An Agile JourneyA Personal Perspective

What is Agile Software Development?

“Agile Software Development is a group of software development methods in which requirements and

solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. It promotes adaptive planning, continuous improvement and encourages rapid

and flexible response to change” (Wikipedia)

Agile Manifesto (agilemanifesto.org)

We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value:

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

Working software over comprehensive documentation

Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

Responding to change over following a plan

That is, while there is value in the terms on the right, we value the items on the left far more.

Where did the Agile Manifesto come from?

Extreme Programming (XP)SCRUMDynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)Adaptive Software DevelopmentCrystralFeature-Driven DevelopmentPragmatic ProgrammingKanban

Sounds great, now what? What does all that mean?● How do I implement?● Which agile methodology do I choose?● Who is affected?● What processes are needed to ensure we are meeting our

goals/objectives/ideas● What are the best practices?● What is the ultimate end goal?● Do we focus our time on functioning software and worry about

documenting it later?● Do we go with the flow and spend less time formally planning since we

all know the one constant is change?● How do we go about delivering on all those key terms used to describe

Agile?

A Personal Perspective

It is a conceptual framework created with values to help guide you

My key takeaways from the Agile Manifesto:● The usage of the word “We” in the statement● It does not state that Agile Software Development defines

how you go about achieving all of these great things● It does not define a list of things you need to do in order to

be an agile team

A Personal Perspective

“We” makes this journey personal● Individually, yes, but more importantly within the Team● Individual values may be different but the Team must

collectively agree upon its focused values

The values will likely be very popular and common● But this doesn’t mean your team is limited to them● Nor must your team be in 100% absolute compliance

with those specific values

Successful Principles (http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.

html)

Concepts/thoughts/guidelines of what successful teams have proven to have and/or attain:

● Customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery● Acceptance of and flexibility to handle change in support of competitive advantage

(business agility)● Delivering functioning software frequently (the frequency is your own)● Collaboration throughout (visibility)● Supporting, trusting and providing project teams what is needed● The most valuable means of communication is face-to-face● Working software as a primary measure of progress● Promote sustainable development (predictability)● Quality designs and solutions● Simplicity● Team members that care most about something will be the most effective at gathering

themselves to create, promote and help determine what is best for the product (from requirements to solutions)

● Self and Team reflection (learning how to make tiny improvements)

What is the ultimate end goal?

Its a journey, not a destination. A journey of continuous improvement

But its YOUR journey● Not mine● Not your neighbor or friend who may also work

in an agile shop

An Appreciation for the Journey● Define a goal/destination but don’t be afraid to change it● Each team’s journey, destination and choices will be different● Team comparisons are not apples-to-apples● Respect where one another is in the journey and the choices made along

the way● Agile Manifesto states that a part of the journey is helping others● Most important to understand/explain the circumstances that led to a

decision/choice● Realize that your decisions may or may not lead you in the same

direction● There WILL be conflict and frustration● It is not for everyone● Enjoy the ride for what it is...a road filled with tiny adjustments that the

team cares about in order to get better

How do we work today?

Focus areas:

1. Business Value2. Predictability3. Business Agility4. Visibility

5 Rules:

1. Respect for people2. Continuous improvement3. Make all work visible4. Work in priority order5. Work as a team