Why do we not need more heroes?

 I hit a nerve last week with my blog.  I spoke about the heroism that goes into keeping the global economy running.  It was greeted with great enthusiasm but I also received some push-back.  Someone I respected, Geoffrey Dunn, mentioned that he didn’t want to work for a firm that expected heroism from its employees.  He preferred dull work days punctuated with routine successful software releases.  He even put together a hashtag stating that we need #nomoreheroes in software development.  After some thought, I realized he had a point.  The global economy must also be sustainable, where heroism is not necessary.  

One of the most essential principles of the Agile Reformation is:

Agile processes promote sustainable development.  The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.

This is one of the most overlooked principles of agile.  Work that requires attention to detail, creativity, and intellectual muscle power isn’t successful when rushed.  Psychologists describe a period where we are most productive as a “flow-state.”  This is a state where we have focus and complete immersion in what we are doing.  It typically requires being well rested, limiting distractions, and having the opportunity to do something that is intrinsically rewarding.

Sadly, most companies do not see software development and technology as a “force multiplier” for their business but as a cost center to be controlled.  Thus, they try to jam as much software development into as little time as possible with expendable employees.  The worst example of this is in the computer game industry. “Crunch time” and “death marches” have become synonymous with software development because many people who control businesses have no understanding of how software is built and who does the work. They think software is magic that can be conjured up at a moment’s notice. The reality is that human beings require sleep, food, clear goals, and empathy to accomplish goals. 

The global economy is moving very fast.  So fast that it is hard for business people to stay ahead of the decision curve.  This means they make unrealistic demands on the software developers and engineers who help keep the business running.  This is why they are being asked to work long hours.  This is why they are under so much pressure.  It is also why there is so much desire for outsourcing and contract workers because in a “gig economy” workers need to be added and removed from projects at a moment’s notice.

I want to argue there is a difference between fast and agile.  A fast workplace grinds out work at a blistering pace but it may be of questionable quality and utility.  An agile workplace delivers high quality constantly and provides value to the business. A fast workplace burns through its employees like they are firewood.  An agile workplace treats its people like skilled artisans and helps them grow and develop.  A workplace is moving quickly but has no idea where it has gone and where it is going.  An agile workplace knows where it has been and where it will go next.  When plans change, they easily make changes.  A fast company will crash spectacularly and then make a course correction.  

I agree that companies should have #nomoreheroes.  If firms are led correctly and with attention paid to more agile means of doing business success should be a routine activity rather than the result of heroism.  Until next time.