Prestigious Pints Episode 5 - Mary & Tom Poppendieck
May 14, 2021
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Agile inspirations Mary & Tom Poppendieck discuss the impact of COVID on company agility, quality vs. craftsmanship in software engineering, and the true essence of Lean principles. They emphasize the importance of customer-centricity, swift adaptability, and asking good questions for innovation.
Lean principles focus on solving customer problems efficiently with respect for all involved.
'Sync and Stabilize' approach involves regular testing to align projects with customer needs.
Deep dives
Focusing on Lean Principles and Customer Engagement
Lean principles emphasize customer focus, respect for people, and flow rather than mere efficiency. Companies that successfully implement lean do so by applying the thinking behind the practices to their own context, not just replicating actions. Lean is not about doing lean, but about adopting a mindset that prioritizes solving customer problems efficiently and with respect for all involved.
Implementing 'Sync and Stabilize' Approach for Project Success
The 'Sync and Stabilize' approach, common in large engineering projects, involves regular testing of hardware and software to synchronize progress and address issues. By conducting planned tests every 30 days and making necessary adaptations based on feedback, companies ensure that projects maintain focus on customer needs and stay aligned with the intended goals.
Challenges Faced by Traditional Financial Institutions
Traditional financial institutions are facing stiff competition from tech-savvy startups in the banking industry. The emergence of small banks that excel in online banking solutions highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements and customer preferences. Established institutions struggle to keep up due to their slower adoption of innovative tech solutions.
Distinguishing Between Craftsmanship and Solving Customer Problems
A key distinction lies between craftsmanship, which involves doing what one wants to do, and engineering focused on solving customer problems effectively. Successful entrepreneurs often build solutions based on personal experiences or identified needs, prioritizing problem-solving over personal preferences. Encouraging software engineers to engage in problem-solving for customers fosters innovation and meaningful product developments.
In the fifth episode of our Prestigious Pints series, Geoff Watts and Paul Goddard get together (virtually in lockdown) with a pair of agile inspirations Mary & Tom Poppendieck.
They chat about how the COVID pandemic has forced companies to pivot into new and innovative ideas based on purpose and then responding to feedback. The conversation also touched on quality and craftsmanship, and how the term "software engineer" isn't really the same as an "engineer" in many other industries.
As ever, Mary & Tom have a passion for lean and it's great to also hear what Mary thinks is the biggest understanding of Lean - even now.