Agile Candor

Ugh... increase Velocity? That question again? In a discussion forum, I came across this comment that "Velocity is an awful term and one that is often weaponized like it has been in this thread by asking how to get more. It's the wrong question because the goal is to become predictable much more so than faster." I do not agree that velocity is an awful term, but I do agree that it is often misused (and even weaponized). If you intend to use velocity the right way and are interested in using it as a tool to understand and improve your work outcomes, this post is dedicated to you. I would like to note that some of my friends are passionate about #noestimate. Whether you go that route or not, is your choice. The important thing is that is the team performing or worrying about numbers and metrics. If velocity discussions are weighing down the team, that is usually a sign of a different problem. As you go through this post, keep in mind that increasing velocity may not be your...

Imagine things are going completely out of control; ownership and accountability are minimal; there is little willingness to collaborate and not enough leadership to make it happen. You are down with dismay and disbelief at how things are going... feeling blue and nothing seems to move despite your best effort? Imagine yourself stuck in the moment unable to get out! We wish never to be confronted with a situation like that. Nevertheless, stuff happens, at times all we can do is think, and think hard what we should do but answers don't come easy or fast. How can we help change the situation for the better? That is the agile mindset isn't it - inspect and adapt until we find an answer?   What to do? Should you stay hopeful or quit in despair!? I hate to say it, quitting could be an option if you are desperate. It could work in the short term and give you relief, but what would you achieve, what would you solve by quitting? Why not let someone else deal with the mess? Quitting is ...