The Art of Agile Development

Energized Work

Note

Coaches, Whole Team

We work at a pace that allows us to do our best, most productive work indefinitely.

I enjoy programming. I enjoy solving problems, writing good code, watching tests pass, and especially removing code while refactoring. I program in my spare time and sometimes even think about work in the shower.

In other words, I love my work. Yet put me on a team with unclear goals, little collective responsibility, and infighting, and I’ll wake up dreading going into work. I’ll put in my hours at the office, but I’ll be tempted to spend my mornings reading email and my afternoons picking at code while surfing through marginally related technical web sites.

We’ve all been in this situation. Because we’re professionals, we strive to produce quality work even when we feel demoralized. Still, consider the times of greatest productivity in your career. Do you notice a big difference when you wake up and feel blessed to go into work? Isn’t it much more satisfying to leave on time at the end of the day, knowing that you accomplished something solid and useful?

XP’s practice of energized work recognizes that, although professionals can do good work under difficult circumstances, they do their best, most productive work when they’re energized and motivated.

How to Be Energized

Important

Go home on time.

One of the simplest ways to be energized is to take care of yourself. Go home on time every day. Spend time with family and friends and engage in activities that take your ...