Thoughts from a Thirsty Bear

Back in 2009, a fine developer for Los Techies produced a set of mocked up motivational posters representing the SOLID principles . She was even kind enough to release them under a Creative Commons license. But as is the way of all things, internet rust has set in and the images have been unlinked from the original article during an archive exercise - but they live on throughout the internet! I have collected the images here - and would like to say " Thank you, River Lynn Bailey ". This is a great, amusing and educational resource for everyone.

It has finally happened! My first podcast interview, ever! I was interviewed by Ian Gill from  Agility By Nature . I have known Ian for a fair few years now, having worked together and shared a few beers on several occasions! We talked about all kinds of things, from my early tinkering with agile methods, through to where I think the industry is heading, and a lot in-between too, some of possibly (hopefully) a little controversial....  Have a listen, and please do ask questions in the comments. AgilityByNature · An Agile Audience with Chris Pitts and Agility by Nature

So here we are,  in the umpteenth week of the coronavirus pandemic. The UK scientists and WHO are saying that we are in this for the long haul - at least a year, maybe longer, perhaps forever if we cannot develop an effective vaccine. I have already written about how this is affecting people . This post is not about that. But something that is become blatantly obvious is that the ways we work are changing . Which means  companies and people need to change . And change is hard . So what I would like to know is: How can we help you here at Thirsty Bear Solutions?  What kind of help do you need to make these possibly seismic changes? As a company, we have a broad set of skills. Which means we need your help to help you. So would you please consider filling a short questionnaire that will guide us to where we need to focus our efforts? Thank you in advance.  Helping us help you questionnaire

“ May you live in interesting times ”, or so goes the ancient Chinese curse. That certainly seems to be applicable to the past few years, arguably even decades. Technology marches on apace, creating a razor sharp double-edged sword that is capable of holding governments to account, yet also capable of slicing into our personal privacy and stifling dissent. Social media has now moved on from an innocent way of staying in touch with remote friends, encouraging collaboration, tolerance and discussion, and has now been weaponised in order to influence opinions, support corrupt organisations, and manipulate the Overton Window . We now have wannabe dictators attempting to force online platforms to treat speculation and lies the same as undisputed truths. We even have leaders of hugely influential companies abdicating their social responsibility to act against bad actors, allowing their platform to be taken over by fascist and racist agendas, presumably to protect bottom line profit....

I am running an online coding kata! This is a format I have run many times in person, with various companies. So it is now time to try it in the online, post-Covid world. Since this is its first time through, I am offering it for free . Tickets are limited. Sign up if interested. Come and get 'em while they're hot!

Discombobulated . My new favourite mot du jour  since it seems to perfectly capture what many people, myself included, are going through with this Covid-19 crisis and associated lockdown and limitations. From the OED: Does this sound familiar? That general feeling of disconnection, discomfort, even confusion caused by the sudden changes in the world recently. Perhaps an inability to concentrate, or the opposite, wanting to zone out deeper than ever. Perhaps your sleep patterns have changed, or the way you eat (maybe more than usual, maybe less), or your caffeine or alcohol consumption. Feeling a little more grumpy/intolerant? Everyone will react differently. One thing is certain. Everyone's cheese has most definitely been moved, and with minimal warning. Before I go further, I have one important piece of reassurance for everyone who is feeling the effects of this lockdown, whatever these effects may be. You are OK. It's normal. Here in the UK, Chris Witty, th...

Anyone who knows me, or follows my posts on social media, will know that I have been studying for a Post Graduate Certificate in Personal and Business Coaching with Chester University. It is a fantastic journey, and has most definitely helped me understand myself in greater depth, as well as has helping my coachees! But the term " coaching " seems to be creating some confusion. Which is somewhat unsurprising as someone who has marketed themselves as an “ Agile Coach ” since 2005, it would be perfectly reasonable to assume the “coaching” training I am doing has something to do with agile processes and teams. Except nothing could be further from the truth… So if it’s not related to " agile coaching ", what on earth is this " personal/business coaching " thing? Let us start by describing what I do when “coaching” a software team in agility. “Agile” 1 has a well defined set of values, practices and principles that define it 2 , 3 . Stray from these, a...