Agile Smells: Iteration Zero

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by Steve Rotman

I've never been a fan of Iteration Zero as a thing.  (The only thing worse, in my opinion, is Iteration H, where H stands for "hardening!").  Teams should be able to start work right away, and the need for an Iteration Zero is a smell--something about the organization delays the team in being ready to start work.  Not cool, organization!

Johanna Rothman has a fantastic article on Iteration Zero posted on Gantthead that I think does an excellent job explaining how a proper (less smell-y) Iteration Zero should be used.

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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