Troubleshooting Agile The Voodoo Charm
May 5, 2021
The discussion unveils the deceptive comfort of 'voodoo charms' in agile practices, like reassuring phrases that promise change but lead to complacency. It tackles the illusion of control and commitment, revealing how public declarations can undermine true progress. The speakers emphasize the need for authentic actions over superficial solutions, advocating for structured plans grounded in data. With a focus on prioritizing communication and monitoring, they inspire listeners to turn idle intentions into tangible results.
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What is a Voodoo Charm?
- A voodoo charm is an action or artifact people use that gives a false sense of security without creating real change.
- Examples include saying "we'll add it to the backlog" or "we'll document it" to avoid further discussion.
Voodoo Charms Ease Fear
- People use voodoo charms to escape worry by invoking reassuring words without real effort.
- The quick reward of saying "we'll add it to backlog" reduces their felt need to act immediately.
Beware Premature Public Promises
- Publicly stating intentions can backfire because it gives premature gratification.
- The early social reward can reduce motivation to follow through with actual work.