a·gen·tic a·gil·i·ty

A changing Definition of Done undermines quality and predictability in teams

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.

Published on
1 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/lPs2C5FQ5cR
Subscribe

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]

Also published on: LinkedIn
Smart Classifications

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.

Subscribe

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

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.

Our Happy Clients​

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 Logo

Big Data for Humans

Boeing Logo

Boeing

Teleplan Logo

Teleplan

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Alignment Healthcare Logo

Alignment Healthcare

SuperControl Logo

SuperControl

Graham & Brown Logo

Graham & Brown

Schlumberger Logo

Schlumberger

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Lockheed Martin Logo

Lockheed Martin

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation Logo

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation

Ericson Logo

Ericson

Trayport Logo

Trayport

NIT A/S

Emerson Process Management Logo

Emerson Process Management

Milliman Logo

Milliman

Deliotte Logo

Deliotte

New Signature Logo

New Signature

Ghana Police Service Logo

Ghana Police Service

New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo

New Hampshire Supreme Court

Washington Department of Transport Logo

Washington Department of Transport

Nottingham County Council Logo

Nottingham County Council

Royal Air Force Logo

Royal Air Force

Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Bistech Logo

Bistech

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company) Logo

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Boxit Document Solutions

Emerson Process Management Logo

Emerson Process Management

Lockheed Martin Logo

Lockheed Martin