One of the keys to fast learning: discipline in the process…

In order to integrate constant learning into an organization, there must be a process. I personally recommend scrum or at least scrumesque principles.

Such as…

Retrospectives. Really candid retrospectives. Every two weeks. Analyze the work that has been done in those 2 weeks. If something was not done, why not? What was the roadblock?

It requires strong discipline. There is always something to improve upon or fix. Especially when it comes to human beings; to set aside worn routines and take a dead honest look at what is really going on every 2 weeks is an incredible challenge for most people. In my experience, I have not yet seen this done to maximum capacity. I have seen efforts; it is just so easy to slide back into old habits.

Of course, strong leadership always helps. Having a cross-functional team is also extremely conducive to upping the levels of learning that outpaces the competition.

I have now used scrum to try to discipline numerous team’s processes that I have been a part of. Everyone understands the things that need to be done. When it is honest and said, it is easy to see. Everyone knows if s**t is not getting done.

I am still working on it myself. The teams that I belong to, I am trying my hardest to discipline them to the process. Every 2 weeks. Do what we say we are going to do. Resolve human issues — every 2 weeks! Let nothing stew. Alter strategy. Learn fast.

I personally don’t care what the process is. The most important part is the discipline.