We all know that these are desperate times. The beast called COVID-19 has possessed us like the very devil, and won’t let go. The economy is down, many people have lost their jobs and livelihood. There are tantalizing stories of vaccines coming out soon. But, when soon? But, I feel that the physical masks have had a tempering effect on the figurative masks that people wear. Haven’t people become more open and ready to bare their souls? Yes, people have become more philosophical. But of course, our country and our economy need more people buying stuff rather than spouting philosophy. When will this situation ease? Soon, I hope.
While whining about current conditions and worrying about nightmarish future scenarios, to help lift up our spirits, I thought that I could share some limericks with you about Agile.
Have fun.
A Limerick about Agile in general – Agile is fast
The customer said, “I want this feature today.”
The team leader said, “Yes ma’am, we will work all day.
We will use all our guile,
Employ approach Agile,
And provide the feature to you yesterday.”
The following are limericks about each of the five values outlined in the book ‘The Five Tantras of Enterprise Agility‘
Value 1: Customer focus
The customer said, “Lend me your focus,
And make sure there is no hocus-pocus.
I say, do not stockpile
Our backlogs, use Agile.
Did you think you could dock us and mock us?”
Value 2: Self-organisation
If monkeys can self-organise,
So can people too, do likewise.
And by using Agile,
They become versatile,
No leader needs to supervise.
Value 3: Transformational leadership
The leader said, “I will transform you
The leader said, “I won’t direct you.
I will not teach
I will not preach.”
(S)he said, I will just listen to you.
Value 4: Experimentation and Learning
Do this, do that, give the pot a shake,
Try this, try that, learn from your mistake.
Too much planning and analysis
Leads to choking and paralysis.
Learn, experiment and innovake!
Value 5: Lean thinking
He removed inefficiencies, was mean
The more he removed, the more he became lean.
Productivity he did not measure,
Becoming lean, that’s where he found pleasure.
No bit of fat in his body is seen.
4 Responses
Hi Shiv, I can relate to this, it is a real different world.
I was invited a few times to address students appearing for CET exams as an industry person and found it challenging to connect with them. I was able to connect somewhat as one of their concern was what if they do not get into a good college, which I was able to address by sharing real life examples.
Thanks Vasu. College “brand” no doubt helps early on in work life – corporate doors open more easily. But down the line, it is people’s motivation and track record that helps build careers. I am sure we have all seen examples affirming this. I have stressed with the mentees that I work with. An aside, the mentorship program I am involved in spans 4-5 months and so, I have had time to work on the “connect”! Yes – takes time and effort.
Hi Shiv – very well written – thanks for the write-up.
Many years ago I was a volunteer mentor for a couple of youth as part of Dream A Dream’s life skills mentoring program. This was in person mentoring where the mentee and I would meet periodically (usually on a weekend) and discuss general topics. There was no prescribed structure though all mentors did go thru a few hours of in person training. Based on that experience I can corroborate that it takes time for the mentee to open up, especially in that case given their lack of confidence in expressing in English which was the recommended language for communication. Switching to Tamil (in one case where the mentee was from Tamil Nadu) helped.
Can also relate well to your point on swings in mood and engagement level of the mentee and the need for mentor to shift gears accordingly.
I am sure the mentees are benefiting a lot from your vast and varied experience – hope you will come back to mentor more such students after you complete the current mentorships and possibly take a break!
Thank you, Bhasker!