https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/concepts/method/ Recent content in Method on Engineering as a Leadership System Hugo en Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:40:35 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/work-can-flow-across-the-sprint-boundary/ Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:12:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/work-can-flow-across-the-sprint-boundary/ Allowing work to flow across Sprint boundaries is permitted in Scrum and can improve delivery speed, responsiveness, and value, as long as teams maintain clear, outcome-focused Sprint Goals and consistently deliver Done increments. Adopting practices like Continuous Delivery, feature toggles, and frequent feedback helps teams validate work early and adapt quickly. Development managers should encourage flow principles and robust engineering practices to maximize throughput and support better business decisions. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-tackle-technical-debt-for-sustainable-growth/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:28 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-tackle-technical-debt-for-sustainable-growth/ Unchecked technical debt slows development, increases bugs, and reduces team productivity, making scaling risky and inefficient. Addressing weak points through sustainable architecture, automated testing, and continuous integration enables faster feedback, more reliable releases, and confident growth. Development managers should prioritize managing technical debt and automation to support sustainable scaling and maintain innovation. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-hidden-costs-of-poor-quality-code-and-how-to-turn-it-into-a-superpower/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:58:28 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-hidden-costs-of-poor-quality-code-and-how-to-turn-it-into-a-superpower/ Poor-quality code leads to escalating costs, lost productivity, and damage to team morale and brand reputation, while also causing missed opportunities for innovation. Simplifying branching, limiting supported versions, and investing in engineering excellence and security can dramatically boost productivity and customer satisfaction. Development managers should prioritize code quality improvements now to unlock greater efficiency and long-term organizational success. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/stop-writing-business-logic-in-stored-procedures/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/stop-writing-business-logic-in-stored-procedures/ Stop adding business logic to stored procedures and refactor existing logic into application code as you make changes, rather than rewriting everything at once. Keeping business logic in stored procedures makes testing, deployment, version control, scalability, and maintainability much harder, increasing technical debt and risk. Adopt a gradual, pay-as-you-go approach to modernize your codebase, improve engineering practices, and enable faster, more reliable delivery. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-rapid-delivery-overcoming-common-devops-challenges-for-agile-success/ Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-rapid-delivery-overcoming-common-devops-challenges-for-agile-success/ Many teams struggle to deliver products quickly due to slow feedback loops, limited automation, and resistance to change. Key improvements include automating processes, engaging compliance teams early to challenge assumptions, and fostering a culture open to experimentation. Development managers should review their delivery pipelines for bottlenecks and actively involve stakeholders to enable faster, more agile releases. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-innovation-and-value-through-quality-product-delivery/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:01:52 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-innovation-and-value-through-quality-product-delivery/ Technical debt is more than just a cost; it represents missed opportunities for innovation and value. Allowing technical debt to persist leads to higher maintenance costs, slower delivery, and lower team morale, while prioritising high-quality product delivery enables greater agility, consistent value, and innovation. Development managers should regularly assess and address technical debt, foster a culture of quality, and communicate its impact to stakeholders to unlock their teams’ full potential. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-3-essential-strategies-to-boost-your-team's-sprint-success/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-3-essential-strategies-to-boost-your-team's-sprint-success/ To improve your team’s Sprint outcomes, clearly define what “done” means for every task, avoid overcommitting by leaving room for technical debt and unexpected issues, and make backlog refinement a regular priority to catch blockers early. These steps help align expectations, reduce surprises, and create a smoother workflow. Review your current practices and adjust to ensure these strategies are in place. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-sprint-planning-transform-your-agile-approach-for-success/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-sprint-planning-transform-your-agile-approach-for-success/ Effective Sprint planning can transform your team’s Agile approach by building shared understanding, enabling hands-on practice with real-time coaching, and fostering continuous improvement through feedback. As teams gain confidence, they should adapt Sprint planning to fit their unique needs and culture. Consider structured workshops with flexible delivery to empower your team to run impactful Sprint planning sessions independently. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-there-any-scrum-courses-that-teach-you-how-to-scale-scrum/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:23 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-there-any-scrum-courses-that-teach-you-how-to-scale-scrum/ There is no single course that teaches you exactly how to scale Scrum, but courses like Scaled Professional Scrum from Scrum.org provide tools and techniques to help you build a scaling framework tailored to your organization. Key to success are starting small, focusing on dependency management and alignment, and iterating based on feedback. Development managers should invest in team education, select relevant practices, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to scale Scrum effectively. