AA195 - Tyranny of Plans & Planning in Software Development

Arguing Agile

In this episode of the Arguing Agile podcast, we dive deep into the corrosive nature of excessive planning in software development organizations.
Discover how the tyranny of plans can stifle innovation, hinder adaptability, and lead to project failures. We explore the cognitive dissonance that often plagues leadership when plans inevitably clash with market realities.
Join us as we discuss strategies for dealing with uncertainty, the pitfalls of Taylorism in modern work culture, and the importance of flexible budgeting in agile environments. Learn how to recognize pathological organizational patterns and navigate the challenges of working with narcissistic leaders.
Whether you're a product manager, agile coach, or software development leader, this podcast will equip you with valuable insights to help you break free from the tyranny of plans and foster a more adaptive, resilient organization.
agile planning, software development, product management, organizational culture, leadership, uncertainty, budgeting, narcissism, Taylorism, cognitive dissonance
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Toronto Is My Beat (Music Sample)
By Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)
CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

فصول

1. Podcast Intro (00:00:00)

2. Intro: The Tyranny of Plans and Planning (00:00:11)

3. Dealing with Uncertainty and Ambiguity (00:00:26)

4. The Illusion of Control in Organizations (00:00:52)

5. Leadership and Organizational Shuffling (00:01:04)

6. Systemic Issues in Large Organizations (00:02:56)

7. Issues with the System (00:05:25)

8. The Role of Luck in Success (00:06:52)

9. The Role of Timing in Success (00:07:46)

10. How Most Orgs Evolve (00:08:48)

11. Questioning Org Design (00:10:30)

12. Taylorism and Modern Work Culture (00:11:41)

13. Westrum's 3 Org Models (00:14:36)

14. When People Are the Problem (00:16:51)

15. Impact of Cognitive Load on Decision Making (00:20:54)

16. Identity & Emotional Damage (00:21:54)

17. Cognitive Dissonance in Orgs (00:25:33)

18. Budgeting Challenges in Software Projects (00:28:01)

19. Micro Budgeting: A Flexible Approach (00:28:52)

20. Benefits of Quarterly Budgeting (00:29:58)

21. Handling Unpredictable Workloads (00:31:31)

22. Strategies for Effective Team Management (00:32:51)

23. Cognitive Dissonance & Failures of Identity (00:34:49)

24. Etch Plans in Sand, Not Stone (00:37:54)

25. Podcast Recommendations (00:40:18)

26. Cultural Dimensions in Management (00:40:34)

27. The Myth of Hustle Culture and Hard Work (00:43:16)

28. Narcissists and Plans (00:47:20)

29. Strategies to Deal with Narcissists (00:49:33)

30. Final Thoughts (00:51:37)

31. The Importance of Planning and Adaptability (00:53:19)

32. Wrap-Up (00:54:37)