Why don’t software development methodologies work? (2014)
For me, the real issue is ownership. I come from a finance background and have seen "business people" often run technology into the ground because they simply can't let go of ownership or control. They want to define too much and leave little in the hands of the developer. Development managers can be just as bad with their overarching methodologies. Really bad ones can stifle the creativity of their developers by micromanaging and just end up making people miserable. I personally don't follow any particular methodology, but instead, I agree with each team member a well defined deliverable and deadline, and just let them get on with it (with whichever methodology they prefer). The only thing we stipulate as a firm is the version control system and test procedures. The whole team has an informal chat once a week or so to make sure things fit together properly - no daily stand up rubbish. It's not complicated or even that structured, but it works and my colleagues seem happy. Basically our philosophy is, hire good people, make them responsible for something, and let them find the best way to deliver. And definitely don't tie them up in stupid admin tasks as stipulated by the latest fad.