The Mob Mentality Show

Automated Quality Gateways and Cross Discipline Firmware Mobs with Cyrus Metcalf

In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we explore the intricate landscape of **Automated Quality Gateways and Cross-Discipline Firmware Mobs** with our guest, Cyrus Metcalf. This conversation is rich with practical insights and actionable strategies for anyone engaged in software, firmware, or hardware development, particularly those interested in enhancing team collaboration and continuous delivery (CD) practices through mobbing techniques.
**Automated Quality Gateways:**
Cyrus shares his experiences in setting up automated quality gateways for firmware and software that control sophisticated systems like boats. Learn how these gateways, including tests, formatting, and coverage, ensure robust code quality and seamless operations. We discuss the merits of running formatters locally versus within a pipeline. We also discuss the impact of these gateways on agility, depending on whether you’re in a startup or a more established organization.
The conversation includes the role of hardware abstraction layers and how automated quality gateways can supplement and even replace certain types of human feedback, thereby streamlining the development process. Cyrus also provides insights into achieving consistent formatting, the challenges of fine-tuning formatters, and the importance of custom config files. Discover how these practices create “highways” for development teams, enabling them to operate at peak efficiency within a fast red-green-refactor cycle.
**Leveling Up Through Mobbing:**
We also discuss how mobbing techniques can elevate the skills of every team member, regardless of their technical background. Cyrus explains how mobbing demystifies the development process, reducing their apprehension about software complexities. By fostering a collaborative environment where everyone learns a bit of everything, mobbing helps dismantle knowledge silos and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
Cyrus shares his experiences as the sole software developer in a company, including strategies for using mobbing to educate and collaborate across hardware, firmware, and software teams. We explore the dynamics of cross-discipline mobs, where diverse teams work together on complex challenges, and how these mobs have evolved from training tools into essential parts of the production process.
**The Culture of Mobbing:**
The episode also delves into the cultural aspects of mobbing, including the pros and cons of different mob cultures across various companies, the importance of openness and inclusivity, and methods for resolving disagreements within a mob. Cyrus discusses the benefits and challenges of mobbing with juniors and interns, interacting with skeptics, and how a culture of openness—both within the mob and across the organization—can drive innovation and collaboration.
Lastly, Cyrus offers his perspective on how agile principles and practices have naturally integrated into his teams without the need for an official agile coach. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to improve their team’s efficiency, collaboration, and overall quality through the integration of automated quality gateways and cross-discipline mobbing.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/vOxFEtX541A 

The Behavior Framework with Doc Norton

In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we explore the Behavior Framework with the insightful Doc Norton, traversing the foundational behaviors that drive successful software development teams. Drawing from years of experience and real-world examples, Doc shares the principles and practices that have consistently helped teams deliver software products that are not only desirable but also viable and feasible.
**Know the Problem You Are Solving**We kick off the discussion by tackling one of the most critical aspects of software development: understanding the problem you're trying to solve. Doc explains why it's not enough to have a manager dictate tasks and why teams must be aligned on the domain or specific set of problems they're addressing. We explore the difference between developers who are "builders" versus those who are "problem solvers" and discuss real-life scenarios where solving the root business problem either succeeded brilliantly or failed miserably. This section also delves into the concept of "Hubris Driven Development" and ties it into the importance of continuous validation before, during, and after development.
**Make Your Work Visible**Next, we examine the significance of making your work visible. But what does that really mean? Doc challenges the notion of simply having a manager observe the development process and instead advocates for meaningful visibility that enhances awareness of flow, cycle time, and throughput. We discuss how much visibility is necessary and how to reduce the friction in data gathering by automating the process, ensuring that "updating status" doesn’t become an additional burden on the team.
**Favor Automation Over Documentation**Doc takes us through the benefits of favoring automation over documentation. From auto-generating status reports via code commits to AI, to using Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) to create historical Gantt Charts, we explore how automation can ease developer pain and streamline DevOps engineering. This approach not only saves time but also enhances accuracy and consistency in reporting.
**Work Together**The conversation then shifts to the evolving meaning of "working together" in modern software development. Doc reflects on how teams used to function without strict roles or specialization and how the industry's shift towards hyper-specialization has created silos and Lean wastes. We share stories of Pair/Ensemble Programming, the impact of certificate mills on over-specialization, and the pros and cons of specialization in Agile teams. Doc also discusses the importance of credibility through collaboration rather than positional authority and shares examples of teams successfully filling roles collectively.
**Create Simple Things in Small Steps**Finally, we emphasize the power of creating simple things in small steps. Doc highlights the importance of being aware of psychological WIP (Work in Progress) limits and shares a story of how reducing lead time by taking small, simple steps enabled early and accurate validation. We also discuss the dangers of overproduction and the challenges faced when big steps lead to troubleshooting nightmares, all while tying it back to being meticulous about composition.
Don't miss out on this deep dive into the Behavior Framework with Doc Norton—packed with practical insights and actionable advice for anyone involved in software development.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/MsMK0q_KUwU 

