Software Teamwork

“If your desire is to effect change or have more influence on a software team, you could either stumble around in the dark for a few years, experimenting with different techniques, or you could buy, read, and apply the techniques in this book. This choice, of course, is up to you.”–Matthew Heusser “Jim Brosseau’s understanding of the true dynamics of the IT workplace shows through in Software Teamwork. For those on the IT solution delivery front lines, and for those who manage them, his insights and wisdom will lead to not only better projects, but a better work life as well.”–Bruce A. Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Accendor Research, Inc. Optimizing the Human Side of Software Development: Real Solutions Based on Real Data and Experience Software Teamwork is a compelling, innovative, intensely practical guide to improving the human dynamics that are crucial to building great software. Drawing on years of work with a wide range of teams, Jim Brosseau shows how to drive powerful improvements through small, focused changes that deliver results. These changes are designed to work for the whole team and respect existing organizational culture. Better yet, Brosseau identifies solutions you can start implementing right now, as an individual, without waiting for executive buy-in. Whatever your methodology, technology, or organization, Software Teamwork demonstrates how to apply solutions to realistic development challenges involving complex sets of stakeholders. Along the way, Brosseau shares important new insights into the attitudes, motives, and personal relationships that project management software just can’t track. Software Teamwork is a revelation–and an invaluable working resource for every project team member, leader, and stakeholder. Preface xv Acknowledgments xxi About the Author xxiii Part I: The Problem Space Chapter 1: Why Are We So Challenged? 3 Chapter 2: Do the Right Thing 23 Part II: Individuals Chapter 3: The Right Stuff 39 Chapter 4: A Quality Focus 53 Chapter 5: Facing Challenges 65 Chapter 6: Proactive Effectiveness 81 Chapter 7: Sustainability 95 Part III: Groups Chapter 8: Communication 109 Chapter 9: Motives and Expectations 125 Chapter 10: Playing Well Together 143 Part IV: Teams Chapter 11: Alignment 161 Chapter 12: Organization 177 Chapter 13: Coordination 199 Chapter 14: Guidance 217 Part V: Stakeholders Chapter 15: Customers 235 Chapter 16: Setting Goals 243 Chapter 17: Specification 259 Chapter 18: Prioritization 273 Chapter 19: Change 283 Chapter 20: Progress 295 Part VI: Putting It All Together Chapter 21: Pick Your Battles 311 Chapter 22: Flexibility and Rigor 323 Chapter 23: Progress Revisited 335 Chapter 24: Change Revisited 345 Chapter 25: Constant Vigilance 361 Part VII: Appendix Appendix: Core Tools 375 Index 387