Every shortcut adds to your technical debt. I see it time and again: teams under pressure, deadlines looming, and the temptation to cut corners becomes almost irresistible. But let me be clear—every time you skip quality standards, every time you fudge what “done” means, you’re not saving time. You’re simply deferring the pain. You’re creating future rework, and that bill always comes due.
A weak definition of done is a silent saboteur. It lulls us into a false sense of progress. When your “done” is ambiguous, your increment isn’t truly usable. It’s not just about a feature being present; it’s about it being reliable, maintainable, and genuinely valuable. A weak definition of done means:
- Production risks lurking beneath the surface
- Hidden failures waiting to emerge at the worst possible moment
- Uncertainty about what’s actually been delivered
In short, you can’t trust what you’ve built. And if you can’t trust it, neither can your stakeholders.
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless teams to strengthen their definition of done. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise. It’s about creating a shared understanding—one that’s enforceable, transparent, and evidence-based. When we do this well, every increment is:
- Shippable and usable, not just “done” in name only
- Backed by real evidence—tests passed, documentation updated, acceptance criteria met
- Aligned with organisational and strategic goals, not just technical requirements
This is where real agility lives. Not in the speed of delivery, but in the confidence that what we deliver is genuinely valuable. Weak delivery isn’t about missing features. It’s about missing outcomes, missing feedback, and—most damaging of all—missing trust.
Here’s what I recommend to any team serious about improving their delivery:
- Define “done” together: Make it a living agreement, not a static checklist.
- Make it visible: Post it where everyone can see it. Review it regularly.
- Enforce it ruthlessly: If something doesn’t meet the definition, it’s not done. No exceptions.
- Gather evidence: Don’t just say it’s done—prove it. Automated tests, peer reviews, and user feedback are your allies.
- Connect to outcomes: Ask, “How does this increment move us closer to our goals?” If you can’t answer, revisit your definition.
The hidden costs of weak delivery are real. They show up as rework, lost trust, and missed opportunities. But with discipline, transparency, and a relentless focus on quality, you can stop paying those costs.
Are you ready to stop paying the hidden costs of weak delivery? It starts with a strong, shared, and enforceable definition of done. Let’s make every increment count.
