I keep hearing that AI has made Agile irrelevant. Okay. I'll throw in the towel. Let's dump Agile altogether.
So, instead, here is by far the best AI-focused way of working that I know:
First,
- The way we treat people and work with them is more important than processes and tools
What do railways and AI have in common? Massive capital, big narratives, broad application. The pattern repeats. Systems thinking explains why the hype always overshoots, and why the brakes never work in time.
I have renewed admiration for programmers. The amount of complexity involved in getting this app together. Even if I kept my spec unaltered there’s so much to think about in terms of implementation that I have to constantly reassess.
For example, should I use objects or dictionaries? Should I use mocks or allow full integration? And, importantly, should I refactor now or put it on a to-do list?
In my enthusiasm for using AI to implement my code, I’m discovering that it’s really important to timebox work because after a while, both I and the AI agent seem to get tired and just accept the status quo.
It’s critical to remain engaged in the process.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring how to build an app using TDD and GitHub Copilot.
Who am I? I’m an electronic engineer, with deep technical on building modern engineering products. I read code pretty well. I am not a programmer.
My advice to any technical non programmers out there is to focus on building stuff. If these tools continue to improve (and I’m sure they will) it might be time to review how your perceive yourself and your role.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring how to build an app using TDD and GitHub Copilot.
Who am I? I’m an electronic engineer, with deep technical on building modern engineering products. I read code pretty well. I am not a programmer.
It’s hard to describe the impact this is having on me. Rather than being hung up about ‘not being able to code’ I can focus on my core strengths and use those to create products.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring how to build an app using TDD and GitHub Copilot.
Who am I? I’m an electronic engineer, with deep technical on building modern engineering products. I read code pretty well. I am not a programmer.
It’s been an extraordinary experience and has changed how I think about AI.
For me, it’s a leveller. My deep technical skills and understanding of what good looks like allow me to guide copilot through implementation using techniques such as spec driven development and TDD.
It’s not always easy for people to ascertain how they feel (if they have trauma, if they are neurodivergent, etc). It’s important to keep in mind when having conversations about stress and mental health. #sydtechleaders
Reminder that we are still looking for Lightning talk speakers for our Nov. 6 meetup. Great for first timers, and we’ll even give you some mentoring if you like! #sydtechleaders
Our first speaker is Saliya Kutungu-Moran talking about leading with kindness and creating space for mental health conversations. She’s an RUOK ambassador with lots of experience in tech, and we’re so glad she’s here. #sydtechleaders
Tonight’s talks are obviously going to be a bit more personal than usual, so social media posting will be restricted to high level topics. ❤️ #sydtechleaders
When using augmentation coding tools:
Begin in a TDD/ATDD fashion and write your tests first.
START with business value tests & work downwards
Challenge any changes to a test.
Keep encouraging test coverage reviews
Refactor your tests!
Tests are a safety net and will keep any tools on track
Such a lovely meetup! Highly encourage people to attend the next one anarchy…https://virtualddd.com/sessions/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-anarchy-but-were-afraid-to-ask-andrew-harmel-law/
@annemariecharrett.com delivered an amazing talk last night. She talked about what is quality in what context amongst many other things, what a great take!
Video now available @virtualddd.comwww.youtube.com/watch?v=5hk-...
By the way, we hit a milestone at #sydtechleaders tonight - an actual queue at the women’s restroom! It’s exciting to see such a diverse group in the room, and it’s a credit to the organising team! 🏆💪🚽
A couple suggestions from Ben: bring the work to where the people are; simplify to reduce cognitive load (don’t bury the lede!); consider adding some friction to slow things down, manage the timing of your nudges and prompts, and AUTOMATE! #sydtechleaders
It’s very tempting to think of leadership as taking ACTION, as always having the right answer. But that can put a lot of pressure on you… #sydtechleaders
Our first speaker is @jadeedward.bsky.social talking about glue work. Every team has someone that fills this role, but it’s often not recognised or rewarded. #sydtechleaders
At @sydtechleaders.bsky.social tonight for the first time in a while, great turnout!
Also if you want to come to the next ones then here’s the schedule
As I walk across the harbour bridge today on the #marchforhumanity I can’t help but think about the countries where marching is a life endangering experience- let’s not take our rights for granted
Protest march in Sydney against starvation & devastation in Palestine will be reduced by rain. Sydney Harbour Bridge marches usually very photogenic but won’t be today because of rain
The conclusion I’m coming to, is that what matters is how you build your empire, not what your empire ends up as.
I say this as a beginner in intentional empire building. Most times I run away from this crap. But not today.
Today I fight for my way.
If you are in leadership, like it or not your in involved in the business of empire building. The question to ask yourself is whose empire are you building? And if it was your empire, what would you want it to look like?
Enterprise is empire building. Not all empires look alike though. The ones that intrigue me are those that don’t follow org structures. Can you spot them?