#10 Implementing Agile

Reality Check - Sprint-0

The team is selected, the scrum master is identified, scrum training is provided to the team, product owner has explained the 'product vision' to the team and every one is ready to get into the first sprint. Are we really ready?. It is a good time to do a reality check with the team. Here is the questionnaire;

1) Do I really understand the product vision?. Do I need further clarity on this?

2) Do I understand the scrum framework?. Do I need further clarity on this?

3) Do I understand the technology to be used in the project?. Do I need any formal training?

4) Do I have the facilities and equipment to do my work properly?

5) Do I understand the definition of 'done' within this sprint?

6) Am I clear about my responsibilities within the sprint?. Do I need further clarity?

7) Can I commit to this sprint?. Will other known priorities affect my availability to this sprint?

8) If other priorities are going to affect the availability, please mention;

8.a) How many hours / day I will be available to the sprint?

8.b) Which are the hours I will be available to the sprint?

If the scrum master can get this filled up by all the team members including himself, the will be able to take care of lots of known unknowns :-)

#7 Implementing agile

Right attitude

" Obstacles are the things we see, when we take our eyes off the target "

Agile is all about risk taking, and making things happen. Making this happen in an offshore / out sourced environment is quite challenging, as the work environment is not conducive for risk taking. There is no silver bullet to achieve this. The team leader, the team and the HR should work on this together.

Are you a project manager and a smoker?

Smoking is prohibited from Oct 2nd onwards in all public places of India. If you are caught while smoking, the fine is Rs.200. Why?. Last year 900,000 Indians died due to diseases from smoking. I personally see this as a great opportunity for all smokers to quit smoking. If you are a project manager in India, you are violating the professional responsibility of the project manager (violating the rules of the country, not being socially responsible), if you violate this rule. So quit smoking.