Nothing in Tech Matters Except XP? A Hot Take

In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show titled **"Nothing in Tech Matters Except XP? A Hot Take,"** We take on the controversial discussion of the ever-changing landscape of technology and the role of Extreme Programming (XP). Are industry "best practices" in languages, front-end frameworks, and meta-architecture mere trends destined to fade away? Come hear a provocative stance that challenges the importance of these things, arguing that they are volatile, trendy, and often miss the mark when it comes to delivering true software excellence.
We explore how many tech trends are built on the assumption that developers will inherently write unsafe code unless they are constrained by strong type systems, impenetrable boundaries (like microservices), and restrictive frameworks. But what if consistently following XP principles makes these safeguards superfluous? Can language, frameworks, tools, and even meta-architectures lose their high significance when XP is at the core of software development? 
Throughout the episode, we draw on personal experiences, asserting that our developer satisfaction remains consistently high when XP values and principles are the guiding force, regardless of the technology stack. Without good XP practices, even the most advanced tools can't solve the deeper, underlying problems that plague software projects.
We delve into the ongoing debate of Majestic Monolith vs. Microservices, questioning whether the choice of meta-architecture matters as much if XP is practiced. How do these choices affect agility, and can agility be seen as a reward for technical excellence? 
Another key topic is the influence of societal factors on willpower and habits, and how these meta-problems impact developers' ability to consistently follow XP practices. Can a focus on XP help overcome the challenges posed by trendy tech choices and shifting industry standards?
Chris poses a utopian question: If everyone adhered strictly to XP principles, would other factors like programming language, framework, or meta-architecture even matter? We explore this thought experiment, considering whether an XP-driven world could render other tech decisions less critical.
But it’s not all theory. Austin reaches out to Chris for "Apathy Counseling" for developers facing burnout or disillusionment with tech trends, and offers community analogies linking dev health to "Tech Dishes"—a metaphor for the routine maintenance needed to keep your codebase clean and healthy.
Finally, we tackle the nuances of infrastructure and database management, offering qualifications on the time and effort needed to support different setups. Whether you're grappling with microservices or maintaining a monolithic architecture, the focus remains on how XP can guide you through these challenges.
Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that pushes the boundaries of conventional wisdom in tech.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/MZUUemSJMjs  

Generate Organization-Wide Understanding with Cross Discipline Causal Loop Diagramming

