Ron Jeffries, when someone asks for data to “prove” that XP or some development practice works, is wont to say that the person they’re trying to convince may be asking for evidence, but it’s not likely that the evidence will convince them. (Continued)
Over on the ScrumDevelopment yahoo group, a ScrumMaster reported problems getting the Product Owner fully involved in the development process. Part of the problem is that the Product Owner isn’t co-located with the development team. The physical distance will certainly make participation more difficult, and less sure. That’s something to work on.
The Product Owner is not following the “rules” of Scrum, and this is frustrating the ScrumMaster. He’s likely right that playing the game by the rules will benefit everyone. He asks for advice on how to handle the situation. (Continued)
In my post on Overcoming Resistance, I said, “I wanted to write an article with a shining example of a time when I didn’t try to overcome resistance, but used it to advantage, instead.” Besides the Velvet Elvis principle that Don Gray describes, there’s another reason why one didn’t come to mind.
You see, actually listening to people doesn’t work in a big, noisy way like that. Instead, it’s a quietly effective activity that doesn’t call attention to itself.
When was the last time you said, “Boy, I really listened to her, didn’t I!” Hmmm… Doesn’t have the same verbal punch as “Boy, I really told her, didn’t I!” It’s just more effective, that’s all.