Executives Want Predictability
Lack of a clear, enforced Definition of Done leads to hidden risks, unreliable forecasts, and eroded trust in delivery, undermining predictability and …
TL;DR; Frequently changing the Definition of Done makes it hard for teams to deliver predictable results and maintain quality. The Definition of Done should only evolve to raise standards, not lower them. To improve predictability and quality, keep your Definition of Done consistent and ensure it is followed.

Imagine trying to run a factory job where the definition of a “finished product” changes every week. Forecasting production? Impossible. Measuring quality? Good luck.
Yet many teams change their Definition of Done so frequently that it becomes meaningless. This isn’t agility, it’s dysfunction.
The DoD can evolve, but only in the direction of increasing quality. Otherwise, you’re not iterating, you’re shifting goalposts and hoping no one notices.
If your teams struggle with predictability, start by making your DoD consistent and enforced. Agility doesn’t mean abandoning standards. It means continuously improving them.
Does your team’s Definition of Done stay consistent over time?
[the article is linked in the comments]
Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.
If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.

Big Data for Humans

Boeing

Teleplan

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Alignment Healthcare

SuperControl

Graham & Brown

Schlumberger

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Lockheed Martin

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation

Ericson

Trayport
NIT A/S

Emerson Process Management

Milliman

Deliotte

New Signature

Ghana Police Service

New Hampshire Supreme Court

Washington Department of Transport

Nottingham County Council

Royal Air Force

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Bistech

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)
Boxit Document Solutions

Emerson Process Management

Lockheed Martin