Troubleshooting Agile

Discover how a solo around-the-world sailing race offers insights into software development. Learn about the importance of proactive maintenance through the stories of three sailors: one who failed due to optimism, another who succeeded through determination and preparation, and a seasoned sailor who built robustness into his design. Hear how daily upkeep keeps teams on track and the significance of tackling root causes rather than just surface issues. The engaging discussion reveals practical lessons for agile teams.

The hosts dissect the vital role of systems thinking in government projects. They share success stories like the UK's automatic pension enrollment and Vietnam's education reforms. Delving into Gall's Law, they highlight how successful large systems often start small. They also explore the concept of small nudges versus grand reforms. The discussion includes systemic failures while questioning if they prove systems thinking to be harmful. Overall, they conclude that systems thinking has positively influenced discourse, even if outcomes vary.

Squirrel and Jeffrey dive deep into the complexities of systems thinking and its misunderstood role in project management. They dissect Ed Braden's critique, clarifying that misapplications shouldn't tarnish the discipline itself. The duo explores the intriguing 'strangler fig' pattern and its parallels in software and governance. With engaging debate, they tackle whether systems thinking truly leads to failure and connect it to the wider social and political landscape. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges common misconceptions.

The hosts dive deep into the contentious debate surrounding systems thinking. They recap their strong reactions to Ed Braden's article and highlight varied listener responses, from agreement to skepticism. Key discussions include the importance of precise language and mutual understanding in this context. Jeffrey shares his motivation for engaging with Ed's critique, while emphasizing the need for evidence-based conversations. They tease a forthcoming rebuttal to Ed’s claims, keeping the audience eager for more insights.

Live from CITCON, the hosts dive into the intriguing integration of non-Agile methodologies like CBT and Lean practices. They tackle the challenges of scaling Agile across teams, emphasizing the need to distinguish business decisions from engineering issues. The conversation heats up with a comparison of collaborating with AI versus humans, highlighting the nuances of working with LLMs. It’s an engaging blend of insights and real-world applications, sparking curiosity and offering practical solutions for listeners.

Celebrate a milestone with reflections on the journey of 400 discussions around Agile. The hosts explore how the podcast informed their book, addressing real-world symptoms listeners face. They ponder the relevance of the Agile label and share surprising insights on personal relationships. Empathy's role is acknowledged as an essential but missed focus. Lamenting the timing of their book launch during COVID, they emphasize the importance of business outcomes, while valuing ongoing listener engagement and feedback.

Join in as hosts dive into the nuances of Systems Thinking, igniting a lively debate sparked by a controversial article. They unravel how complex systems like water networks and social media evolve from simplicity, linking these ideas to software development practices. Misrepresentations in the discussed article provoke an examination of Healthcare.gov and high-speed rail projects as cautionary tales. Discover recommended reads that provide deeper insights into effective systems management, while the hosts extend an invitation for a spirited discussion on these vital concepts.

Discover the importance of critical thinking and healthy intellectual disagreement in science and leadership. The hosts delve into John Platt's compelling essay, Strong Inference, explaining its four-step method and the significance of rigorous critique. They explore how a culture of psychological safety enables teams to address errors and accelerate growth. Plus, hear intriguing examples of A/B testing that challenge marketing assumptions. Embrace the art of dispute and engage in productive conversations!

Keith Lucas, author of 'Impact' and former CPO/CTO at Roblox, shares insights from his 30 years in tech. He discusses the fine line between being 'nice' and being decent, and the concept of 'coaching out' as a vital leadership skill. Keith emphasizes the importance of early communication in performance management and navigating the legal landscape when dealing with underperformance. He also provides personal anecdotes that reveal how tough conversations can foster personal growth and enhance team dynamics.

Can embarrassment be a hidden gem in team dynamics? The hosts explore how it can serve as a potent motivator, turning real-world pressure into performance boosts. They underline the importance of aligning leaders with teams for transparent communication, ensuring everyone is on the same page. By sharing lessons from the U.S. Navy, they reveal how embracing embarrassment can spark innovation. Ultimately, they argue for a balance between fear and growth, making room for both success and personal development.