…even if it’s only for a few seconds.
I occasionally do training seminars on software development technologies. Some are internal to my company, some are external. Most are on the more technical aspects of Agile software (using the definition of Agile as “any modern software development practices that work”) such as TDD, design patterns, and refactoring. What I really care about and want to talk about are Lean Software Development and other more overarching values-based approaches to making software, but there doesn’t seem to be the same level of interest. Until today.
This morning, while I was in the elevator at work, I overheard one passenger (total stranger) ask another “so, what does “kanban” stand for anyway?” the other passenger said she didn’t know.
So I pounced!
I managed to cram a pretty good history of how kanban came from the Toyota Production System into a few floors of elevator travel. And I get the sense of satisfaction that comes from making someone’s day a little more strange.