Maximizing Agile by Understanding Learning StylesTo be most agile with your communication, understand several models of learning styles, where you fit into them, and where your team fits into them. By tweaking the ways you communicate to fit the information and the situation, you are helping your team remain agile by valuing people and interactions over processes.
Deception and Estimation: How We Fool OurselvesResearch suggests that humans are biased, not-very-rational decision-makers. We believe we see things clearly when the evidence shows otherwise. Throw in a big dose of optimism, and it's easy to see how estimating software projects can be problematic. Our best hope is to construct diverse groups with varied viewpoints.
How Embracing Differences Makes More Robust Agile TeamsOn any team, there are bound to be some differences. But even though work styles may differ from what you expect, they may not be problematic simply because they are different. Before making assumptions about what a teammate is doing or why, just ask to find out. Their differences may bring a helpful new perspective.
Creating a Community of TestersMany teams are divided by product or feature, with only one dedicated tester per team. How do you learn and grow in your career when you’re disconnected from your peers? One solution is to create your own community of testers that spans the organization. Here are some ideas to start and facilitate a Quality Guild.
Making the Product and Development Partnership ThriveThe product manager and the development lead partnering well together is a cornerstone of great product teams. The behavior they exhibit sets the standard for how the team cooperates, connects, and thrives. One great way to do this is getting closer to your customer. Here’s how this advice works with both protagonists.
3 Ways to Have Fun at Work and Improve ProductivityEnjoying your job isn’t just a nice perk. Happiness enhances motivation, leads to higher job satisfaction, and increases productivity. Companies can provide opportunities for employees to engage in meaningful ways, but it’s up to the people to create and innovate. Here are three ways to inject fun into your workday.
Getting the Most out of Your Agile MeetingsOne of the most common complaints of any software team during a retrospective is the issue of too many meetings. Agile ceremonies can provide a lot of value to the team, but only when they're done correctly. Here are four ways to get the most out of meetings, avoid wasting time, and gain value for everyone involved.
How to Achieve Better Internal CommunicationOur methods of communicating are often on “autopilot.” Being more mindful of when and how we communicate can eliminate problems and strengthen internal relationships. There are several things that can be improved or implemented to increase trust and effective communication on any business team. Here are some ideas.