Come dive into the transformative world of Cross Discipline Causal Loop Diagramming on this episode of the Mob Mentality Show! Unveil the principles and practices behind generating organization-wide understanding and breaking down cross-functional misunderstandings that often lead to missed opportunities. 
**Key Highlights:**
**1. The Cost of Misunderstanding:** Discover how cross-functional misunderstandings can lead to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. We explore real-world examples and offer practical solutions to bridge these gaps.
**2. Insights from "The 5th Discipline":** Learn from the wisdom of Peter Senge's seminal book, "The 5th Discipline". Understand how systems thinking can revolutionize your organizational dynamics and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
**3. Causal Loop Diagramming 101:** Get a clear definition of causal loop diagramming and its critical role in understanding complex adaptive systems within organizations. See how quantities in a system impact each other through balancing and reinforcing loops.
**4. Breaking Down Knowledge Silos:** Address the dangers of over-reliance on specialists and knowledge silos. Learn how causal loop diagramming can facilitate better communication and collaboration across different functions and departments.
**5. Visualizing Complex Systems:** Grasp the importance of visualizing exponential effects and cause-and-effect patterns that enhance the performance of typically separately managed systems. 
**6. Practical Examples and Tools:** Dive into examples from a Fifth Discipline book club and understand how to draw and use causal loop diagrams. Explore tools and techniques that make the process accessible and effective.
**7. Real-World Applications:** Hear about a causal loop diagram example related to bad code quality and how pairing with each part of the system can build a comprehensive system diagram. Understand the impact of psychological safety on system self-awareness.
**8. Interdepartmental Impact:** Discuss the importance of seeing the whole system to understand interdepartmental impacts. Compare the efficacy of having the whole system in the room with and without formal tools.
**9. Addressing Second-Order Effects:** Identify and address second-order effects and human shortcomings in seeing side effects of side effects. Learn how diagramming can help deal with the chunking problem of a large system.
**10. Feedback and Future Learning:** Hear feedback from Big Agile session participants and understand the learning path for drawing and using causal loop diagrams. Discover how mob/pair causal loop diagramming can enhance understanding and problem-solving.
Join us as we uncover the power of causal loop diagramming to aid decision making, improve communication, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Don't miss out on this edifying episode!
Ensure you stay engaged in the world of organizational development and systems thinking by tuning in to this episode. Your learning path for causal loop diagramming and breaking down knowledge silos starts here!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/Oe75SzPeCSs 

Crafting Lean Software: Dave Adsit on Small Batches and Short Lead Times

Join us in this thoughtful episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we explore the world of Lean Software Development with Dave Adsit. Titled "Crafting Lean Software: Dave Adsit on Small Batches and Short Lead Times," this episode provides valuable insights for those looking to enhance their software development values and practices. Dave Adsit shares his experiences on how to effectively implement lean principles to achieve small batches, short lead times, and frequent releases.
### Key Discussion Points:
#### **Lean Software Development**- **Craft vs. Engineering**- **Principles of Flow**- **Waterfall vs. "Agile" vs. Lean**- **Timeboxes vs. Scope-Boxes**- **Resource vs. Flow Efficiency**- **Prioritization, Prototyping, and Lean Investment Bets**- **Single Piece Flow, Feature Flags, Continuous Delivery**- **Maximal Learning through Experimentation and a 50% Product Bet Success Rate**
#### **Collaboration**- **Integration with Lean**- **"All Hands on Deck" Mindset**- **Relation to WIP Limits**- **Pair and Mob Programming**- **Failures and Lessons**- **Rules, Why, and Learning Paths**- **Utilization and Person vs. Team vs. System Value**
#### **Continuous Improvement**- **Core Value**- **Innovative vs. Inert Practices**- **Deep vs. Shallow Learning**- **Leading Learning Opportunities**- **Knowing Enough to Make Informed Decisions**- **What If Some Do Not Want to Learn?**- **Rock Star vs. Super-Star**
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/LgAMUGtdXGA  

Artie Gold on scope is your friend. The less you need to know at any given moment, the better.

