Agile . since Jun 23 . Index . DOCs TOP TOC

Pair Promiscuously!

Promiscuity, it turns out, is a good way to spread a lot of information through a group quickly. Rapid partner swapping ensures that a good idea, once envisioned, is soon practiced by every pair. Replacing individual accountability with team accountability empowers each person to do those tasks at which he excels — and allow someone else to take over for his weaknesses.

Each of our practices provided the team with more flexibility and better communications. More creative ideas were formed, and each idea was automatically disseminated to the entire team by the end of the day. Each person was expected to continuously learn what was happening and contribute in a very short amount of time. Working on this team often felt like drinking from a fire hose, but it was empowering.

The data show that we were more productive the more promiscuous we were — as long as we remained with each partner long enough to exchange knowledge. What they don’t show is that we also had a lot more fun. It took the team a little time to adjust to the more rapid pace, but working with that team was a career high point for every person involved.