Mental Models

Dispense with much of the drama and dysfunction we typically see on software projects.

Traditional project management methods do well with the known. In software we deal with the unknown. These facts, inconvenient as they may be, are what create much of the drama and dysfunction we see in our industry. Once you accept these three simple truths, leading agile projects becomes a lot easier. You don’t stress as much about schedules (we know we’re already late!). You stop trying to own problems that are outside your sphere of control. And you just accept that there is always going to be more to do than time and money allow. But accepting these simple truths frees you from all that. It allows you to see that which is clearly, and to not try and change something that can’t be changed.

A look at where transformation really starts - if it begins with individual mindset change or with the organizational culture.

Most transformation projects begin by asking individuals to change their mindset. The focus is often on the individual stubborness and resistance to adopting new ways of working. Bojan Smuja attempts to view this issue from the individual point of view, and shows how easily a person changes their ways when their surroundings (i.e. the organizational culture) guide them to. With this, a point is made that good change implementation strategies are key to ensuring changes do not fail.

Shedding old behaviours is not comfortable, specially when it contradicts with your current understanding.

The smartest person in the room is not smarter than the whole room is just one of the lessons I'm thankful I learned.

Agile legend Mike Cohn shares lessons he has learned during his professional career and tells a brief story of each one to help the reader avoid these mistakes. These lessons are specially useful when you are facing difficult decisions, as they are focused on the values you should develop instead of prescribing solutions. In reading them you will get a clear message: hard work pays off in the long term.