When it all goes wrong, keep it together.

A software developer is an odd creature.  We see ourselves as artists and professionals.  At the same time, we can be childish, lack an internal filter, and be less than professional.  This week I wanted to discuss what to do when it all goes wrong.  I have a lot of experience in this area.

Software is a creative process.  You receive vague guidelines from a business person, and then you have to transform it into a website or app that makes thatperson happy.  Often it becomes a farce, as the business person says that what was created is not what they wanted and to try again without telling the software developer what they want.  This is one of the reasons software developers get so prickly.  They work very hard for people who don’t understand what they want.  Add time pressures and individuals who don’t understand what it means to develop software and you get a toxic stew of dysfunction.

As a scrum master, you will be in situations where it will all go wrong.  It has only taken me two years to be a scrum master, but I am beginning to understand that when everything goes wrong, you need to be the focus of stability.  The reason why is that in a chaotic situation, the person who has his act together is going to be the person giving orders when people are in need of direction.  If you panic, you can bet the people you lead will start panicking.

This is not easy for me because I am a ball of neurotic energy.  I get angry quickly and I don’t tolerate foolishness very well.  I also have difficulty being diplomatic when I am dealing with untrustworthy people.  That said, learning to work with your emotions is important, and the best you can do is control and channel them better.

Do you think it's easy? No, this is one of the most complex parts of my job.  I have to work on it every day, and if I slip for just an instant, I become a puddle of rage.  The good news is that it is getting better and my scrum teams are grateful as a result.  So, if you are a scrum master, when everything goes wrong, try to keep it together.  The team and the project are counting on you.

Until next time.