Eliminating Waste in Knowledge Work
Many of us are “knowledge workers.” We do not physically create a product. We work in areas that are important to our enterprise, but do […]
The Importance of the Product Owner and the Product Backlog
Agile is an effective software development framework. Teams using Agile deliver value in short, iterative, increments. The starting point of the delivery cycle is the […]
Effective Communications = Productive Project Teams
Effective communications are the cornerstone to successful projects and productive teams. The Agile Manifesto extolls the virtues of collaboration, individual interactions, and face-to-face communications. Projects […]
Stakeholder Management: A Key to Project Success
Projects with involved stakeholders are far more likely to be successful. But many projects suffer from low engagement from executives, users, and key stakeholders. The […]
Agile and the Product Mindset
Adopting a product mindset is critical when transforming to an Agile development methodology, like Scrum. Shifting our thinking from project to product expands our view […]
We’ve Been Agile for Years, But…
When teaching classes on Agile and DevOps, I am always presented with the comment, “We’ve been Agile for years, but…” The student then continues to […]
If Agile is Better, Why is Adoption So Low?
Agile software projects have significantly better outcomes than Waterfall methodologies. Statistics from the 2015 Standish Group’s Chaos Report show that, on average, Agile projects are […]
Project Management: Centralized vs. Decentralized Delivery
Most enterprises have an ongoing debate about how best to organize their project management functions. Should project management be a centralized shared service? Or should […]
Reorganizations: Managing Your Feelings
A phrase heard at many organizations is, “The only constant is change.” Reorganizations, restructurings, and layoffs have become a regular event. These events reshape the […]
Powerful Words, “I Don’t Know”
“I don’t know” are three words that most people dread saying. The need to know the answer has followed us from school into the working […]