It's the People!

Fundamental Concept: Collaboration

From the German Blitzkrieg to Toyota and Southwest Airlines, time and time again it has been demonstrated success through agility is rooted in organizational culture, a culture that enables people to make decisions quickly and take the initiative. At the root of this culture are four guiding principles:

Unity/Trust

(Einheit)

Unity or mutual trust is the internal harmony that converts a mob into a team. Trust develops from common experiences and mutual respect.

 

Skill/Expertise

(Fingerspitzengefühl)

 

This is a zen-like quality of intuitive understanding that results from years of training and experience and enables an individual to “just know what to do” in changing and uncertain situations.

 

Mission

(Auftragstaktik)

 

A commander gives their subordinate a clearly defined goal and obtains their agreement to accomplish the goal. The command does not prescribe how the subordinate should accomplish the goal, rather the subordinate is given freedom to take the initiative which enables flexibility and creativity in execution. In case of controversy, the superior is expected to support the subordinate, so long as the subordinate operates within the “contract.”

 

Focus

(Schwerpunkt)

 A concept that gives focus or direction to our efforts. In Boyd’s words “Schwerpunkt represents a unifying concept that provides a way to rapidly shape focus and direction of effort as well as harmonize support activities with combat operations.

TPFKB Collaborative Principles

These are the practices that encourage TPFKB principles of Unity, Skill, Mission, and Focus and develop within a team. 

Share the vision  Clearly state the purpose and intent for the system. Ensure the vision supports the mission of the organization, and communicate it to everyone involved with the product

 

Manage by Intent Tell people what needs to be accomplished and why and leave the details to them.

 

Don't Go Dark Do not let team members become isolated and uncommunicative from one another or the project sponsors. Keep milestones short (2 to 3 days).

 

Work in Pairs Never work alone.

 

Sleep with the Troops Project sponsors and manager work and sit with the development team and are not situated in offices that isolate them from the team.

 

Face to Face Meet face to face before starting a task

 

Come to Jesus Confess your sins and seek forgiveness.