Agile

Proposing Open Space Technology Sessions

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When I am at conferences or events being run using Open Space Technology (learn more about attendee-driven conferences), people often ask me, “Should I propose an open space session?” As we get into the discussion, I tend to ask the same core questions:

  • Are you passionate about the topic?
  • Are you clear enough on what the topic is?
  • What would your 30-second pitch and summary of the topic be to propose at the marketplace?
  • Are you comfortable hosting the session, or, if not, are there 1 or 2 more that might help you?

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Why Project Retrospectives Are Challenging

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Project retrospectives are challenging. I spoke a bit about this in lessons learned vs. project retrospectives. You might look at a merger, acquisition, implementation of a new ERP system, or even a major upgrade of an ERP or CRM system. These are non-reoccurring events. A retrospective of this type is quite different from a typical agile retrospective, primarily because on this type of project, people will change and the project will not repeat (the definition of a project is that it is a unique endeavor). At issue here is the fact that if the people will not be the same and the project does not reoccur – then they can’t come up with actions they will apply right away based on what they learned. Ideas for change often just end up in a spreadsheet, a book shelf, or some electronic tool. A big book of “lessons learned” that sits on the shelf gathering dust does not provide much, if any, value.

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Agile Commitment — Classic Pig & Chicken (Part 1)

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The Pig & Chicken is a cartoon many in the agile community are familiar with. I know some will see it and ask why this one is being rehashed (I know this because I reviewed it with a few people, and they asked). Some will be pretty annoyed since many “strongly dislike” the cartoon (which is fine – please add your comments!). So, for anyone reading this and thinking any of those things, please read on. I want to say, “Don’t worry, I have a plan,” but only you can judge how it pans out for yourself! Tweet the Agile Safari Cartoon!

What Is The Pig & Chicken Cartoon?

For readers who are not familiar with agile (or any agile folks who have not seen the cartoon), the ideas is that the pigs are the team (or Scrum Team). The chickens are everyone else.

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