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-product-value-the-power-of-hypothesis-driven-engineering/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-product-value-the-power-of-hypothesis-driven-engineering/ Focusing on hypothesis-driven engineering helps teams maximise product value by testing ideas with small experiments, measuring outcomes, and quickly adapting based on real customer feedback. The Azure DevOps team’s experience showed that even costly initiatives can provide critical learning, allowing resources to be redirected before larger losses occur. Development managers should encourage rapid experimentation and validation at all levels to ensure investments deliver real value and support agility. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effectively-does-an-aps-prepare-a-team-to-do-a-solid-professional-scrum/ Sat, 12 Aug 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effectively-does-an-aps-prepare-a-team-to-do-a-solid-professional-scrum/ The Applied Professional Scrum (APS) course helps teams focus on delivering a working product every iteration and sheds unhelpful habits that slow progress. Through practical exercises like the “Barnacle Exercise,” teams identify and remove outdated practices, leading to more effective Scrum adoption. Development managers should consider APS to build teams that consistently deliver value and embody true Scrum principles. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/decoding-scrum-team-work-balancing-sprint-and-refinement-work/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:25:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/decoding-scrum-team-work-balancing-sprint-and-refinement-work/ Scrum teams need to balance Sprint work, which delivers direct value to stakeholders, with Refinement, which prepares the backlog for future Sprints. Using tools like Azure DevOps to visualise and track both types of work helps teams plan better, avoid unnecessary effort, and stay ready for challenges. Development managers should ensure both work types are visible and managed to improve team efficiency and product outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-long-does-it-take-to-transition-from-project-management-to-kanban/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-long-does-it-take-to-transition-from-project-management-to-kanban/ Transitioning from traditional project management to Kanban is a gradual process that starts by documenting your current workflow, collecting and analyzing data, and making incremental improvements based on evidence. Kanban allows teams to identify and address bottlenecks at their own pace, reducing disruption and avoiding the pitfalls of rushed Agile adoption. Development managers should consider starting with Kanban to enable continuous improvement without overwhelming their teams. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-decide-on-a-sprint-goal/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-decide-on-a-sprint-goal/ A Scrum team decides on a Sprint goal through early and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, aligning the goal with business strategy, market needs, and team capacity. The goal is crafted during Sprint planning by the product owner and developers together, ensuring it is clear, measurable, and agreed upon by all. To improve outcomes, start goal discussions before planning, maintain open communication, and make the goal visible to keep the team focused and adaptable. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-scrum-insights-from-the-scaled-professional-scrum-course/ Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:53:08 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-scrum-insights-from-the-scaled-professional-scrum-course/ The Scaled Professional Scrum course helps teams address common challenges in scaling Scrum, such as managing cross-team dependencies, maintaining self-management, and ensuring transparency. Through hands-on, interactive sessions, participants gain practical techniques and tools to structure and manage large agile projects effectively. Development managers looking to scale Scrum without unnecessary overhead should consider this course to equip their teams with proven practices and ongoing support. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-1/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:50:42 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-1/ Scrum events are not just meetings but purposeful activities designed to drive inspection, adaptation, and real progress. Misunderstanding them as empty ceremonies leads to missed opportunities for team alignment, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Development managers should focus on using Scrum events to foster transparency and action, not just to fill calendars. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-the-aps-course-help-people-apply-scrum-effectively/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:57:16 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-the-aps-course-help-people-apply-scrum-effectively/ The APS course uses hands-on simulations to help participants deeply understand scrum, recognize common dysfunctions in traditional and current agile practices, and learn how to apply scrum effectively even within organizational constraints. It highlights how traditional mindsets and policies can block team success and shows the value of aligning with scrum principles for better problem-solving and outcomes. Managers are encouraged to attend so they can see firsthand how their decisions impact teams and identify changes needed to support effective scrum adoption. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/sprint-review-1/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/sprint-review-1/ Guides a 160-minute Sprint Review workshop using Liberating Structures to inspect product progress, gather feedback, and plan next steps for Scrum teams and stakeholders. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-embrace-continuous-forecasting-and-transform-your-training-experience/ Thu, 21 May 2020 05:26:17 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-embrace-continuous-forecasting-and-transform-your-training-experience/ Continuous forecasting in Agile, supported by metrics and tools like Monte Carlo simulations, enables teams to plan flexibly and adapt quickly rather than committing to a full sprint plan upfront. Virtual training with interactive tools and follow-up sessions has improved learning and engagement. Development managers should consider adopting continuous forecasting and leveraging available training resources to enhance team performance and responsiveness. