Blog - Joanna Płaskonka, Ph.D.

Curiosity: The Underrated Virtue of Business

This blog post highlights the importance of curiosity in business and how it can lead to deeper connections and richer interactions. It offers practical lessons on the value of inquiry, the curiosity approach in challenging conversations, and the impact of curiosity in professional leadership. Embracing curiosity over nosiness can contribute to personal and professional growth, making it a valuable asset in the business world.

Definition of Ready in Scrum

In Scrum, 'readiness' is critical for Product Backlog items, ensuring they can be tackled within a Sprint. While the Scrum Guide doesn't require a 'Definition of Ready,' it can be a helpful practice to enhance Scrum processes. However, overemphasizing it or neglecting the Definition of Done can lead to issues. The value of a 'Definition of Ready' depends on how it's applied within the team's context, and it should be balanced for optimal results.

The Absence of Decision Is Still a Decision

In leadership, inaction is a decision with consequences. Refusing to decide indirectly allows others to make choices, setting off a chain reaction that can lead to unintended outcomes. The power of delay can undermine control, making timely decisions crucial. Leaders must foster accountability and urgency in decision-making to guide teams effectively. Understanding the impact of inaction shapes a more productive and successful future.

Friday, September 8, 2023

Quality Angels in Your Team

Quality is paramount in Scrum, with the Definition of Done as the benchmark, ensuring quality remains consistent. QA specialists, known as "Quality Angels," contribute by focusing on user perspectives, challenging ideas, and guiding product decisions. They also promote practices like automation, collaboration, fast feedback, and involving all team members in testing activities. In Scrum, quality is a shared responsibility, with QA specialists supporting the team toward excellence through collaboration and continuous improvement.