Stop Starting and Start Finishing: The Key to Team Success
In today’s fast-paced business environment, there’s often a misconception that the more tasks we juggle, the more productive we are. However, as many successful teams have realized, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A popular quote from Lean methodology sums it up perfectly: “Stop starting and start finishing.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of […]
The Pitfalls of Routine Agile Questions: Avoiding the Ghosts of Agile Past
In the world of Agile, we often hear about the famous “three questions” used during the daily Scrum or retrospective sessions: These questions are a staple in Agile ceremonies, providing a framework for team discussions. But here’s the reality: while there’s nothing inherently wrong with these questions, when they become the sole purpose of your […]
Introduction to Agility’s Ghosts: Shedding Dogma and Embracing Pragmatism
In the world of Agile, one ghost that haunts us is dogma. If you’ve been in Agile long enough, you’ve probably encountered those dogmatic individuals who cling to a rigid set of beliefs, refusing to adapt or consider the actual data, feedback, or experiences of the people around them. These folks? They need to be […]
Overcoming the Ghost of Agile Certifications
In the world of Agile, certifications have long been a point of contention. Lately, there’s been a growing trend of dismissiveness toward certifications, with many expressing skepticism about their value. As someone who has spent years in the Agile and Scrum space, I understand the frustration that certifications often evoke. While I agree with some […]
The Ghosts of Agile Past: Why Burndown Charts Might Be Holding You Back
Have you ever felt something was off with burndown charts? I know I have. There’s always been this nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Over the years, people have revered these charts as the ultimate tool for monitoring a team’s progress. But I’ve come to realize that this couldn’t be further from the truth. […]
Story Points: A Ghost of Agile Past
In the world of Agile, there are many relics that still haunt teams today, and one of the most significant is story points. Ironically, the creator of story points has publicly apologized for their invention. Think about that for a moment—an apology from the creator of a concept that has deeply embedded itself into Agile […]
How to Overcome Agile Banditry: A Product Owner’s Journey
In Agile, there’s a common misconception that leads to what I like to call “Agile Banditry.” Product Owners, when misguided, can fall into the trap of treating their role as a project manager, dictating every step of the team’s progress like an overbearing taskmaster. This often leads to disengagement, frustration, and ultimately, a failed product. […]
The Pitfalls of Agile Burndowns: Stop Being Agile Bandits
Agile teams often use burndown charts to track progress throughout a sprint. It seems like a solid approach—after all, it’s a visual indicator of how much work remains. But let me be clear: burndowns are Agile banditry! In fact, relying too heavily on burndowns could lead your team down a treacherous path of excessive upfront […]
Avoiding Agile Banditry: Why Story Points and Velocity Are Misleading Metrics
Introduction to Agile Metrics: The Pitfall of Story Points and Velocity When it comes to Agile teams, many fall into the trap of focusing on story points and velocity as key metrics for success. While they may seem helpful, they often lead to inefficiency and distraction from what truly matters—delivering value to customers. In my […]
Say-Do Metrics: Avoiding Agile Banditry in Your Organization
In Agile environments, there’s often a temptation to rely on metrics that seem to offer clarity and control over a project’s progress. One such metric is the “say-do” metric, which measures what a team says they will do versus what they actually accomplish. While this may appear useful on the surface, it’s often a slippery […]