Better Software - November 2007 - (Page 19)

Management Chronicles STORY LINES • The adoption of a new software development process affects each of the team roles differently. Disappointing results are often experienced if the unique needs of each role are ignored. • A significant or uncomfortable change may be blocked by the phrase “That’s how we’ve always done things.” What they may really be saying is “I don’t want to change. I want to continue to do things the old way.” • If the team is having trouble recognizing significant process problems, engaging in a relevant simulation exercise may provide powerful insight and open up the opportunity for objective discussion. • Teams that regularly practice retrospectives are able to successfully fine-tune their processes. perfect for the golf tournament. Tess, Mandy, and Devon drove out early to get in some practice before the game. “Mandy, I hope you won’t be too frustrated golfing with us newbies today,” Tess said as she hoisted her mismatched set of borrowed clubs out of the trunk. Mandy had been a successful golf pro in her not-so-distant past. “Don’t worry,” Mandy said. “I’m happy just to be outside having fun with my team today.” “Well, I brought Jelly-Elly with me as a good luck charm just in case,” laughed Devon. At the driving range, Devon asked Mandy what he should do to straighten his slice. Mandy suggested a subtle change of grip. Looking at his new hand position, Devon said, “It doesn’t really feel any different from what I’ve always done. I think you’ve just given it another name.” He went back to his original position and continued to slice as before. Tess motioned Mandy over to the practice putting green. “I could use a bit of help with chipping onto the green.” Mandy showed her how to stand and swing, and told her she should use a pitching wedge rather than her putter. “Thanks, Mandy, the swing feels much better. I don’t think I need to take all of your suggestions literally and try everything all at once, so I’ll keep using this club. If it’s good enough for putting, it should be good enough for chipping.” Anna had just arrived and waved Mandy back over to the driving range. As she walked back to the driving range, Mandy was annoyed that her expert advice was being ignored. Then suddenly she clued in to what they were really up to. She recognized her own words and the team’s problems with adopting agile practices; she could see how the outcomes on the golf course paralleled that of the project. Mandy spent eighteen holes contemplating the past two months of the project. At the Nineteenth Hole she addressed the team. “I realize why we came short of our target for this milestone,” Mandy said, picking up Jelly-Elly. “It’s been like the story of the ‘Blind Men and the Elephant.’ I’ve only been looking at things from my own perspective as project manager. I’ve been blind to the unique changes needed by each of your different roles to introduce this process change successfully.” Mandy then passed Jelly-Elly around the group, asking each team member to explain what he needed to do differently to transition successfully to this new approach. She committed to supporting them going forward—starting with a daily team stand-up meeting scheduled for the next day. {end} Jennitta Andrea (www.theandreagroup.ca) is an analyst, developer, tester, retrospective facilitator, coach, and instructor. She is a board member of the Agile Alliance and is serving on the IEEE Software Advisory Board. Have you had an “aha” moment doing something outside of work that shed light on a project “blind spot”? M Follow the link on the StickyMinds.com homepage to join the conversation. www.StickyMinds.com NOVEMBER 2007 BETTER SOFTWARE 19 http://www.apodora.org http://www.aculis.com http://www.theandreagroup.ca http://www.aculis.com http://www.StickyMinds.com http://www.StickyMinds.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Better Software - November 2007

Better Software - November 2007 Contents MarkYour Calendar Technically Speaking What’s Happening @StickyMinds.com Code Craft Test Connection Management Chronicles The Measure of a Management System Behind the Scenes A Story About User Stories and Test-Driven Development Product Announcements The Last Word Ad Index

Better Software - November 2007

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