This is my last post for 2011 and I’ll keep it brief. I’d like to wrap up the year with two words: Context and Team.
Context
I read many rants on Twitter, blogs and various online publications regarding one software development approach versus another. In many cases, the context is missing. Without context, I can’t agree or disagree.
- Is the project small or large?
- Is the company a start-up or an enterprise?
- Is the technology new or proven?
- Is the staff junior or experienced?
You get the point. Every idea sucks in the wrong context and can be brilliant in the right one. Context matters.
Team
I read many complaints about poor development practices and incompetent software developers. It’s important to recognize that enterprise software development is a team activity. Small desktop utilities and mobile apps can be developed, tested and released single-handedly. Enterprise-scale systems cannot.
Software developers on a team have an obligation to communicate, collaborate and support fellow team members. Teams can’t be agile without teamwork. Before you complain about your team, ask yourself one simple question: “What have I done to support my team?” Not your boss, project leader or Scrum Master — your team!
It’s okay to complain — it really is — just do it in a constructive way.