tech·nic·al·ly agile

Why compromising on software quality is a leadership decision

Compromising software quality is a leadership choice, not a team one. Lowering standards carries business risks that should be openly addressed by decision-makers.

Published on
1 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/3YDTlhSlU4A

Would your CFO sign off on a financial report that was “mostly accurate”? Would your legal team approve a contract that “should be enforceable”? No?

Then why do organisations think it’s acceptable to compromise on software quality?

A strong Definition of Done prevents cutting corners. It ensures every increment meets the same professional standard. Reducing quality to meet deadlines is a financial decision, not a team decision. If leadership wants to change the quality bar, they should sign off on the risks—not sneak it past teams under the banner of “Agile.”

Scrum teams don’t get to lower quality. And if your teams are being asked to, the real conversation should be happening in the boardroom.

Has your leadership ever knowingly shipped bad software?

[the article is linked in the comments]

Also published on: LinkedIn
Professional Scrum Software Development Agile Leadership

Related blog posts

Related videos

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.​

Higher Education Statistics Agency Logo
Boeing Logo
New Signature Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo

NIT A/S

ProgramUtvikling Logo
Emerson Process Management Logo
SuperControl Logo
Schlumberger Logo
Microsoft Logo
Philips Logo
Sage Logo
Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo
Lockheed Martin Logo
ALS Life Sciences Logo
Jack Links Logo

CR2

Akaditi Logo
Royal Air Force Logo
Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo
Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo
Nottingham County Council Logo
Washington Department of Transport Logo
Ghana Police Service Logo
Alignment Healthcare Logo
Microsoft Logo
Ericson Logo
Trayport Logo
Bistech Logo
Freadom Logo