Join us on the Mob Mentality Show as we sit down with the insightful Artie Gold to explore the pivotal role of scope and cognitive load in coding. In "Artie Gold on Scope is Your Friend: The Less You Need to Know at Any Given Moment, the Better," we delve into practical strategies for enhancing productivity and code quality through smart scope management.
### Scope and Cognitive Load
Artie Gold sheds light on the false pride developers often take in handling complex code and high cognitive demands. We discuss the advantages of understanding as needed versus knowing everything at once. Are developers truly like acrobats, balancing multiple logic threads simultaneously? Artie highlights the human mind's limitations and the significant benefits of encapsulation in reducing cognitive load.
Key topics include:- The detrimental effects of high scope and cognitive load on development- Encapsulation's role in making code easier to read, scan, and modify- Comparing agile, nimble, and shallow approaches to manage cognitive overload- Artie's amusing analogy of low-level code instructions to a simple task like buying milk- Strategies for helping developers adapt to a new paradigm of encapsulated code reading
### Clarity of Value on Stories
We shift our focus to the critical importance of clarity in user stories and the benefits of direct client relationships. Artie discusses the drawbacks of indirect communication and the often humorous complications of serving as the middleman for another middleman.
Discussion points include:- The irreplaceable value of direct conversations in understanding "the why" behind requests- Whether good story conversations can be replaced with a template or checklist- The impact of user feedback on delivered products versus theoretical future products- The risks of over-refinement, illustrated by the rock versus ruby MVP delivery example- Challenges in assuming everyone excels at written communication
### Code is Everything. Code is Nothing.
In our final segment, we explore the dual nature of code. Code is vital—it produces value, is easier to change than other components, and serves as a repository of knowledge. Yet, code alone is meaningless without context and purpose.
Artie elaborates on:- The necessity of keeping code in good shape for ease of future changes- Why "pretty" code isn't the goal—functional, adaptable code is- The inherent truthfulness of code as the ultimate source of software reality
**Don't miss this insightful discussion with Artie Gold that can transform your approach to coding, user stories, and the fundamental nature of software development.**Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/0z2nQHT8Jvs   

Sticky Mob Programming with Lennart Fridén

In this compelling episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we dive deep into the art of Sticky Mob Programming with Lennart Fridén, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his decade-long journey coaching mob programming in Sweden. Whether you're a seasoned mob programmer or new to the concept, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples that can help you make mobbing a lasting fixture in your team's workflow.### Key Discussion Points:**Sticky Mob Programming:**- Lennart’s insights on mob stickiness- Beyond just trying mobbing- Persistent mob habits even without the nudging of a coach - Mob stickiness challenges and triumphs- Roles: outsider, insider, first follower (AKA eager first dance partner), - Lessons from "Power of Habit"- Mob as keystone habit leading to a cascade of other beneficial practices- Community and belonging- Dealing with stagnation- Vulnerability and growth
**Technical Coaching and Redundancy:**- Embedding coaching and making the coach's role redundant (times two)- Teaching for sustainability- Gradual coach transition examples- Handling eager vs. apathetic first follower (potential future coach)**P.S.** Reach out to Lennart Fridén ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennartfriden/ ) for guidance on introducing mobbing and ensuring it sticks in your organization.Tune in to discover how to make mob programming a sticky and sustainable practice in your organization!Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/FSFyifwXbWo  

Michele Sollecito on Systems Thinking: Seeing the Interactions Beyond the Parts

Discover a transformative conversation on systems thinking with our special guest, Michele Sollecito, in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show. In "Michele Sollecito on Systems Thinking: Seeing the Interactions Beyond the Parts," Michele shares valuable insights and practical examples that will revolutionize your approach to system optimization and organizational management.### Topics Covered:
**Systems Thinking:**- **Seeing Systems Everywhere**- **Focus on Interactions**- **Person Issue vs. System Issue**- **Animated Causal Loop Diagrams**- **Sub-System Optimization**- **System Fracturing from the Top**- **Trunk Based Development (TBD)**- **Benchmarking and "Copy-Paste" Pitfalls**- **Defensive Posture vs. Experimentation**- **Changing Core Beliefs**- **Leadership and Fake Experiments**- **Data vs. Emotion**- **Comfortable Inefficiency**- **Team Dynamics and Failure**- **Culture of Continuous Improvement**- **Managing Resistance to Improvement***Software Architecture:**- **Specialists vs. Generalists**- **Technology Obsession**- **Distributed Systems**- **Coordination Strategies**- **Paired Product Ownership**- **Autonomy vs. Consistency?****Ensemble Programming:**- **Resistance**- **Paradigm Shift to Fun**- **Early Adopters**- **Collaboration and Virtue**- **Sustainable Development**- **Avoid Echo Chambers**- **System Level Relationships with Mob**Don't miss this enlightening conversation that promises to transform your approach to systems thinking, software architecture, and ensemble programming. Listen and engage with Michele Sollecito's expert insights on the Mob Mentality Show!Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/Ga0f2jGnGxI 

