Agile Smells: Iteration Zero

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by Steve Rotman

I've never been a fan of Iteration Zero as a thing.  (The only thing worse, in my opinion, is Iteration H, where H stands for "hardening!").  Teams should be able to start work right away, and the need for an Iteration Zero is a smell--something about the organization delays the team in being ready to start work.  Not cool, organization!

Johanna Rothman has a fantastic article on Iteration Zero posted on Gantthead that I think does an excellent job explaining how a proper (less smell-y) Iteration Zero should be used.

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard is a coach, consultant, and trainer who brings the power of relationship systems intelligence to go beyond tasks, roles, and frameworks to create energy for change. She engages with people and teams in a down-to-earth way to build trust and listen for signals to help them learn more and improve. Allison focuses on creating alignment and connection for people to solve business problems together. Her experience includes working with teams and leaders in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries to help improve their project/product delivery and culture. Allison currently volunteers as program director for Women in Agile’s mentorship program. Her agile community focus is championing new voices and amplifying women as mentors and sponsors for the next generation of leaders. Allison earned her bachelor’s degrees in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), a foodie, and proud glasses wearer. Allison is a prolific speaker at professional groups and international conferences, including Scrum Gatherings and the Agile Alliance Agile20xx conferences. Allison is co-owner of Helping Improve LLC.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
Previous

Terminology: Spike
Next

Skills Over Job Titles