energized Crew pretty well - a network of committed, high quality software experts who know exactly what they are doing. They have all embraced the whole "agile" way of working. The other thing notable about Energized Work is their well stocked beer fridge. So it is no surprise that the paper resonates with my general views on the software industry today, and the opportunities for improvement that we are missing as an industry. I would encourage everyone to read the paper for...