Continuous Learning

I haven’t written in a while because I was involved in an intense short-term project that consumed all my available time. The project has a very aggressive time-line and a very ambitious goal. Even with an all-star cast the project still basically consumed everyone’s midnight oil. After I am done with my part, I had to sleep for a couple of days to recuperate. Some of the people sustained even longer hours.

Now that the project is finished, everyone looks back and realizes that we have just accomplished a heroic effort. That brings to my reflection for the day - heroics.

One of the recurring themes you will find in my articles is that people is the most important part of the software management puzzle. I just cannot overemphasize that. Most methodologies are focused on how to deliver, but simply assume that we will have “quality” people without justification. I had painstakingly tried to argue the opposite - it does not matter what methodology you have, the most important thing is to have the right people. The fact is, top notch folks are not just sitting around the corners waiting to come onto your project.

All above are kinda lost in most methodologies. Keep reading →