“It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most capable of change.” -Charles Darwin.
This revolutionary thought from Darwin applies not only to biological evolution but also to the evolution of agile teams in software development and project management.
Agility Hindered: The “Ready Definition” Trap
A successful agile team is often one that has a clear “Definition of Done – DoD.” However, the “DoR loan definition” can be a significant obstacle. Renowned agile author Mike Cohn warns against this practice, which introduces rigid entry criteria for sprints, preventing any task from starting unless it meets strict prerequisites.
Obstruction of Task Overlap
Overlapping work is essential in agile approaches. If acceptance criteria must be fully defined before a sprint begins, this prevents smooth collaboration and natural overlap of activities such as UI design and definition of acceptance criteria alongside development .
A Door to the Past?
Too strict a “ready definition” can feel like a return to a waterfall process, where each step must be completely finished before moving on to the next. It is crucial to ask yourself whether this rigor is necessary or whether it represents an obstacle to team agility.
When the “Definition of Loan” Becomes Relevant
The “ready definition” can, however, be useful in highlighting dependencies with other teams, especially when those teams have a history of late deliveries. It becomes a protective measure, a way to preserve the effectiveness of your team in the face of unforeseen events.
A Balanced Approach: The Guidelines
If a “loan definition” is deemed necessary, it would be wiser to approach it as a set of guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. This makes it possible to maintain a certain flexibility and promote work overlap where it is possible and sensible.
In conclusion
Agility is not just a project management method, it is a culture, a philosophy that embraces change and uncertainty. Encourage flexibility and overlapping work, and use the “ready definition” judiciously, as a tool, not a constraint.