Software Process and Measurement Cast

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 774 is a re-release of SPaMCAST 436. We are on our annual holiday and will be back with new programs on October 22nd. For the next four weeks, we will feature shows from our archives. Today SPaMCAST 436 - Incrementalism, UAT and Agile, and Systems Thinking was released originally on April 3, 2017. I hope you will enjoy today's show! The original introduction - The Software Process and Measurement Cast 436 features our essay titled, Change Fatigue, Tunnel Vision, and Watts Humphrey, in which we answer the question of whether the state and culture of the organization or team, can have a large impact on whether a Big Bang approach or an incremental approach makes sense to change. Our second column is from Jeremy Berriault. Jeremy discusses user acceptance testing and Agile. There are lots of different ways to accomplish user acceptance testing in an Agile environment. The only wrong way is not to do UAT in Agile. Jeremy can be found at https://www.berriaultandassociates.com/ Jon M Quigley brings his column, The Alpha and Omega of Product Development, to the Cast. This week Jon puts all the pieces together and discusses systems thinking. One of the places you can find Jon is at Value Transformation LLC.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 773 will feature our essay on why as professionals we should strive to grow a little every day. I overheard a team lead complaining that their team did not need to do a retrospective, they were "darn near perfect." The inference was that their time would be better spent doing rather than reflecting and thinking. Fixed mindsets (Review our re-read of Mindsets by Carol Dweck) are foreign to the philosophy of agile and quality. The comment hurt my heart. We will also have a visit from Jon M. Quigley who brings his Alpha and Omega of Product Development column to the podcast! Jon and I use the learning to play a new bass as a metaphor for learning technology. Re-Read Saturday News This week begin a new book on Re-read Saturday, this week! Ten years ago we started our Re-read Saturday journey. The first installment featured The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. We have read and re-read a lot of books. The book we begin our next ten years is L. David Marquet's, Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say – and What You Don't. This is not Mr. Marquet's first time in our re-read queue. In 2018 we re-read Turn the Ship Around! I think that book is universally seen as a game changer. Here is the kicker, I think Leadership is Language is more important and useful on a day-to-day basis. I can't tell how many times I have used ideas from the book in the short time I have owned it. Buy a copy of Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say – and What You Don't and begin reading along. Week 1: Logistics, Foreword, Introduction - https://bit.ly/3sTqyu3 Next SPaMCAST The Software Process and Measurement Cast 774 will feature a re-release of SPaMCAST 436. We are on our annual holiday and will be back with new programs on October 22nd. For the next four weeks, we will feature shows from our archives. Today SPaMCAST 436 - Incrementalism, UAT and Agile, Systems Thinking from April 3, 2017. I hope you will enjoy the show!

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 772 features our interview with Ahmed Wasfy. We discuss the role of the engineering manager and how people learn to be engineering managers. Coming to grips with the new role requires learning new skills not just rehashed technical skills. Ahmed, advises new leaders to take control of their careers and not to be a victim. Ahmed is an experienced engineering leader, having led teams at Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. In addition to his day job, Ahmed also helps engineering managers become effective leaders through his coaching. Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/a1wasfy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awasfy/ Website: https://www.thethrivingem.com/ Re-Read Saturday News After the conclusion of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, there are three brief sections with practical tips for making ideas memorable. The dust cover states, "With Added Material (now even stickier)". The added material provides more food for thought for using Made to Stick. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Week 6: Credible - https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo Week 7: Emotional - https://bit.ly/3QCAQbx Week 8: Stories - https://bit.ly/3sbk2yp Week 9: Epilogue - https://bit.ly/3P3jnIh Week 10: Added Material - https://bit.ly/48kR7IS Week 11: Final Thoughts - https://bit.ly/3z6zJaA Next SPaMCAST The Software Process and Measurement Cast 773 will feature our essay on why as professionals we should strive to grow a little every day. We will also have a visit from Jon M. Quigley who brings his Alpha and Omega of Product Development column to the podcast!

