Author Archives: Steve Ropa
Where Are We Going Out After the Meeting?
I haven’t posted for quite a while, mostly because I’ve been spending a *ton* of time with some really amazing clients. What a great year! Teams are really starting to move forward with those aspects of agile that really make … Continue reading
Learning Your Agile Scales – Part 2
In Part 1 of “Learning Your Agile Scales” I why it’s important to learn and practice your scales in agile development. Here we will cover three forms of scales you should make part of your basic language: Test Driven-Development, Object … Continue reading
Learning Your Agile Scales – Part 1
Recently, we looked at how a jazz combo is a great metaphor for the interactions and exchanges that make up a great small team. The question then comes to mind, “surely, isn’t there more to it than that?” The answer … Continue reading
A Musical Approach to Agile Development Teams – Part 2 of 2
In Part 1 of this post I explained why it’s important for agile development teams to have distinct specialties – very similar to the way a jazz combo works together to create beautiful music. In this post I’ll continue my … Continue reading
A Musical Approach to Agile Development Teams – Part 1 of 2
<Adapted from my article in CM Crossroads article titled, “Making Beautiful Music Together”> Have you ever watched a jazz combo? The performance starts with the leader counting off the rhythm, then stepping away. Then the drummer begins to lay down … Continue reading
Waterfall? Get Over it Already!
Is it fair to call Quasimodo ugly? Earlier this year, on the LinkedIn Agile and Lean Software discussion group, someone posted the question, “Is it fair or accurate to malign the waterfall process as is rote when people push agile … Continue reading
Everything I learned about Scrum Teams I learned from M*A*S*H
I like to participate in discussion groups. I enjoy the discussions themselves, and I also like “meeting” the folks who are participating. There are a lot of questions that get repeated in those groups, but I personally feel that the … Continue reading
I got my Agile Merit Badge! Now What?
For years now, I’ve been saying there is no such thing as an agile merit badge. My point was very simple. I wanted people to realize that the goal of what we are doing here is not to “Be Agile” … Continue reading
Can an Agile Team have Managers?
I have a confession to make. I’m a manager. I’ve been a manager for many years. I’ve led agile development teams most of that time. I’ve been told I’m a pretty good manager. And when I look in the mirror, … Continue reading
When is it Good Enough?
I’m a woodworker. I love to work with wood, and I truly enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes from the work I do. I think this is why the software Craftsmanship movement rings true for me. I find many of the aspects … Continue reading