It is a new year and that usually means it is time to think about new beginnings.  In this case we want to talk about new agile beginnings, or agile transitions.  Hardly surprising, right?  What is surprising is how few agile transitions go well the first time.  That is why this month's newsletter is going to be on the topic of starting well!

 

First of all, let's get some statistics out of the way. Here are some stats from the VersionOne 2008 State of Agile Development Survey:

In short, only 55% of agile teams are completing at least 75% of their projects successfully, while 45% are still struggling. In addition, there is a lack of agile knowledge, which we believe leads to people falling back into old habits accounting for teams not adhering to the process.  Because we have seen these types of numbers (or worse) when we are brought in to help new clients we are not surprised by the numbers.

 

What then should be done to change the situation?  We propose three simple steps to start well:

We believe these three steps form a good starting point.  Obviously we are biased about the training and coaching since that is what we do, but the statistics make our point for us.  It really boils down to economics:  Is it worth $2000 to send someone to a CSM course (course and travel) and expect the team to "get it," or is it better to spend $10k-$20k to make sure the team gets the training and coaching it needs to be successful?  If you spend $2000 and the team isn't successful, what is the true cost?  Most companies quickly understand the loss of productivity, a project failure, loss of quality, loss of morale, etc. all cost far more than investing in the proper training and coaching up front.

 

We hope you will forward this newsletter to your friends via the link at the bottom.  Especially friends where the company is considering agile.  With the current economy companies really need to understand it is not always about the least cost option.  Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and in the case of a process change it is really necessary to do it properly.  The cost is too high to do it incorrectly!  To help in that regard, any company that mentions this article when booking an assessment, course or coaching before March 31, 2009 (actual delivery must occur prior to May 31, 2009) will receive 20% off the normal price. The list of available courses is at www.agileforall.com/courses/.  Note, we also have some public courses coming up in the Denver area.

 

I hate to say it, but I think most agile companies suffer something I'll call PMD - Product Management Dysfunction.  For years I have said a dysfunctional product champion (product owner, customer, whatever you want to call it) is a leading cause of agile project failure.  The fact this is still true a decade after agile started gaining popularity is distressing to me.  In fact, during my recuperation from hip replacement surgery (more on that in a moment) I became so distressed by it that I started complaining to a friend of mine.  That ended up getting us both upset!

 

The good news is that we are doing something about it.  See the sidebar on the right of this newsletter?  Well, there is an event on March 9/10 which is our response to this problem.  We're going to hold a course to help people learn how agile product management (regardless of the title you call it) can and should be done.  This course is a breakthrough on many levels and as aimed at people that are currently product managers, business analysts, product owners, customer proxies or any other product facing role in an agile or soon-to-be agile environment.  Click the Read More button in the sidebar to learn more.

 

The second thing I want to do this month is give a quick thank-you to Borland for inviting me to be a part of their agile panel discussion at the Agile Development Practices conference.  I love panel discussions, especially when the audience gets to ask questions!  If you want to see the entire thing you can view by clicking here.  You may need to complete a free registration on the Borland site to see it.  The entire video last just under an hour.  I did a good job if I may say so myself!

 

Now, about that hip surgery...  It went great!!!  I am so pleased I can't even put it into words.  Thanks to everyone who inquired about my health.  It was great to get those emails and cards.  Interestingly, instead of getting the hoped for Birmingham Hip Resurfacing I ended up having to get a total hip replacement.  Recovery time is 6 weeks (which will be up on Tuesday the 20th of January), but I already feel great.  I didn't know if after 6 weeks I'd still be in a walker or using a cane, but it turns out the answer is neither.  I've been walking fine for the past couple of weeks without any aids, and without any pain.  I expect I'll have a bit more pain in the coming weeks as I'm able to do more things, and physical therapy starts.  But it won't deter me - having no pain after walking more than a few steps is miraculous, and having no pain after walking a mile was something I never dreamed could happen so quickly.  But it has.  If you know of anyone that needs to have hip replacement surgery and they want to email someone about it, have them contact me.  I am extremely pleased with the result and only wish I had done it sooner!