Tough question. As I write my first post on this blog after a long long time, I wonder if the world has actually moved on? The misinterpretations, myths and downright abuse is rampant and the bright spots few and far. I teach, guide and coach young and experienced teams. Because of my work, I also get the opportunity to meet some really bright software professionals – some who have considerable experience with software engineering processes, including Agile. Some recent conversations in some of India’s (and world’s) top companies around agile practices were like this.
Beginners:
- It means too much pressure.
- It means micromanagement.
- Our company is too unique for this.
- Are testers going to be out of the job?
- Does it really work?
Intermediate:
- Our product management sucks.
- Why are we forced to enter details in an electronic system?
- It is not as cool as it is made out to be.
- How do you get anything done really?
- Does it really work?
Advanced:
- Agile is not the answer.
- Processes need to be customized.
- You need the help of a software coach.
- Process without engineering excellence does not work.
- It depends.
That’s how it is now. That’s how it was years ago. Agile is now talked about by more people and in more countries but the rise has not been exponential. Is this because Agile has still to figure out challenges like scaling (SAFe and others are trying), real-time support (Kanban) and aligning the organization (Lean)? Or because, Agile starts as a destination but ends up becoming a journey, sometimes tedious and many a times, one with cross roads that take a while to figure out. Or maybe, I am not exposed enough. It is exciting to resume writing again.
