Troubleshooting Agile

Learning You're Wrong on the Ski Slope

Jan 28, 2026
A skiing mishap becomes a lesson in using the right tools for the job and checking basic assumptions. They explore how popular methods can be misapplied when context is ignored. Simple checklists and outside perspectives are highlighted as ways to catch blind spots and prevent embarrassing mistakes.
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ANECDOTE

Wrong Skis, Wrong Problem

  • Jeffrey Fredrick grabbed the wrong pair of skis and struggled all morning thinking he'd lost his skill.
  • He discovered at lunch he was using skate skis with classic poles, not because he forgot technique but because his equipment was wrong.
INSIGHT

Check Foundational Assumptions First

  • Struggling with a technique can mean you're using the wrong tool, not that you've lost skill.
  • Check foundational assumptions (like equipment applicability) before blaming the learner.
ADVICE

Use Short Checklists

  • Use simple checklists to catch basic, easily forgotten steps even for experts.
  • Introduce short checks to prevent experienced people from skipping foundational tasks.
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