Better Software - May 2008 - (Page 36)

tions are frequently under siege from decaying code, schedule pressure that leads to sloppiness, and budget constraints. Rather than fight these modern-day dragons with lances, broadswords, and axes, today’s chivalrous team member relies on automated testing, test-driven development, refactoring, working at a sustainable pace, and other agile weapons. The products we build can in turn be used as weapons in defense of our users. When developing software, spare a thought for the end-users and how effective they can be at their jobs. What is the end result of the infamous suggestion of a “manual work around?” To achieve an effective working relationship with users, our perspectives and relationships with them must change. deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights. Humility is a very strong element in any transition to agile. An effective team with a strong collaborative style does not have room for large egos. Team members seek satisfaction by experiencing how their achievements (however small) can combine into a continually improving product. Chivalrous team members frequently ask, “How has my accomplishment today enabled other members of my team to complete related tasks?” Regular releases to users provide another sense of satisfaction when users are able to do some business function they couldn’t previously do. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue. The benefits of adhering to the principles underlying agile software development can be applied in other walks of life. We are aware of or have used the principles of transparency, short timeboxes, measurable progress, rapid feedback, and increased communication in planning a wedding, renovating a restaurant, running a sports club, and managing a child’s school work. Whether you have dragons to cleave, maidens to rescue, or simply deadlines and budgets to meet, working daily in ways that exhibit the ten knightly virtues is sure to help your team accomplish these once-impossible deeds. {end} Humility Franchise Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Sticky Notes For more on the following topic go to www.StickyMinds.com/bettersoftware. n A Code of Chivalry, by Brian R. Price October 13-15, 2008 Portland, OR www.pnsqc.org World-class quality does not happen in a vacuum. Agile-in vacuum. Agile-inspired collaboration spans disciplines, and industries. industries. levels, disciplines, and KEYNOTES Quality Dynamics of Agile SW Development RON JEFFRIES & CHET HENDRICKSON World-class quality does not happen in a PNSQC 2008 The Art of Building Consensus SAM KANER INVITED SPEAKERS Playing Nice in the Sandbox JANET GREGORY Collaborative Quality Selling Your Ideas To Management STEVE SMITH Expanding Trust and Collaboration with Earned Value Tracking TAMARA SULIAMAN & HUBERT SMITS It’s Not Just an Update: Using Status Reporting to Expand Collaboration MIKE KELLY WORKSHOPS Collaboration using the Agile Testing Taxonomy JANET GREGORY Zeroing in the Right Problem STEVE SMITH SQL for Testers KAREN N. JOHNSON The Product Development Game TAMARA SULIAMAN & HUBERT SMITS 36 BETTER SOFTWARE MAY 2008 www.StickyMinds.com http://www.StickyMinds.com/bettersoftware http://www.pnsqc.org http://www.pnsqc.org http://www.StickyMinds.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Better Software - May 2008

Better Software - May 2008 Contents Mark Your Calendar Contributors eLightenment Technically Speaking Code Craft Test Connection Management Chronicles Cover Story: It's A Bug! The Chivalrous Team Member Let's Talk Agile Product Announcements 10 Things You Might Not Know About... The Last Word Ad Index

Better Software - May 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.