To paraphrase Ghostbusters, critical thinking is the indispensable defense science of the next decade. Over the summer we have investigated the concept so we are better positioned to take part in a boisterous world. As decision-makers, the onus is on us to use critical thinking. Also, Jeremy Berriault joins bringing his QA Corner to the podcast. In this installment, Jeremy discusses the difference between maturity and evolution. Do agile organizations mature or evolve? Re-Read Saturday News We have spent the majority of the summer re-reading Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. While I didn't take the book to the beach, I did take it to the porch! As with other re-reads, the content of the book has found its way into my writing and consulting practice. In the case of Made to Stick, several ideas and examples have made their way into my essays on critical thinking. The two themes work well together. As you consider sticky ideas you need a framework to test their veracity. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Week 6: Credible - https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo Week 7: Emotional - https://bit.ly/3QCAQbx Week 8: Stories - https://bit.ly/3sbk2yp Week 9: Epilogue - https://bit.ly/3P3jnIh Week 10: Final Thoughts - https://bit.ly/3z6zJaA Next SPaMCAST The Software Process and Measurement Cast 772 features our interview with Ahmed Wasfy. We will discuss the role of the engineering manager and how people learn the role. Being a good engineering manager requires more than a magic wand.

This week the Software Process and Measurement Cast 770 features my interview with Jess Brock. Jess and I talked about her new book, The Dojo Coach's Pocket Guide: Maximizing Immersive Learning for Agile Teams (the book is excellent but doesn't really fit in your pocket), learning, and career pivots. Jess's talk at Agile 2023 helped me reframe how I conceived of dojos as an intense learning environment, not a transformation technique. Jess's Bio Jess is a dynamic coach, technologist, and author who has been involved in developing tech products since the mid-2000s. Jess attributes her diverse career experience as one of her greatest strengths because it enables her to coach with sincere empathy and experience. Former agile skeptic, Jess was eventually convinced by a colleague to give agile a try more than a decade ago. Her personal transformation was so impactful that Jess continues to contribute to the broader Agile community to this very day. Most recently Jess has poured her energy into immersive learning dojos as a preferred means of developing long standing skills. She is the proud author of The Dojo Coach's Pocket Guide. Website: http://jessbrock.com/ Re-Read Saturday News The epilogue was the end of the original version of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die; later additions had extra material added. I am reading from the 26th printing. We will cover the extra material titled, Sticky Advice, next week. Today we'll discuss the Epilogue, without wrapping the book up. It feels wrong :) I read this chapter more deeply knowing that there was more to come. It felt like less of a recap and more of how to use the book. Three items caught my attention during this read. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Week 6: Credible - https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo Week 7: Emotional - https://bit.ly/3QCAQbx Week 8: Stories - https://bit.ly/3sbk2yp Week 9: Epilogue - https://bit.ly/3P3jnIh Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 771 we will complete our summer theme on critical thinking. Critical thinking might sound esoteric or academic, however, I think that categorization is both wrong and misses the point. Critical thinking is a survival tool. We will also have a visit from Jeremy Berriault and his Agile Corner.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 768 features our interview with Phil Alves, CEO of DevSquad. Phil and I covered a wide range of topics starting with how he structures teams to perform in dynamic environments and culminating in a discussion of SaaS and entrepreneurship. Software development of any stripe is a team sport; either get it right or suffer the consequences. Phil describes himself as a SaaS Aficionado! He builds products for bootstrapped founders, fast-growing startups, and big enterprises at DevSquad. His SaaS company, DevStats, helps product and engineering leaders measure what matters. Phil also is a podcaster! The SaaS Origin Stories Podcast uncovers those pivotal moments and decisions that turned SaaS companies into major successes. Contact Information DevSquad: 𝒉𝒕𝒕𝒑://𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒅.𝒄𝒐𝒎/ DevStats: 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬.𝐜𝐨𝐦/ Podcast: 𝒉𝒕𝒕𝒑𝒔://𝒘𝒘𝒘.𝒔𝒂𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔.𝒄𝒐𝒎/𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒆 Re-Read Saturday News In Chapter 5 of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die we find that an analytical approach reduces people's ability to be emotionally connected to an idea or concept. Without an emotional connection, they are far less apt to act. Calls to action that are emotionally engaging will generate action. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Week 6: Credible - https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo Week 7: Emotional - https://bit.ly/3QCAQbx Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 769, we return to our summer theme of Critical Thinking. My daughter (Meghan also is the editor for the blog and podcast and sounding board on a wide range of topics) pointed out a model for levels of research. The model provides an interesting filter to help understand the types of research we use and the "power" each delivers. We will also have a visit from Keis Kostaqi. Keis brings her wit, empathy, and wisdom as a Scrum Master in complex environments to help you improve.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 767, we continue our summer dive into critical thinking. In this installment, we consider research and evidence. The discussion of research and evidence ties into this week's installment of Re-Read Saturday (Chapter 4 of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die which is about credibility). Research and evidence provide credibility and that is not always a good thing. Tony Timbol brings his To Tell A Story column to the podcast. In this installment, Mr. Timbol continues to unravel the mystery of the agile requirements and user stories. Re-Read Saturday News Credibility is the fourth requirement for maximum stickiness (short of Gorilla Glue) discussed in Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Credibility is defined as the quality or power of inspiring belief or trust. Without credibility, the attributes of simplicity, unexpectedness, and concreteness crumble. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Week 6: Credible - https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 768, Phil Alves, CEO of DevSquad discusses how he structures teams to perform in dynamic environments. Software development of any stripe is a team sport, you either get it right or suffer the consequences.

