In her talk “Agile Chartering: Energize Every Project Liftoff,” Diana Larsen presented approaches how you can set up your agile projects. Why is that important? When a rocket is launched into space, a lot of preparation happens to make sure the move from ground to space is smooth and successful.
Software projects often ignore this important step.
For example, it would make sense to check the commitment of team members. Commitment comes in two flavors:
- Yes, I want to do this
- … with the other members of my team
Another important question that each team member will ponder is WIIFM – What’s in it for me? Answers to these questions will have a huge impact on the success of a project.
Regulations are important but don’t forget that the human brain has a limited capacity. If you want them to follow the rules, you must restrict them to five tops.
Member Shields
Another strategy is to create “member shields” where each member writes their name on top of a shield like shape. The shield is then separated into four quadrants:
- Which skills to I bring into the team?
- What do I need to be successful in the team?
- What’s in it for me?
- Something personal. No dark secrets, just something that turns you into a person.
Write a motto below the shield.
Put those in a place where every team member can see them.
Context
Make sure that the team members know where the team fits into the organization. Post a 10’000 feet view of the company somewhere.
Risks
Agile development is all about risk management: Notice them, rate them, discuss them, act on them.
Good places to look for risks: Team boundaries and interactions: Who depends on the team’s work? On whom does the team depend? Does the team have everything it needs?
What does the team know about the future? What do we not know? What are opportunities and threats?
Remember the PAC triangle: Purpose – Alignment – Context. Every move of one corner influences the other two as well.
Also a lot of risks have their roots in VUCA: volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
Related:
- Liftoff: Launching Agile Teams & Projects (Book, Amazon, Review)
- FutureWorks Consulting, LLC website
- “Recommended Reading“ on the FutureWorks website
- “Case Studies and Articles“ on the FutureWorks website
Tagged: 2012, Agile, Agile software development, Jazoon, Risk management, Software Development