Exploring Collaborative Programming with Tuple’s Eli Goodman

Join us on this enlightening episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we dive deep into the world of collaborative programming with our special guest, Eli Goodman from Tuple. In this episode we explore the intricacies of mob programming, the innovative tools designed for enhanced teamwork, and the future of Tuple.
### Highlights from Our Discussion:
**Eli's Mobbing Questions for Austin and Chris:**- **Last Time Mobbed?** - **Duration and Techniques** - **Team Dynamics** - **Austin's Recent Mob Journey** - **Chris' Leadership and Mob Hopping**- **Visualizing Connections**- **Continuous Improvement and Diffusion of Innovation**- **When to Mob and When to Not**
**Tools for Mob Programming:**- **Popular Tools**- **Monitor Usage**- **Tech Enhancements**- **Chat and Note Integration**- **Equal Navigation and Code Verbalization**
**Inside Tuple:**- **Eli's Role**- **Origin Story**- **Tuple's Progress**- **Technical Excellence**- **Social Layer Integration**- **Resource Efficiency**- **Focused Functionality**- **User Base**- **Future Prospects**
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in mob programming, team collaboration, and cutting-edge tools that facilitate efficient and effective coding practices. Whether you're a seasoned mob programmer or new to the concept, Eli Goodman’s insights will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration for your programming journey.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes packed with valuable programming insights!
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/eiLz_9-a-I4  

"The Mob Moves Too Slow for Me"

In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we dive into a challenge faced by many mobbers: the varying speeds of team members. Inspired by an X conversation in the community, we explore various possible experiments to run when someone in the ensemble says "The Mob Moves Too Slow for Me."
🔗 Join the Discussion:
Link to Community Tweet: https://x.com/EnverBral/status/1789533801690825041
🔍 Key Topics Covered:
Speeding Up the Mob: Should the mob match the speed of the fastest member?
Constructive Feedback: Transforming into a feedback machine and coach to help the team grow and improve continuously.
Utilizing Excess Brain Cycles: How to use spare mental capacity to build tools, automate tasks, and support the team's efficiency.
Career Direction and North Star: Conversations on finding and aligning with your career goals and personal mission.
Diverse Mob Roles: Leveraging roles such as forward-looking research while others focus on production to enhance team learning and speed.
Effects of Working Alone: Understanding the side effects of working solo and how it impacts team dynamics.
Temporary Splits: Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of splitting from the mob temporarily for specialized tasks and re-integrating.
Impact of Decisions: The inevitability of being affected by others' decisions even when working independently.
Deepening Knowledge Gaps: The risks of creating solutions that no one else on the team understands and how to mitigate this.
High-Octane Collaboration: The advantages of co-locating with other fast-paced mobbers to enhance productivity.
Natural Splits: When different personal missions lead to a natural division within the mob.
System vs. Sub-System Optimization: Balancing the optimization of the whole system against focusing on sub-systems.
Mob Programming Benefits: Understanding the financial benefits and ROI of mob programming.
Voluntary Participation: The importance of not forcing team members to mob if they prefer other ways of working.
🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Mob Mentality Show for more discussions on enhancing mob programming, team dynamics, and maximizing productivity.
📢 Engage with Us: Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Have you faced similar challenges in your mob programming journey? How did you address them? Let's learn from each other!
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🔗 Connect with Us: https://www.mobmentalityshow.com/Get ready for a deep dive into the intricacies of mob programming and discover how to harmonize varying speeds within your team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Tune in now!
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/MnMHX5d_Mdc