As Chris explains it, we manage the outcome of our software projects using Agile principles and techniques like time boxed cycles, shorter feedback cycles and small defined outcomes… so why don’t we apply these techniques to staff growth?

Staff grow at different rates, they have unique needs and differing circumstances, so why do we impose a one-size-fits-all approach to staff development? Furthermore, why do we subject our teams to a sterile and delayed feedback KPO / KPI approach in the tech industry, an industry that is growing and experiencing rapid change?

These are all questions that puzzled him.

Five years ago Chris started mentoring team members using an agile approach which was refined over time and with each iteration, it is now an accepted and valued practice on all my teams. This is his story.

During his talk he unpacked:

• The agile mentoring approach and the mentoring life cycle
• The different personas he has adopted in agile mentoring
• The different people patterns he has adopted in agile mentoring
• The tools he uses to manage the process
• The career framework he applies
• Lessons  learned.

He shared his thoughts on a fresh approach to mentoring team members which ultimately results in;

• Higher job satisfaction and less burn-out among employees
• More confident teams
• Less learning on active projects, and more focused learning outcomes
• Higher staff retention.

The catering was top notch and the attendees had a fantastic time.

The popular Lets Test conference is being held this year in Cape Town. There is an amazing line up of local and international speakers this year; covering tools, workshops, and straight presentations. The keynote is being delivered by Leo Hepis on "Its context-driven, not cult driven testing" which is going to be an explosive start to the event.

If you are not familiar with Lets Test, here is a short description about what makes the conference tick, straight from the organisers mouth:

"When we say ”for testers, by testers” we mean that our main goal for these conferences is to make them a valuable experience for all participants, not to maximize profit. We are ourselves part of a team made up of serious, passionate and professional testers that back in 2011 decided that it was time to set up a context-driven testing conference in Europe. Since the inaugural Let’s Test conference in 2012, some team members have left and others have been added, and the conference has expanded to been organized in Australia as well as in Europe, and South Africa. We’re happy to see the Let’s Test family grow, but regardless of where you visit a Let’s Test conference, you can be sure that we’ll never compromise on the “for testers, by testers” principle."

Our own director, Chris Tite will be attending the 2019 SA edition, fresh off hosting this week's Instruct event, sharing on agile people development. Chris is being joined by Charne Dall our resident test guru and Nathan Van Wyk our test lead from our sister skills company Pivot.

The event runs from Sunday, 24th to 26th November. See the full program here. If you are in Cape Town then drop by and catch up with us there.

We are delighted to host the 10th anniversary of the Global day of coderetreat at our offices in Durban on the 16th November 2019. Meetup details can be found here.

Coderetreat is a day-long, intensive practice event, focusing on the fundamentals of software development and design. By providing developers the opportunity to take part in focused practice, away from the pressures of 'getting things done', the coderetreat format has proven itself to be a highly effective means of skill improvement. Practicing the basic principles of modular and object-oriented design, developers can improve their ability to write code that minimizes the cost of change over time. Learn more about coderetreat on the official website.​

!We are representing South Africa in the Durban region, and have opened invitations to all how want to learn how to improve their skills. We are grateful to have Brendon Page hanging out with to help facilitate the day along with Kaleidocoders, Divan Visagie and Steven Dall. Currently we have 26 folks booked to come join in the day, which is a fantastic turnout - well done Durban.

The problem being solved will be Conway's game of life, an old favourite of coderetreats that challenges newcomers and returning attendees alike. To get a sense of the problem take a look as John Conway gives an overview below: 

If you have ever considered attending a coderetreat or perhaps just want to know if its something that you would get value from attending then take some time to read Michal Gutman's article which describes what to expect and what you could learn brilliantly. Happy reading.