Category: agile

What is “Right Sizing” in AWS and Why is it Important?

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AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a popular cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes. While the flexibility and scalability of AWS makes it a valuable asset for many organizations, it can also lead to the inefficient use of resources if not managed properly. This is where "right sizing" comes in. Why Right Sizing is Important Right sizing is the process of optimizing the use of AWS resources to ensure that you are paying for what you actually need, and not overspending on unnecessary resources. Regular AWS usage right sizing discussions are necessary for tech organizations for several reasons. Cost optimization: One of the primary reasons to right size your AWS usage is… Continue reading What is “Right Sizing” in AWS and Why is it Important?

Diffusion of Responsibility in a Scrum Team

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

Diffusion of responsibility is a phenomenon that can occur in any work setting including on a Scrum team where each team member feels that they are not individually responsible for the outcome of the product they are working on and thus they may not put in their best effort. It can show up in any meeting accompanied by long silences when questions are asked by a Product Owner, Scrum Master or perhaps a senior developer who takes on more than their fair share of the work. In a remote world, this problem can easily be compounded by keeping cameras off in meetings. This can easily become a destructive anti-pattern in a Scrum team because it can lead to decreased accountability, reduced motivation, and ultimately a decrease in team performance.

The Importance of Change

Andrew Michael Miller2 Comments
the importance of change

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life that we cannot avoid, no matter how hard we try. It can be difficult to embrace, especially if it involves significant life changes like starting a new job, moving to a new city, or having a child. It's chaotic by nature. But, as Petyr Baelish in Game of Thrones famously said, "chaos is a ladder." Change forces us to adapt and overcome a certain amount of stress in order to reach a new equilibrium. Change is often hard to endure, but it can lead to positive outcomes, especially if you lean into it.

“Stop Starting and Start Finishing” in Work and Life

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

Have you ever heard of the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"? This phrase perfectly captures the idea behind the discipline of "Stop Starting and Start Finishing". The idea is that we tend to start many things but fail to follow through and finish them. This leads to a lot of unfinished work and unfulfilled promises, which can create a feeling of frustration and defeat. Personally, I've experienced this a lot in my life - especially when it comes to my creative work. It's a big reason why I created this blog. The term "Stop Starting and Start Finishing," which is often used in software development circles, was popularized by Brian Tracy, a renowned motivational speaker… Continue reading “Stop Starting and Start Finishing” in Work and Life

Flow Metrics and WSJF: Two Keys to the SAFe

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

SAFe, or Scaled Agile Framework, is a popular method for managing large, complex projects. It is designed to help organizations implement agile practices at scale, and it provides a structure for organizing and coordinating work across multiple teams. To be successful with SAFe as an organization, it is essential to have a deep understanding of flow metrics and WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First).