Spreadsheet sprinting is an easy and cost-effective way to get started with Agile. Too often, Agile adoption involves learning new terminology, tools and methods. Spreadsheet sprinting bypasses the learning curve and enables immediate focus on priorities, goals and tasks. In
Every November the weirs are lifted between Richmond and Teddington Lock for the Thames Annual Draw Off. This allows the Port of London Authority to drain the water to its natural level at low tide so that essential maintenance work
When you present slides in meetings, you know it’s difficult to keep audiences engaged and happy. Not surprising because slide presentations are structured, sequential and always stretch at least 30 minutes. Stakeholders are overbooked, rushed and stressed. People want immediate
Around this time last year, I offered myself to join all ski trips. “If you’re going, I’m in.” The result was really good. I skied in France and Austria. I started at Courchevel Le Praz with Caroline who forced me to ski
Swimlanes provide a good model for focusing efforts in groups trying to reach the Next Key Stage. In my work with startup ventures, I encourage management teams to develop a list of swimlanes. Each swimlane encapsulates effort for driving to
I returned to Twickenham on Saturday. It’s really good to be back. I missed Alice, my children and the insanely stupid dogs. We’re now all in the UK. The children are all at school. New York Finale In New York,
I’m at my desk in Flushing Queens New York. In the States for the first time in 6 months. Been gone long enough that everything’s different. It’s my original home, so I reacquaint quickly and now it all looks the
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a key ingredient of Agile. MVP is a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers, and to provide feedback for future product development. Teams can easily sprint with an MVP Spreadsheet using familiar tools
With my clients the first job is always adopting or improving Agile. My methodology is named, “Agile Agile: The Agile adoption of Agile methodologies”. This piece is about the first steps, winning support and starting to sprint with minimum disruption.
I first experienced Agile methodology at Flip (acquired by Cisco) in 2008. I was a follower. We hired a new engineering director who insisted on Agile. I was skeptical but soon converted. With Agile, our organization of 200 people immediately