Why Agile Works: Feedback

[Scott Ambler]

I think the problem I had with this statement is the "anyone can refactor anyone else's code" part. Although it's basically true, there needs to be a team culture that steers when it's ok to just refactor the code, and when you need to consult the original author. It's something a team that isn't used to this way of working actively needs to learn.

One of the challenges that agile teams need to overcome is ensuring that developers are responsible. At When Does(n't) Agile Modeling Make Sense? I state: You require responsible and motivated developers. Agile software development requires developers that have the discipline to work together to develop quality software, and who are often generalizing specialists. The implication is that you need a healthy team environment, one in which people trust one another and help each other to succeed. Contrary to what many of the detractors of agile development will tell you, my experience is that you don�t need people that can walk on water instead you simply need people who want to get the job done and who have the ability to work with others effectively.

- Scott

[Ilja Preuss]

Originally posted by Scott Ambler:

Contrary to what many of the detractors of agile development will tell you, my experience is that you don�t need people that can walk on water instead you simply need people who want to get the job done and who have the ability to work with others effectively.

Full agreement.

Another thing many sceptics overlook is that nobody gets born as a team player - it's a skill set that needs to be learned. You can't expect to just break down the cubicle walls and everyone being the perfect team player. It needs time and training.

[Michael Duffy]

Originally posted by Ilja Preuss:


The rest is very interesting, too...

Brilliant stuff, Ilja. Thanks for the reference.

It never ceases to amaze me how forums like this can connect me with smart people halfway around the world that I've never met, yet they influence my thought process. The Internet is an amazing thing.

[Michael Duffy]

Originally posted by Ilja Preuss:


Full agreement.

Another thing many sceptics overlook is that nobody gets born as a team player - it's a skill set that needs to be learned. You can't expect to just break down the cubicle walls and everyone being the perfect team player. It needs time and training.

Yes, indeed.

How to break down those walls? I guess it's like asking how to make a friend. It's really about relationships between the people on the team.

It's an interesting social question. I wrestle with it in my current environment, along with more mundane questions like "Should we use Spring and Hibernate to refactor application X, or just roll our own 'framework' with patterns?"