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/you-are-doing-it-wrong-if-you-are-not-using-test-first/ Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:00:58 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/you-are-doing-it-wrong-if-you-are-not-using-test-first/ Using test-first approaches like Test Driven Development helps teams deliver software that meets customer needs, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents bugs from reaching production. Writing tests before coding ensures validation at every step, shortens feedback loops, and makes it easier and cheaper to fix issues early. To improve quality and enable confident continuous delivery, development managers should encourage their teams to adopt test-first practices. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-sprint-review-workshop-and-how-will-it-help-organisations/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-sprint-review-workshop-and-how-will-it-help-organisations/ The Sprint Review workshop helps teams align product development with stakeholder needs, adapt to market changes, and drive continuous improvement. It offers practical guidance on running effective reviews, boosting stakeholder engagement, and turning feedback into actionable improvements. Development managers should consider this workshop to enhance team performance and ensure products deliver real value. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/should-the-scrum-master-always-remove-impediments/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 18:49:49 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/should-the-scrum-master-always-remove-impediments/ The Scrum Master is responsible for removing impediments, but should only step in when the team cannot resolve the issue themselves. Their focus should be on enabling the team to handle similar problems independently in the future, building self-sufficiency. Development managers should encourage Scrum Masters to coach teams rather than always solving problems for them. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/recipes/sprint-review-recipe/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/recipes/sprint-review-recipe/ Step-by-step guide for running a Sprint Review, including presenting the increment, gathering feedback, updating the backlog, forecasting, and addressing stakeholder questions. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-key-strategies-for-agile-success/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:31 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-key-strategies-for-agile-success/ Effective product backlog management is crucial for Agile success; prioritising tasks, limiting work in progress, and holding regular refinement sessions help teams stay focused and deliver more value. Engaging stakeholders and using visual tools can further improve clarity and alignment. Development managers should regularly review their backlog practices to ensure they are working on the most valuable items and maintaining a manageable, focused backlog. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-elevating-scrum-mastery-in-your-organization/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-elevating-scrum-mastery-in-your-organization/ Immersive learning is more effective than traditional training for developing Scrum Masters because it emphasizes hands-on assignments, real-world application, and knowledge sharing, which lead to lasting improvements in team performance. Teams immediately apply what they learn, receive real-time feedback, and benefit from collective insights, making Scrum practices like the Definition of Done part of daily work. To boost Scrum mastery and see real impact, prioritize immersive learning for your organization’s training programs. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-is-an-aps-course-appropriate-for-a-scrum-team/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:32:45 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-is-an-aps-course-appropriate-for-a-scrum-team/ An APS course is valuable for Scrum teams that want to deepen their understanding of core Scrum principles and shed ineffective practices that may have accumulated over time. It helps teams focus on delivering a working product each iteration and provides practical exercises, like the Barnacle Exercise, to identify and remove process inefficiencies. Consider APS if your team needs to realign with authentic Scrum practices and drive meaningful agile transformation. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-effective-planning-and-prioritisation-for-agile-success/ Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-effective-planning-and-prioritisation-for-agile-success/ Effective Scrum planning and prioritisation require aligning work with business goals, regularly communicating with stakeholders, and keeping the product backlog lean and focused on near-term priorities. Use a simple value, risk, and size formula to help order backlog items, and continuously adjust based on customer data and outcomes. Keep your backlog manageable and iterate often to ensure your team delivers meaningful results that support business objectives. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/who-should-lead-the-sprint-review-unpacking-the-role-of-the-product-owner-in-agile-success/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/who-should-lead-the-sprint-review-unpacking-the-role-of-the-product-owner-in-agile-success/ The Product Owner should lead the Sprint Review because they are accountable for maximising value and are best positioned to gather insights from stakeholders. The review should focus on aligning everyone on the product vision, showcasing progress, encouraging feedback, and updating the product backlog with new information. Development managers should ensure the Product Owner leads this process and experiment with review formats to keep the backlog relevant and guide the team’s next steps. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-training-into-action-experimentation-and-engagement-in-the-workplace/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-training-into-action-experimentation-and-engagement-in-the-workplace/ Agile training is most effective when participants actively experiment with new tools and techniques in their own work environments, adapting them to fit their team’s context. Techniques like “One, Two, Four, All” foster inclusive engagement and help turn group ideas into actionable plans, even in virtual settings. Development managers should encourage their teams to try these approaches and create safe spaces for sharing, which leads to better collaboration and practical results. