Crystal Clear: A Human-Powered Methodology for Small Teams

Carefully researched over ten years and eagerly anticipated by the agile community, Crystal Clear: A Human-Powered Methodology for Small Teams is a lucid and practical introduction to running a successful agile project in your organization. Each chapter illuminates a different important aspect of orchestrating agile projects.

Highlights include

• Attention to the essential human and communication aspects of successful projects
• Case studies, examples, principles, strategies, techniques, and guiding properties
• Samples of work products from real-world projects instead of blank templates and toy problems
• Top strategies used by software teams that excel in delivering quality code in a timely fashion
• Detailed introduction to emerging best-practice techniques, such as Blitz Planning, Project 360o, and the essential Reflection Workshop
• Question-and-answer with the author about how he arrived at these recommendations, including where they fit with CMMI, ISO, RUP, XP, and other methodologies
• A detailed case study, including an ISO auditor's analysis of the project

Perhaps the most important contribution this book offers is the Seven Properties of Successful Projects. The author has studied successful agile projects and identified common traits they share. These properties lead your project to success; conversely, their absence endangers your project.