Changing Software Development: Learning to Become Agile

12.7. Change Never Ends

As human beings, we continue to learn. Since learning never ends, neither does change. It's simply a question of how fast learning and change happen.

In part, change takes longer than you think because it's never done. As soon as we succeed in one field, more options and ideas open up. This is natural, because we're learning, problem solving and creating. It also takes longer than we think, because it involves people – many people – and each one needs his or her own time to change.

Savour every success, even the little ones: use them for your own inner strength and to recognize that change is possible. Don't expect people to say 'Thank you': some of them won't, some of them won't know it was you who initiated the change and some of them will just be too busy. Just remember to thank those who help you.

Spread the success, celebrate success, involve others and demonstrate that your ideas work and change is happening. This will reward your supporters and enthuse them. However, don't over-celebrate – remember that there's still work to do. Celebration is itself a double-edged sword: it's a reward and it can be an incentive when you're in the middle of change. But celebration can also be read as marking the end. By celebrating, you might send the message that success has been achieved, that change has ended or slowed down.

Start Today I can't tell you what to do next. I don't know your organization, I don't know your problems and I certainly don't know what ...