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-sprint-reviews-how-to-engage-stakeholders-and-secure-meaningful-feedback/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:00:17 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-sprint-reviews-how-to-engage-stakeholders-and-secure-meaningful-feedback/ Sprint reviews often fail to engage stakeholders or generate useful feedback because stakeholders do not see the value or feel emotionally connected to the work. To address this, communicate the benefits of participation early, use visuals, create a safe space for feedback, engage stakeholders before reviews, and tailor your approach to their interests. Development managers should focus on making Sprint reviews relevant and personal to stakeholders to drive better engagement and product outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/scrum-myth-debunked-unfinished-work-is-allowed-in-scrum/ Sat, 24 May 2025 15:30:17 +0100 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/scrum-myth-debunked-unfinished-work-is-allowed-in-scrum/ Scrum does not require all work to be finished by the end of a Sprint, only that the Increment is Done and meets the Definition of Done. Unfinished items can carry over as long as the Sprint Goal and Increment are not compromised. Managers should focus on delivering value and avoid forcing work to fit arbitrary Sprint boundaries. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-the-challenge-of-an-ineffective-product-owner-in-agile-teams/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:30:10 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-the-challenge-of-an-ineffective-product-owner-in-agile-teams/ Ineffective Product Owners, whether due to lack of skills or organisational constraints, can hinder team performance and product success. Development managers should support Product Owners through relationship-building, organisational education, and open dialogue, while ensuring the team continues to deliver quality work. Take action by fostering collaboration and advocating for clear role expectations to help Product Owners and teams succeed. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-scrum-master-struggling-discover-when-to-choose-an-agile-process-simulation-workshop/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-scrum-master-struggling-discover-when-to-choose-an-agile-process-simulation-workshop/ If your Scrum Master is struggling with the team, first assess whether the issue is with their approach or deeper team dynamics. An Agile Process Simulation workshop can help by engaging the team in open dialogue and tailored learning, empowering them to decide if Scrum fits their needs. Prioritize collaboration and self-discovery over imposing solutions to achieve better team outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-the-chaos-transforming-scrum-learning-through-experience-and-minecraft/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:36:53 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-the-chaos-transforming-scrum-learning-through-experience-and-minecraft/ Teaching Scrum through hands-on experience, including using Minecraft, helps participants move from initial chaos to a clear understanding of Scrum’s value. Students first experience confusion similar to real project starts, then learn to apply Scrum principles, leading to practical insights and improved teamwork. Development managers should consider experiential learning to help teams internalise agile practices and appreciate their real-world benefits. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-the-'scaling-with-portfolio-kanban'-course/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:00:26 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-the-'scaling-with-portfolio-kanban'-course/ The “Scaling Portfolio Kanban” course helps development leaders move from team-level to organization-wide workflow management, enabling better visibility, predictability, and value delivery across multiple teams. Key outcomes include improved forecasting, data-driven decision-making, and optimized flow of high-value projects. If your current workflow lacks predictability or efficiency, consider applying these Kanban strategies to drive measurable improvement. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/how-do-you-handle-conflict-in-a-scrum-team/ Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:32:19 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/how-do-you-handle-conflict-in-a-scrum-team/ When conflict arises in a Scrum Team, first encourage the team to resolve it themselves and use facilitation techniques that ensure everyone is heard, such as structured group discussions. The Scrum Master should coach team members and escalate only if necessary, involving HR or considering team changes as a last resort. Focus on building conflict resolution skills within the team and iteratively adapt your approach to find the best solution. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/what's-the-best-way-to-work-around-multiple-po/ Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:57:53 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/what's-the-best-way-to-work-around-multiple-po/ If multiple people are acting as Product Owners but are not providing clear direction or attending key meetings, your team lacks true ownership of the product backlog and value delivery. This leads to wasted effort on features that may not matter, with industry data showing up to 65 percent of time spent on the wrong work. Raise this issue with management and ensure someone is clearly accountable for prioritizing and validating work, even if it means temporarily assigning the role until a suitable Product Owner is found. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-sprint-planning/ Wed, 24 May 2023 14:00:36 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-sprint-planning/ Sprint planning is a team meeting to align on what will be accomplished in the next sprint, ensuring everyone understands the goals and priorities, including new features, technical debt, and unexpected work. It provides clarity, flexibility, and a shared sense of direction, whether you use Scrum or Kanban. Make sure your team uses sprint planning to regularly evaluate priorities and maintain alignment for better outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-goal/ Wed, 31 May 2023 11:00:01 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-goal/ A sprint goal is a clear, tactical objective that guides the Scrum team’s work during each sprint, connecting daily efforts to the broader product vision. It provides a concrete focus for the team, enables actionable stakeholder feedback at sprint reviews, and helps maintain alignment and motivation. Development managers should ensure each sprint has a well-defined, tangible goal to drive progress and gather meaningful feedback. