Agile Leadership Network Houston

Agile Dot Net Conference, May 17th 2013

Learning agile methods for software development and project management can feel like climbing a mountain. Recognizing that it’s a journey requiring forethought, learning, and experience that can only be gained on the job will help you break through the barriers you’ll encounter at different stages of the climb. AgileDotNet Houston 2013 (hash tag #adn13) is here to help you through the ascension – to develop your skills, raise your awareness, and prepare your mind for the climb you’re taking on in your own projects.

There are four tracks to take, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Tools.

Location: Minute Maid Park

Cost: Only $149 plus service fee

Other Perks:

There are several other wonderful perks all attendees of this event will receive, including:

• 6 PMI PDUs,
• A chance to win lots of wonderful giveaways, and
• A chance to win a vacation to Fabulous Las Vegas 

For more information and details, please visit http://www.agiledotnet.com/

Join us  for the May 2013 meeting

This meeting is free

Meetings are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Networking 6:00pm - 6:30pm)

Kanban - Myths and Misconceptions

Register Here  

"What is the Kanban Method?" 

• It’s not about replacing your current software development process.
• It’s not about changing or removing your team's current titles and roles or adding any new ones.
• It’s not about a process that is only for support, maintenance, or "dev ops" teams.

Does any of the above surprise you? 

During the Kanban Leaders Retreat (KLRUS) in San Diego last November of 2012, several leading kanban coaches, trainers, and practitioners participated in a session focused on identifying some of the “surprising” myths and misconceptions about the Kanban Method observed as they coach, train, and guide others on work sites. 

How about these, any surprises here for you?

• It doesn’t require all work items to be “sized” the same.
• It doesn’t require you to stop using fixed-length iterations (though you might).
• It doesn’t require you to stop estimating (though you might do much less).

In this session Frank Vega (shown below) shares some of the insights gathered from leaders at KLRUS about several of the myths and misconceptions discussed there. If you’re just beginning to learn about the Kanban Method, this presentation will provide a useful foundational perspective to keep in mind as you continue your research and reading of articles, posts, etc. Those who are a bit more experienced with the Kanban Method will benefit too by becoming more familiar with these misconceptions and how our community is working to address them. 

Thanks to our event sponsor:  

Meeting Location

Sysco Corporation

1390 Enclave Parkway - Houston, Texas - 281-584-1390        

PARKING:  Please park in front of either Sysco building (1370 & 1390 Enclave Parkway).

If front lots are full, park on the street along Forkland Drive and walk around to the front entrance of 1390. 

Join us  for the June 2013 meeting

This meeting is free

Meetings are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Networking 6:00pm - 6:30pm)

Register Here

Taming the Elephant

We’ve all been there; a great idea gets presented and wham, the very questions you thought you had the answers to or hoped that no one would bring up, get asked. The conversation turns into a no-win scenario that leads to endless questions and discussions that go nowhere. Buy-in is slowed or halted. The water cooler is where the real meeting now takes place.

Every group has legitimate concerns that cannot be ignored or brushed aside. In this session you will learn and apply a proven strategy to address issues and concerns powerfully and effectively; to harness the elephant of resistance in the room and move your ideas to action.

After the session, participants will be able to:
 

1. Learn a proven methodology for addressing “elephant” issues

2. Apply straight talk to current situations

3. Identify the source of the resistance

4. Learn ways to invite the questioner to be part of the answer and gain buy-in "What is the Kanban Method?

Speaker: KEVIN CULLEN

Kevin is the President of Leadera Consulting Group. He specializes in the training and development of business leaders worldwide and at every organizational level to design, deliver and implement change initiatives that produce exceptional business results. Kevin is a master on the principles of the engagement of employees. His vision is that people achieve the greatest fulfillment and satisfaction by expressing their true self and living consistent with their values everywhere in their life - especially at work.

Meeting Location

Sysco Corporation

1390 Enclave Parkway - Houston, Texas - 281-584-1390        

PARKING:  Please park in front of either Sysco building (1370 & 1390 Enclave Parkway).

If front lots are full, park on the street along Forkland Drive and walk around to the front entrance of 1390. 

Welcome to APLN Houston’s meeting venue at Sysco Corporation, 1390 Enclave Parkway. 

Please note that by popular demand our meetings have been extended 30 minutes until 8:00pm!

Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted on this site. Meeting format:

• 6:00pm - 6:20pm - Network with your fellow agile practitioners
• 6:20pm - 6:30pm - Announcements and Introductions
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm - Featured Program

Parking Guidance Has Changed:

Please park in front of either Sysco building (1370 & 1390 Enclave Parkway). If front lots are full, park on the street along Forkland Drive and walk around to the front entrance of 1390.

Also please help us speed check-in by registering for the meeting at least 24 hours in advance and your name will be on the pre-registered sign-in sheet along with a printed name tag (both are in first name, then last name sequence).