Articles

Blending Test Automation Approaches

One hundred percent test automation and 100 percent exploratory testing are absolutes. They make for great arguments, but, for those of us stuck in the great middle ground, those positions aren't very helpful. Matthew Heusser describes a blended approach to software testing, explains how some of his clients have used it over the long term, and provides tips for evaluating and adapting your approach.

Agile2011: Adam Sroka—Jokes, JavaScript, and My First Employee

Podcast

Adam and Bob Payne chat about the JavaScript, the federated wiki, and a wide variety of topics as usual.

Kanban and Lean Startup: Making the Most of Both

Alexei Zheglov reflects on his startup experience and David Anderson’s kanban method in light of Eric Ries’ lean startup movement. Making the most of both approaches requires understanding how they relate to each other.

Dear Author

In my role as technical editor for the Agile Journal and as a reviewer for my trusted colleagues, I have the opportunity to read drafts of articles and some books. I see some troublesome behavior. I know it because I exhibit it. In all cases, the author receives feedback the author doesn’t like, but doesn’t want to stop writing.

Management Myth #3: We Must Treat Everyone the Same Way

One of the biggest management myths is, “I must treat everyone the same way.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone has different goals for their career, and those change over the course of a career.

Seven Things to Do Before Starting an Agile Transformation

Where does innovation come from, and how do we get there? Building the next great product may require companies to undergo an agile transformation.

How Customers Describe Negative Experiences

Customers are quick to voice their displeasure after a negative experience, but they're also quick to embellish the level of their displeasure whether they know they're doing it or not. Learn how to control the wildfire-like spreading of bad reviews by ensuring you put out those fires masterfully.

Agile2011: Bob Martin—Clean Coders, Purity of Essence, and Ten Years of the Manifesto

Podcast

Bob Martin talks about his book and videocasts of his work getting the code in clean and right. He expands on his discussion of craftsmanship and the habits of coders that code clean. He also discusses the ten years of the manifesto and the growth of agile.

Leverage Reverse Mentoring to Positively Impact Your Organization

Introducing a reverse mentoring program provides both employees and managers benefits beyond simply learning a new technology or skill.

Book Review: Personal Kanban: Mapping Work | Navigating Life

As a consultant, I want the flexibility to adapt my work to take advantage of opportunities that might arise in a given week–to write an article or blog post, or to propose a project to a new client. And, while I try to plan a week’s worth work, I need the flexibility to adapt my work on the fly. I work in small chunks, finishing work. I like seeing completed work. I have a great sense of accomplishment when I see completed work.