This week the Software Process and Measurement Cast 766 features our interview with Ben Johnson, Founder of Particle41. Ben and I discuss the importance of teams, communication, and dependability. Ben Johnson, founder of Particle41, is a serial Entrepreneur with a track record of success and is an active investor. He is a results-driven leader, skilled in managing high-functioning teams for exceptional outcomes. Ben cultivates collaboration, motivation, and effective communication. As a leader, he aligns team efforts with organizational goals and drives innovation. Ben delivers complex projects with visibility, velocity, and vision and is committed to sharing expertise for the growth of others. Particle41: https://particle41.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrjohnson/ Re-Read Saturday News The third attribute of stickiness is concreteness. I spent most of the past week at Agile 2023 in Orlando, Florida. It was a metaphorical banquet of agile knowledge. I had more hallway conversations than I can count ruminating over presentation topics. The third chapter of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die reminded me that language is abstract but real life is not. Most readers of the Software Process and Measurement Cast blog have been to conferences, so reflect on how many ideas and concepts you implemented when you returned to the office. I suspect the answer is very few because few were tangible enough to be sticky. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Week 5: Concrete - https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 767, we will continue our deep dive into critical thinking. We will touch on the need to understand what valid research looks like and perhaps why authority bias makes it hard to recognize. We will also have a conversation with Tony Timbol who brings his To Tell A Story column to the podcast.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 765, we will continue with our summer theme on critical thinking by discussing authority. When deciding what to believe, the authority we place on the source has a significant impact. Authority bias is the name for this cognitive bias. We will also have a visit from the one and only Susan Parente, who brings her Not A Scrumdamentalist column to the podcast. In this installment, we discuss why meetings seem to be the only mechanism for making decisions. Re-Read Saturday News And now for something completely different…is both the title of the 1971 movie by Monty Python and the Fly Circus and a hint at Chapter 2's of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die title. The title is Unexpected (if you are reading along it won't be a surprise), and is the second condition for something to be sticky. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Week 4: Unexpected - https://bit.ly/43zfkaB Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 766 will feature our interview with Ben Johnson, Founder of Particle41 we discuss how important teams are to delivering value.

In Software Process and Measurement Cast 764 we feature my conversation with Johanna Rothman. We discussed her new book Successful Independent Consulting. Well, we started there and then hit topics like personal value and the impact of success. This might be the eleventy-first conversation I have had with Johanna, and each time I look forward to our time together with anticipation. They are always like attending a master class. Buy a copy of Successful Independent Consulting. Available everywhere including: Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/independentconsulting Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rBfLDV Johanna's Bio: Johanna Rothman, known as the "Pragmatic Manager," offers frank advice for your thorny problems. She helps leaders and teams learn to see simple and reasonable options that might work. Those practical alternatives can help them be more effective with others at work. With those choices, they can choose what—and how—to adapt their product development. With her trademark practicality and humor, Johanna is the author of 19 books, hundreds of articles, and blog posts about many aspects of product development. Her most recent books include Successful Independent Consulting, Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer, and Modern Management Made Easy series. Find her monthly newsletter and blogs at www.jrothman.com & www.createadaptablelife.com. Editor's note: If you are not subscribed to Johanna's newsletter…you should be. Re-Read Saturday News Simple is the first principle of making something sticky. It is also the title of chapter 1 of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. There are three areas in this chapter I would like to spend more time with. The formula core + compactness = simple Curse of knowledge Metaphors and analogies As you read the chapter you will see that all three are intertwined; however, each of the three is useful to consider in isolation. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: Announcement and Logistics - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Week 2: Introduction - https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 Week 3: Simple - https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq Next SPaMCAST In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 765, we will continue with our summer theme on critical thinking by exploring how experts, experience, and evidence apply to critical thinking. We will also have a visit from the one and only Susan Parente, who brings her Not A Scrumdamentalist column to the podcast.