The Mob Mentality Show

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!
👍 Like, Share, and Comment: If you found this episode valuable, give it a thumbs up, share it with your network, and leave a comment. Your feedback helps us improve and brings more relevant content to you.
🔗 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 

Mobbing in the Midst of Waterfalls

Welcome to the Mob Mentality Show! In this episode, "Mobbing in the Midst of Waterfalls," we explore how mobbing can survive and even thrive when surrounded by traditional waterfall teams. Full of practical insights, this episode is especially helpful for those navigating diverse workflows.
### Topics Covered:
**1. Mobbing in Lean/Agile vs. Waterfall**Learn the key differences and challenges, and how mobbing can bridge the gap between these methodologies.
**2. Collective Automation**Discover how mob teams collaborate on automation and pipelines with waterfall teams to aid tech integration. Understand how mob teams can drive automation initiatives that benefit the entire organization. 
**3. WIP and Scope Negotiation**Master the art of negotiating WIP and thin slice scopes with waterfall teams.
**4. Scheduling Mob Time**Find practical strategies to mob with waterfall team members, overcoming scheduling conflicts.
**.5 Avoiding Bottlenecks**Learn how to support others and ensure smooth progress that prevent workflow congestion.
**6. Rogue Lean Story**Hear a concrete story about maintaining lean principles within a waterfall framework. Discover strategies to fight for optimal cycle times.
**7. Creative Solutions**Unlock innovative solutions by thinking of third alternatives to achieve business goals. Gain a clear understanding of business problems, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in tech solutions.
### Why Listen?
This episode offers practical advice, real-world stories, and insights on maintaining mobbing techniques within waterfall environments. Tune in to balance agility and structure, foster continuous improvement, and drive successful automation across your organization.
Don’t miss this enlightening episode of the Mob Mentality Show – "Mobbing in the Midst of Waterfalls." Subscribe now!
**Subscribe to the Mob Mentality Show on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms for more insightful discussions and advice.**
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/t9v0T6saH10 

Leveling Up Teams with Mark Shead

In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we dive into software development and team dynamics with Mark Shead. Discover how to revolutionize your team's productivity and create a more enjoyable work environment.
### **Leveling Up the Entire Team**- **Maximizing Software Investment & Fun:** Learn how mob programming boosts software investment value and enjoyment.- **Team Size Strategies:** Debate whether to tackle problems with large teams or start with just 5 people.- **Real-Life Transformation:** Hear the story of five individuals transitioning from solo work to pair/mob programming and the positive outcomes including reduced cycle times, enhanced delivery rates, knowledge sharing, and collective code ownership. - **Overcoming Silos:** Address the challenge of tying self-worth to personal knowledge silos and the sunk cost fallacy.- **Bottleneck Resolution:** Compare R&D bottleneck resolution in solo, isolated pair/mob, and dynamic pair/mob setups.- **Team Health:** Learn why the speed of asking questions and seeking help is crucial for team health.- **Risk and Virtue:** Discuss taking risks from a firm foundation and acting virtuously in a team, regardless of consequences.- **Sponsoring Risk Takers:** Discover the importance of sponsoring and encouraging team members who take risks and ask questions.- **Learning Vulnerability:** Hear Austin's baseball coach story on vulnerability and its relevance to software teams.
### **Effective Remote Teams**- **Solo Work vs. Collaboration:** Examine the norm of solo work and scheduled meetings leading to eight-hour days filled with meetings.- **Booking Meetings:** Understand the inefficiency of booking meetings weeks in advance just to get necessary information.- **Remote Team Room:** Learn about the remote team room approach that reduces cycle time for information sharing and fosters real-time collaboration.- **Video Call Dynamics:** Address the fear of being on video and the impact of informal versus formal video styles on zoom fatigue.
### **BDD & TDD: The State of Software Development**- **Roman Bridges Legend:** Reflect on the "hopefulness" in the software industry and the parallels with the legend of Roman bridges.- **Known vs. Unknown:** Delve into what is known versus unknown in software development.- **BDD/TDD Practices:** Discuss how much BDD/TDD should be integrated with the UI and the fear of creating test code that might need changes later.- **Evolving Product Code:** Become comfortable with evolving both product and test code.- **Coupling Tests to Design:** Debate whether to couple tests to design or not, comparing London versus Detroit approaches.- **Unmatched Confidence:** Discover the confidence boost that comes with well-executed BDD/TDD.- **Safe R&D Spaces:** Balance the need for a safe time-boxed R&D experimental code with the certainty of test-driven development.- **Humoring the Coach:** Hear anecdotes about teams humoring their coaches with TDD, only to embrace it enthusiastically the next day.
Don't miss this insightful episode filled with practical tips, real-life stories, and advice on enhancing your team's performance and software development practices. Tune in now to level up your team with Mark Shead!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/8yJmuXWgVbU