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/my-journey-with-kanban-and-why-i-actively-recommend-it-to-clients/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/my-journey-with-kanban-and-why-i-actively-recommend-it-to-clients/ Kanban is a practical strategy for improving workflow and predictability by making work processes more transparent and data-driven, which builds trust and enables better decision-making. Integrating Kanban with Scrum helps teams deliver more consistently and reduces stakeholder uncertainty. Development managers should consider adopting Kanban to optimize team performance and deliver greater value across any context. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/become-the-leader-that-you-were-meant-to-to-be/ Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:10:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/become-the-leader-that-you-were-meant-to-to-be/ Leadership in modern software development is about inspiring and enabling teams rather than controlling them; managers should focus on leading people and improving effectiveness. The Scrum Master is a leadership role that supports the team and organization, not a manager or administrator. To drive better results, shift from traditional hierarchy to servant leadership and lead by example. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/the-fbi-sentinel-project-was-textbook-waterfall/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:30:44 +0100 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/the-fbi-sentinel-project-was-textbook-waterfall/ The FBI’s Sentinel project failed after years and massive spending using a traditional waterfall approach, delivering nothing. Switching to a small, focused Agile team produced a working product in a year at a fraction of the cost. Consider adopting iterative methods to avoid wasted time and resources and deliver real value sooner. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/guides/kanban-guide/ Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/guides/kanban-guide/ Comprehensive reference outlining Kanban principles, practices, and metrics for optimising workflow, value delivery, and continuous improvement in knowledge work. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-3-key-takeaways-for-a-scrum-team-after-attending-an-aps-immersive-learning-experience-course/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-3-key-takeaways-for-a-scrum-team-after-attending-an-aps-immersive-learning-experience-course/ The APS immersive course helps Scrum teams deeply understand core principles, apply them to real-world challenges, and distinguish essential Scrum practices from unnecessary add-ons. It provides practical, actionable insights for overcoming early implementation hurdles. Teams are encouraged to revisit and refine their Scrum approach for greater effectiveness. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-estimate-what-can-be-delivered-in-a-sprint/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-estimate-what-can-be-delivered-in-a-sprint/ Scrum teams do not precisely estimate what can be delivered in a Sprint; instead, they focus on understanding the size and complexity of backlog items to make informed guesses. This approach acknowledges the unpredictability of creative work and the high level of uncertainty in software development. Managers should allow flexibility in Sprint goals and use estimation tools to foster shared understanding rather than to set rigid deadlines. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/guides/okr-guide/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/guides/okr-guide/ Comprehensive guide to using OKRs for shared focus, measurable outcomes, and strategic learning, including roles, events, best practices, and common pitfalls. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/the-importance-of-batch-to-optimise-flow/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/the-importance-of-batch-to-optimise-flow/ Explains how breaking large tasks into smaller batches improves workflow, predictability, and delivery speed, using hands-on exercises based on queuing theory principles. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-kanban-integrate-into-a-scrum-environment/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-kanban-integrate-into-a-scrum-environment/ Kanban can be integrated with Scrum to improve workflow visibility, provide essential metrics like cycle time and throughput, and support continuous improvement. This combination helps teams answer key delivery questions and identify bottlenecks that Scrum alone may not address. Development managers should consider adding Kanban practices and metrics to their Scrum teams to optimize performance and make more informed decisions. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/introducing-kanban-for-professional-scrum-teams/ Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:00:08 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/introducing-kanban-for-professional-scrum-teams/ A new Professional Scrum with Kanban class and guide now enable Scrum teams to integrate Kanban practices like workflow visualization, limiting work in progress, and flow-based metrics without changing Scrum itself. This approach helps teams focus on value delivery and can replace traditional metrics like velocity with more actionable measures such as throughput and cycle time. Development managers should consider reviewing the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams and exploring the training to enhance their teams’ effectiveness. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/customer-working-agreement/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/workshops/customer-working-agreement/ Defines a collaborative workshop to create a Statement of Work and clarify customer and provider responsibilities, agility level, and key commitments for project success. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum/ Wed, 08 May 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum/ Traditional two-day Scrum training is ineffective for lasting change because participants retain little and struggle to apply what they learn. Immersive learning, with shorter sessions spread over time, hands-on assignments, and ongoing feedback, leads to better retention, practical application, and continuous improvement. Development managers should consider adopting immersive training formats to drive real, sustainable transformation in their teams and organizations. