ENGINEERING
Establishing Development Practices
Workflow and Processes
Standardized workflows like Agile methodologies (Scrum or Kanban) ensure clear priorities, streamlined collaboration, and predictable delivery schedules.
Why it's Important
Aligns the team on shared priorities and timelines.
Improves communication and reduces misunderstandings.
Provides visibility into progress and bottlenecks.
How to Implement
Select a development methodology (Scrum, Kanban, Lean, etc.) based on team needs.
Define team rituals, such as daily standups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
Use backlog grooming sessions to prioritize tasks effectively.
Incorporate AI tools to assist with sprint planning and resource allocation.
Create and document workflows for feature development, bug fixes, and deployments.
Available Workshops
Agile Onboarding Workshop: Introduce team members to Agile principles and workflows.
Sprint Planning Simulation: Practice prioritizing and planning tasks for an upcoming sprint.
Kanban Board Setup Session: Create and configure Kanban boards to visualize workflows.
Process Mapping Workshop: Define key workflows, including task creation, testing, and deployment.
Retrospective Roleplay: Conduct mock retrospectives to practice identifying and addressing bottlenecks.
AI-Enhanced Planning Session: Use AI tools like Jira Automation or Linear for sprint optimization.
Deliverables
Defined development methodology with clear rituals.
Documented workflows for task creation, assignment, and completion.
Configured tools like Kanban boards or sprint backlogs.
How to Measure
Velocity or number of tasks completed per sprint.
Team satisfaction with workflows as gathered in retrospectives.
Reduction in blockers or delays over time.
Real-World Examples
Spotify
Developed a unique Agile methodology tailored to autonomous feature teams.
Uses OKRs combined with Agile to maintain focus and adaptability.
Netflix
Operates with minimal processes, relying on a “freedom and responsibility” culture paired with Lean workflows.
Get It Right
Select a methodology that matches the team’s size and structure.
Involve the team in defining workflows to ensure buy-in.
Make processes flexible to adapt to changing needs.
Use retrospectives to continuously improve workflows.
Leverage AI tools to automate repetitive tasks and optimize planning.
Don't Make These Mistakes
Over-engineering processes that slow down progress.
Ignoring team feedback on what works and doesn’t.
Sticking rigidly to a methodology without room for adaptation.
Neglecting documentation for workflows, leading to inconsistencies.
Failing to use retrospectives to address inefficiencies.
Provided courtesy of Tricia Ballad, Tech Leader
Disentangled Tech