The Agile Voice

 This was my first experience of the Public Sector from a conference perspective. Certainly my eyes were opened to the world of:

 – Opportunity

– Naivety

– Legacy mind sets

– Bureaucracy

– Lack of energy. 

Certainly whoever can truly, successfully deliver a genuine marketable Agile proposition of a major size, will absolutely be in a win-win situation. With the public spending cuts on their way, the world of the Big 5 Consulting Companies will be limited when you can engage a more flexible tier-2 consulting machine. All of the companies that presented have something to offer, albeit all with a different slant and angle. Actually most of them I think got it slightly wrong as they appeared to be going too deep for the level of understanding in the room. My personal favourite of the day was the Radtac presentation, which was uncomplicated and to the point. 

“If the project delivers on time and to cost and everyone’s happy” then maybe Agile is not right for you. But………. If it isn’t then start thinking Agile! 

There were several other phrase’s that stuck in my mind from the morning: 

1) “Best is the enemy of good”

2)  Agile is “The Art of the possible” 

In all, I think it was a worthwhile exercise and I would like to thank Alec from Unicom for his invitation to attend. 

Certainly the Public Sector could be compared to an oil tanker leaking oil. Firstly you need to try and stop the tanker, possibly turn it round to go in another direction and then try to work out where it’s leaking from and fix the leak! 

All food for thought.  

It’s that time of year again – Conference Season.

During the late summer and early Autumn period, there are many topical conferences that everyone can choose to attend. As in years gone by we always tried to support, attend and sponsor events where possible.  

This year is no different…….. Over the last 3 years the Agile Voice has been a key sponsor of the Agile Business Conference, in particular helping the conference organisers with the ideas, content and information surrounding who to invite as key note speakers for instance. This year is no different, three of the key notes sessions are down to the Agile Voice and the success of the relationship built between all parties over the last few years. The cost of the event has been lowered to attract a broader audience in these challenging times. Certainly with a more relevant current content this year, you will get to hear the real battles and war stories of large scale Agile enablements and transformations. It could be the best Agile Business Conference yet. 

New to the scene this is the first ever UK Lean Conference, organised by my good friends Indigoblue. This very current and topical Lean subject is being showcased by the leading Lean Practitioners from around the world. From talking to the many people I come across on a daily basis, this is going be some event over the three days. The word Agile has seemingly become a word that everyone is able to hide behind, rather than back in those early years it was a word of intrigue and power. With the Lean bandwagon rolling, this conference in my opinion, can propel Lean as to being the next real option, to replace the slightly mistrusted, diluted Agile ways around us. I’ve detailed below the show addresses, read and enjoy. Don’t forget to sign up.  

 http://www.ukleanconference.com 

The conference, which will be held over two and a half days from 27 through to 29 September brings together the leading innovators, practitioners, and influential thought leaders in Lean software management.The Lean and Kanban 2009 event was created to drive further progress in software development by providing a unique opportunity to share best practices and innovation within the growing community of software engineers, managers, and executives adopting Lean and Kanban systems. It provides a unique opportunity to meet with and learn directly from industry luminaries and practitioners from around the world.  

http://www.agileconference.org 

Driving Success in Adversity

If being Agile is going to make a difference to you, your projects and your organisation, we’d like you to join us at this year’s conference.   
What’s more, we’re announcing a new Agile price for the event as well as introducing some revolutionary new elements to this year’s proceedings. The conference will be held on 13th October and the morning of 14th October