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-metrics-for-predictability'-kanban-course/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:27 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-metrics-for-predictability'-kanban-course/ The “Applying Metrics for Predictability” Kanban course teaches teams how to use key Kanban metrics and probabilistic forecasting to improve delivery predictability, enabling more accurate planning and increased stakeholder trust. Participants learn to interpret data, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions that drive efficiency and consistent value delivery. Development managers whose teams struggle with predictability should consider this course to enhance forecasting and workflow reliability. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/in-scrum-we-don-t-do-ux-separately/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:30:39 +0100 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/signals/in-scrum-we-don-t-do-ux-separately/ UX should be integrated into regular Scrum work, not handled in separate sprints or phases. Design and validation should happen continuously alongside development to support the Sprint Goal and future planning. Managers should ensure UX is part of the team’s ongoing workflow to improve learning and delivery speed. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-agile-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-lasting-impact/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-agile-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-lasting-impact/ Immersive learning in Agile training connects theory directly to participants’ real work, leading to better retention and practical application compared to traditional classroom methods. Spreading sessions over time, using real assignments, and fostering peer feedback help teams apply new concepts and drive meaningful change in their organizations. Consider adopting this approach to make Agile training more relevant and impactful for your teams. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/the-sprint-goal-is-a-commitment-for-the-sprint-backlog/ Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:09:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/the-sprint-goal-is-a-commitment-for-the-sprint-backlog/ The Sprint Goal is a clear, single objective for each Sprint that guides the team’s focus and aligns their work toward the Product Goal. It is set during Sprint Planning, helps teams adapt their work as needed without losing sight of the main purpose, and should be specific to your business context. Ensure your Product Owner proposes a meaningful Sprint Goal for each Sprint to keep the team aligned and working toward valuable outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-1/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:00:28 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-1/ Using Lego in Scrum training can undermine the seriousness of the message, create a mismatch between the training method and professional context, and risk disengaging senior participants. The playful approach may trivialize key concepts and reduce credibility with experienced professionals. Development managers should choose training tools that align with the professional environment and reinforce the importance of cultural transformation. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-select-the-most-valuable-items-for-the-sprint-backlog/ Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-select-the-most-valuable-items-for-the-sprint-backlog/ Selecting the most valuable items for the sprint backlog requires input from business, product, and engineering perspectives, not just following the product backlog order. It is a collaborative process where the team and stakeholders align on priorities to ensure each sprint delivers real value. Development managers should facilitate open discussions to balance strategic goals and technical needs when planning sprints. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-improving-a-workflow/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-improving-a-workflow/ Continuous improvement is a key Kanban practice that focuses on identifying and removing workflow blockages and reducing waiting times to maximize value delivery. Making inefficiencies and their costs visible, as shown in a real-life example, can prompt immediate behavioral changes and significant efficiency gains. Development managers should regularly review processes, use visual aids to highlight delays, and engage stakeholders to drive ongoing workflow improvements. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-asynchronous-communication-transform-your-collaboration-and-boost-productivity/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-asynchronous-communication-transform-your-collaboration-and-boost-productivity/ Asynchronous communication increases flexibility, reduces pressure, and improves collaboration by allowing team members to contribute on their own schedules and providing clear documentation. Shifting away from constant meetings can boost productivity and lead to more thoughtful input. Development managers should set clear expectations, use the right tools, and balance async work with occasional check-ins to get the most benefit. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/in-nexus-with-5-scrum-teams-how-can-the-product-owner-attend-all-sprint-planning-events/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 18:35:14 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/in-nexus-with-5-scrum-teams-how-can-the-product-owner-attend-all-sprint-planning-events/ When managing multiple Scrum teams in a Nexus, the Product Owner should focus on high-level vision and attend only the Nexus Sprint Planning, delegating detailed planning to designated Team Owners or Area Owners for each team. This approach reduces overload, maintains alignment with the product vision, and relies on strong communication and autonomy within teams. To implement this, assign a representative for each team to handle their Sprint Planning and ensure ongoing coordination with the Product Owner. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-power-of-kanban-in-scrum/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-power-of-kanban-in-scrum/ Kanban is not a replacement for Scrum but a complementary strategy that increases transparency, helps teams visualize workflow, and manage work in progress, leading to better focus and faster feedback. Integrating Kanban with Scrum enables teams to identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and consistently meet sprint goals. Development managers should consider adding Kanban boards and WIP limits to their Scrum process to enhance team performance and value delivery. