Using Silent Work Techniques to Achieve Astonishing Results

Because diversity of ideas yields astonishing results, team members should respect each other by openly listening to ideas from everyone on the team. In fact, the word "respect" tops the list of values of both Scrum and XP. Lyssa Adkins has found that every team she has coached that is divided into two camps-the dominants and the quiets-seems to build products that are just so-so. Maybe it's because the same few "dominants" offer the same ideas while the "quiets" remain silent. Instead of relying on open conversation as a primary way of collaborating in brainstorming, design, and problem solving sessions, you can use "silent work" collaboration techniques to level the playing field. Lyssa describes-and you'll practice-novel collaboration techniques you can take home to help your teams achieve better results-and faster too-through their silent work.