Author name: Johanna

I help you identify and solve the problems that prevent you from releasing systems, hiring the right people, deciding which project to work on next. I take a pragmatic approach: what will work best for you, now? Some people call me a focuser. Some call me an accelerator. When I work with people, first we define our goal together. Typically, it's to get a better product out the door faster. I work with my clients to help managers figure out how to do the managing better, and how the technical contributors can contribute better, not to create a by-the-book system. I work with you, your staff, and your current product development practices. Together, we learn what works well for you and what doesn't. I believe in changing only what needs to be changed at the current time, to maximize your success. We work together to develop a blueprint for the future, and to build in capacity to recognize and implement change.

MPD, podcast

Podcast Posted

I’ve been wanting to start podcasting for a while. Now, I finally seem to have enough tools that I can do it! Thanks to Clarke‘s suggestion, I’m using libsyn, and I do believe iTunes is syndicating the podcast also. So, here is the link to my first podcast: Timeboxes Help Multisite Teams on libsyn. I […]

HTP, job analysis

Being Specific When Analyzing a Job

I led a 90-minute Hiring for an Agile Team workshop at AgileItx! this past week. I ask each team in the workshop to call out a candidate’s quality, preference, or non-technical skill that they look for in a team. One of the teams said, “teamwork.” Well, teamwork means a lot of things to lots of

hiring strategy, HTP

Why is Ageism Alive and Well?

One of the nice things about the social networking sites such as LinkedIn, is that they allow me to reconnect with people I worked with years ago. I recently re-met a colleague from my undergraduate days, and a colleague I worked with 25 years ago. I mentioned to one of these colleagues’ peers that I’d

lifecycle, MPD

Waterfall Projects Create Naivete

I’ve been working with several clients on their transitions to agile–or at least, more agile approaches to their projects. In each case, the managers decided to move towards agile because the technical staff were in their words, “naive” about the project goals. To be fair, none of the projects had a vision or release criteria,

MPD, project management

Handoffs Don't Work

I recently spoke with a project manager. He was concerned about the product managers handing off the requirements to the development staff. He was right to be concerned. Handoffs don’t work.  The more people think they are done with “their” part, the less likely you are to receive/finish a great product. That’s because no one

newsletter

Refocusing: Emerging from the Split Focus Schedule Game

Refocusing: Emerging from the Split Focus Schedule Game You see your manager bounding down the hall towards your office. You know what’s going to happen before he gets there–he’s going to ask you to take on yet another project in addition to the three you’re trying to juggle now. You want to run and hide.

MPD

PSL in Sweden in January 2009

I’m pleased to announce that Esther, Jerry, and I will be co-teaching another PSL in Sweden in January of 2009. (You don’t have to be Swedish to participate!) Magnus has announced it, PSL Sweden 09! If you’re thinking about PSL, please join us.

hiring strategy, HTP

What Are Your Expectations for New Grads?

Jack Vinson writes in New Grad Hires: Ready and Willing, but Are They Able?, The solution is to hire people who have the general skills, capability, and/or experience you need and then train them in the missing aspects. That’s the way it has always been. For technical staff, expect to spend time helping them develop

MPD

Make Technical Debt Visible

Some folks have told me in their agile projects that they are able to deal with technical debt as they find it. They are a lucky few. But more have been stumped: “I find something. I really can’t fix it now. But I don’t know what to do with it.” I’ve suggested putting it on

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