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unknown-how-to-fund-your-product-like-a-venture-capitalist/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unknown-how-to-fund-your-product-like-a-venture-capitalist/ Treat product funding like a venture capitalist by running small, low-risk experiments to validate ideas before committing significant resources. Require clear business plans, proof of concept, and ongoing iteration based on real user feedback to manage risk and maximize learning. Balance data-driven decisions with vision and passion, and be prepared to discard failed experiments while investing further in those that show promise. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/recipes/sprint-planning-recipe/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/recipes/sprint-planning-recipe/ Step-by-step guide to effective Sprint Planning in Scrum, covering goal setting, backlog selection, team capacity, actionable plans, and clear communication with stakeholders. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-kanban-such-a-popular-approach-for-people-in-creative-industries/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-kanban-such-a-popular-approach-for-people-in-creative-industries/ Kanban is popular in creative industries because it adapts to existing workflows, reduces chaos, and helps teams align on priorities without stifling creativity. It improves efficiency by visualising work, shortening cycle times, and encouraging collective decision-making. Development managers should consider mapping their team’s current process with Kanban to enhance collaboration and deliver creative work more predictably. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-goal/ Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:40 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-goal/ A sprint goal is a specific, tactical objective that guides a Scrum team’s work during each sprint, connecting daily efforts to the broader product goal and vision. It provides a clear, tangible focus for the team and enables actionable stakeholder feedback at sprint reviews. Development managers should ensure every sprint has a well-defined goal to drive alignment, motivation, and meaningful progress. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-has-the-initial-response-been-to-the-immersive-learning-experiences-how-do-you-see-that-evolving/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-has-the-initial-response-been-to-the-immersive-learning-experiences-how-do-you-see-that-evolving/ Immersive learning is quickly replacing traditional two-day workshops, with businesses reporting better knowledge retention, higher engagement, and greater return on investment as employees apply new skills in real time. This approach uses ongoing sessions, real-time collaboration, and continuous feedback, allowing for tailored and incremental development. Development managers should consider adopting immersive learning formats to foster deeper skill growth and more sustainable professional development within their teams. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-insights-from-the-new-scrum-org-course/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-insights-from-the-new-scrum-org-course/ Scrum.org’s new Product Backlog Management course offers focused, practical training in backlog management, helping teams capture, prioritize, and break down work for better clarity and alignment. The compact 8-hour format teaches actionable techniques to minimize distractions, improve transparency, and ensure teams deliver high-value work that supports business goals. Development managers should consider this course to streamline their backlog processes and boost team efficiency. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-create-a-sprint-goal/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:15 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-create-a-sprint-goal/ A Scrum team creates a sprint goal by combining the product’s strategic direction, the product owner’s tactical priorities, and current engineering challenges to identify the most valuable next step. The team then selects backlog items that best align with this goal to deliver clear value to stakeholders. Encourage your teams to invest time in understanding context before setting sprint goals for better alignment and outcomes. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-critical-is-a-product-owner-in-developing-a-great-product-backlog/ Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-critical-is-a-product-owner-in-developing-a-great-product-backlog/ A strong product owner is essential for creating and maintaining a focused, valuable product backlog that aligns with strategy and avoids becoming an unmanageable list of requests. The product owner is fully responsible for prioritizing and communicating the backlog, using discernment to filter out items that do not support the product vision. Development managers should ensure their product owners are empowered and proactive to keep teams focused on delivering real value. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/professional-kanban-trainer-for-applying-professional-kanban/ Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:49:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/professional-kanban-trainer-for-applying-professional-kanban/ The new Kanban Guide provides a clear, open framework for optimizing value flow in software teams, complementing Scrum and fostering collaboration between the two communities. Professional Kanban training now offers focused, in-depth learning on Kanban principles and practices, with certification and resources available independently of the course. Development managers can leverage these guides and training to improve workflow efficiency and team performance. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/moving-onedrive-for-business-files-to-a-different-drive/ Wed, 03 Feb 2016 14:24:00 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/articles/moving-onedrive-for-business-files-to-a-different-drive/ If your OneDrive files are taking up too much space on your main drive, you can move them to another drive by unlinking your account, copying the files to the new location, and then relinking OneDrive to that folder. This avoids re-downloading large amounts of data and frees up significant space without risking your system recovery setup. Development managers should consider this approach to optimize storage and maintain system reliability for their teams. