Here's This Agile Thing

Summary: In most organizations, the traditional path of systems and software development falls into what Tim Ottinger describes as Scatter-Gather. Examined carefully and objectively, it is an exceedingly inefficient approach for development, and yet it crops up everywhere.   This episode, we get to talk to Tim Ottinger about why this Scatter-Gather pattern has predominated, how to expose the inefficiencies and what are more productive approaches instead.  A genuinely insightful discussion that lays bare the dysfunctions residing in many IT organizations and how to fix them.

Summary:   Dysfunction Mapping is a practical method developed by Michael Lloyd to help organizations spot and fix hidden problems that slow them down. It systematically identifies areas where communication breaks down, processes aren’t working, or team dynamics are strained. The goal isn’t just to point out flaws but to create a clear path toward smoother operations and a healthier workplace culture.   This week we are joined by our friends (and colleagues) Rick Waters and Marcelo Lopez Jr. who conduct a 2 day class on Dysfunction Mapping. Rick and Marcelo provide an overview and address not just the what, but also the why behind Dysfunction Mapping and make it accessible to everyone who strives to improve their organization's operations.

Summary:   What might a successful organization look like (and function like) if launched from day 1 adhering to agile values and principles? This week we are joined by Chandresh Patel, Founder and CEO of Bacancy Groups, a visionary entrepreneur who is passionate about innovation, leadership, and building people-centric organizations.   Chandresh shares insight into the foundations upon which he built Bacancy with thoughtful, intentional and sustainable growth. Adaptability and growing experimentally is baked in. He also shares his “Happiness First” philosophy, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being as the cornerstone of success. Lot's to learn here about his focus, the goals of the organization and cultivating leaders.

Summary: Here's a proposition - that the application of Agile has not delivered to desired organizational outcomes. What has been the ROI of the implementation of agile concepts and principles? Matt proposes that TOC addresses the gap.   Once again we open "The Goal" to interpret the practical use of Thinking Process Tools (some are trees, some are clouds) introduced in the book. How can we leverage the tools in TOC to deliver organizational effectiveness and measurable outcomes?  Let us help you navigate the trees in the proverbial forest.

Summary:   Time for a book deep dive. This episode we dig into the Theory of Constraints as explained in the management novel "The Goal" by late Eli Goldratt (Goldratt and Cox) in 1984. Some deep (and sometimes vociferous) debate on dissecting the language, the context of the 80's (when the book was published)  and what in fact should be a worthy goal for an organization.   Questions we consider are: is it as simplistic as "to make more money"? Or is the goal to provide quality, valuable products/services to the market in a sustainable manner? Given the make money language, are the principles from the book still applicable for not-for-profit organizations?