Pols Consulting

Nat Pryce has done a wonderful job of building an agile project replanner. Give it a try. I’m going to use this on all of my projects.

http://nat.truemesh.com/preplanner/preplanner.html

Just finished reading “Built To Last” by Collins and Porras - a wonderfully thought provoking study of what makes truly great companies.

Something that interested me is that, while they plan and have clear goals, they are also evolutionary and constantly adapting and changing. One point that they ram home is that visonanry companies create discomfort - to oblitorate complacency - and thereby stimulate change and improvement before the external world demands it.

They also have this wonderful parable of a martial artist kneeling before he master sensei to recieve their hard-earned black belt.

“Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test,” says the sensei.
“I am ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of questioning.
“You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?”
“The end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for all my hard work.”
The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the sensei speaks. “You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.
“What is the true meaning of the black belt?” asks the sensei.
“A symbol of distinction and highest achievement in our art,” says the student.
The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. “You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. Once again, the sensei asks: “What is the true meaning of the black belt?”
“The black belt represents the beginning – the start of a never ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard,” says the student.
“Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work.”

I buy that story.

I found this interesting blog link the other day. It’s an experience of report of an agile project.

http://www.undefined.com/ia/archive/000158.html