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/sprint-review/ Sun, 11 May 2025 10:17:24 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/sprint-review/ The Sprint Review is a fundamental event within the Scrum framework, aimed at evaluating the work completed during a sprint and refining the product backlog based on feedback from stakeholders. This collaborative meeting involves the Scrum Team and key stakeholders, promoting transparency and open communication regarding the product’s progress and future direction. By presenting the increment, teams can assess their achievements against the sprint goal, ensuring alignment with customer needs and expectations. This practice is crucial for enabling teams to deliver value consistently and sustainably, as it fosters continuous improvement through real-time feedback, which is essential in a rapidly changing market. The Sprint Review enhances accountability and nurtures a culture of collaboration and shared ownership among team members and stakeholders. Additionally, it provides a forum for discussing future priorities, ensuring that the product evolves to maximise value delivery. By incorporating stakeholder insights, teams can make informed decisions that improve the product’s development trajectory, ultimately leading to a more resilient and adaptive process. The Sprint Review is not just a routine check; it is a vital tool for promoting innovation and responsiveness within the organisation, contributing to long-term success and customer satisfaction through a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/service-level-expectation/ Mon, 05 May 2025 09:46:11 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/service-level-expectation/ A Service Level Expectation (SLE) is a forecast used by Scrum Teams to estimate the time it should take for a work item to move from initiation to completion within their workflow. Originating from practices that combine elements of Scrum and Kanban, the SLE is defined by two components: a specific range of elapsed days and the probability that work items will be completed within that timeframe, such as stating that 85 percent of items should be finished in eight days or less. The SLE is calculated using the team’s historical cycle time data, which measures how long work items have taken to complete in the past. If such data is not yet available, teams are encouraged to make an informed estimate and refine it as more data becomes available. The SLE is made transparent to all team members and stakeholders, serving as a tool for identifying flow issues and prompting inspection and adaptation when expectations are not met. In agile and DevOps contexts, the SLE is valuable because it enhances predictability, supports continuous improvement, and helps teams manage stakeholder expectations by providing a clear, data-driven understanding of delivery timelines. Keeping the SLE shorter than the length of a Sprint further improves the team’s ability to deliver reliably and respond to change. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/concepts/method/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0100 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/concepts/method/ Method refers to a structured, step-by-step approach employed to achieve specific objectives within a system, distinguishing itself from frameworks that provide broader guidelines. In Agile, Lean, and DevOps environments, methods are vital for guiding teams through systematic processes that enhance collaborative work, value delivery, and continuous improvement. They are utilised to optimise workflows, manage iterative development, and measure progress effectively. For example, the Scrum method outlines a sequence of events such as Sprint Planning and Daily Scrum to facilitate work in short cycles, while the Kanban method aids in visualising workflows and limiting work in progress. Methods ensure consistency and predictability in outcomes by breaking down complex processes into manageable tasks, allowing teams to execute with precision and adapt to real-time feedback. In Lean, methods focus on eliminating waste to maximise value delivery, whereas in DevOps, practices like Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery enable rapid and reliable software releases. It is crucial to differentiate methods from frameworks, which provide structural foundations, and practices, which are individual techniques within broader methods. By adhering to structured methods, teams can enhance efficiency, ensure alignment, and consistently deliver value, empowering them to be proactive and adaptable in problem-solving, ultimately leading to improved performance and outcomes. Methods are flexible and can be tailored to fit the unique context of a team or project, allowing for continuous refinement while maintaining a clear path toward goal achievement. https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/hypothesis-driven-development/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:17:24 +0000 https://engineering.hinshelwood.com/tags/hypothesis-driven-development/ Hypothesis Driven Development is a structured methodology that utilises experimentation and validated learning to guide product decisions. Originating from the need to make informed choices based on user needs and behaviours, this approach enables teams to formulate hypotheses and design experiments that test these assumptions in real-world contexts. Its importance lies in enhancing predictability and sustainability in delivering value, as it allows organisations to gather actionable data and insights that inform product development, thereby reducing reliance on intuition. By continuously testing and iterating on ideas, teams can swiftly adapt to evolving market conditions and user feedback, minimising the risk of developing products that fail to meet customer expectations. This methodology fosters a culture of learning and experimentation, encouraging teams to embrace uncertainty and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. In contrast to traditional development methods that often depend on extensive upfront planning, Hypothesis Driven Development promotes an agile mindset where learning and adaptation are central to the process. This long-term, systemic approach not only leads to improved product outcomes but also empowers teams to innovate and effectively tackle emerging challenges, ultimately contributing to organisational success through a more profound understanding of customer value and market dynamics.