As much by writing

I was leaving yesterday and got caught up in a good ol’ fashioned round of office banter about another department on campus. After a few comments, which may have been at best poor humor and at worst poor judgment, one of our colleagues offered, “How can we expect other departments to respect what we do, if we don’t respect what they do?”

I thought about this question the whole ride home and how it relates to the principles around Agile methods (openness, honesty, courage, etc.) I have been advocating. Obviously it is easier to promote these ideals than live up to them. In addition to the sublime truth within the statement, by offering it, our colleague put into practice the Agile principles of courage (challenging the boss or company culture), honesty (reflecting on one’s own actions), transparency (making comments in public, face to face) and openness (setting direction through action rather than mandate).

As I drove home I thought about how often I have made quick and snarky remarks about others, when deeper consideration would have been more appropriate. I thought about how, instead of mocking an idea or activity, I should have tried to understand it. It is very enticing (and easy) to join in with the crowd in order to be “one of the guys” or gain a little credibility with your peers at the cost of those outside the group. But in the end I think this leads to isolation, distrust and cynicism, and as stated, a lack of respect all around–even for oneself.

I will try to avoid the easy path, and rather, live up to the standards I have promoted. Thank you for keeping me honest, and hope we will continue to do so in the future.