Greetings and salutations fellow Agile enthusiasts! Today, I want to share an exciting revelation I had about Agile whilst hanging out with my geese, Gary and Gertie after work today. You might be thinking oh boy, Theresa is off on one of her tangents again and wondering how geese relate to Agile, but trust me, the similarities are striking! So, grab a cuppa and get ready for a wild ride into the world of Gary and Gertie: Agility geese in training!
- Honk! Communication is key. If there's one thing geese are known for, it's their honking communication. Similarly, in Agile, effective communication is vital. Geese honk to maintain a clear line of communication with their flock, just like how Agile teams rely on open and transparent communication to succeed. So, next time you're in a meeting, give it your best honk to get your point across! Perhaps not as loud as Gary though.
- V-Formation: The Agile way to fly. When geese migrate, they fly in a V-formation, which allows them to maximize their flying efficiency. Similarly, Agile teams work in collaboration, forming a cohesive unit that boosts their productivity. Just like geese take turns leading the V-formation, Agile teams rotate leadership roles, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute their strengths. Gary also reminded me that the V stands for Velocity. Gary is a bit cheeky if you have not picked up on that yet.
- Feathered Feedback: Have you ever seen geese grooming each other's feathers? It's not just about looking good; it's about providing feedback! Geese help each other out by removing dirt and pests from their feathers, just as Agile teams provide continuous feedback to help each other improve. Remember, feedback is a gift, even if it sometimes feels like a pest!
- Goose Egg Timeboxing: Geese have a fixed time for incubating their eggs. This timeboxing approach ensures that the eggs are not left unattended for too long or hatched prematurely. Similarly, Agile teams timebox their work into sprints, allowing them to focus on delivering value within a set timeframe. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember to timebox your tasks like a pro goose!
- Adaptability: The Goose Quotient. Geese are adaptable creatures. They can handle changing weather conditions, adjust their migration patterns, and find new feeding grounds. Agile teams embrace change and are quick to adapt their plans to meet evolving requirements. So, let your inner goose shine by being flexible and ready to pivot when needed!
- Goose Collaboration vs. Lone Flying. In reference to point 2. while geese can fly solo, they achieve far greater distances when they work together. Similarly, Agile encourages collaboration and teamwork, fostering an environment where everyone's strengths are leveraged for the greater good. So, don't be a lone goose; join forces with your Agile teammates and soar to new heights!
- Sense of Urgency. Ever noticed how geese make a ruckus when danger approaches? I do. Today I caught them looking up and telling the flock to get inside, THIS WAS NOT A DRILL. There was an eagle or something up high. They have a sense of urgency that alerts the entire flock. Agile teams also embrace a sense of urgency, driving them to pivot, deliver value quickly and respond promptly to changes. So, let your inner goose honk loudly when it's time to step up the pace! Again, maybe not quite as loud as Gary.
Agile and geese may seem worlds apart, but the underlying principles and behaviors are similar. From effective communication and collaboration to adaptability and a sense of urgency, these geese have a lot to teach us about being Agile. So, let's embrace our inner geese and fly through our Agile journeys with confidence, honking all the way!
Until next time, my fellow Agile geese!
Honk-honk, Agile Coach in training Gary Goose and Theresa signing off!
We hope you had a good laugh.
