Troubleshooting Agile Fear and Normalization of Deviance
Dec 9, 2020
Explore the intriguing connection between fear and the normalization of deviance in organizations. Discover how dropping retrospectives can stem from underlying fears, paralleling NASA's risky Shuttle launch decisions. Learn about the impact of fear on team dynamics and accountability, with real-world examples like safety practices on oil rigs. The discussions highlight the importance of addressing fears and adhering to established norms to cultivate a healthier workplace culture.
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Normalization of Deviance Explained
- Normalization of deviance occurs when organizations follow informal norms that deviate from their espoused values.
- Such deviant norms can lead to risky behaviors, like skipping retrospectives or ignoring test coverage.
Fear Behind Skipping Retrospectives
- Teams often skip retrospectives due to fears like wasting time or avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
- These fears drive deviance from normal Agile practices, signaling underlying issues.
Client Example of Deviance and Fear
- A client claims customer-centric values but prioritizes cost savings and partner demands out of fear of losing business.
- This disconnect between spoken values and actions exemplifies normalization of deviance born from fear.
