Breaking Dependencies
I have three non-negotiables when it comes to running an agile transformation. If we are unwilling to create clear, well-articulated backlogs… if we are unwilling to form complete cross-functional teams… and if we are unwilling to produce working, tested software on regular intervals… we probably shouldn’t even get started. Without these three pre-conditions it is unlikely that adopting agile practices (or even an agile culture) will make much of a dent in terms of how you put product into market. That said, the number one thing that gets in the way of creating clear, well-artciulated backlogs, forming complete cross-functional teams, and producing working tested software on regular intervals is dependencies. Let’s just say it… dependencies are evil. Dependencies break agile. You have two choices when faced with a dependency… you can either break it or you can manage it. The more dependencies you choose to manage instead of breaking, the less agile you will be over time....
