On The Importance of Models

Everything we know: opinions, frameworks, values, etc. are more or less models. We use them as pieces of a puzzle. Piece by piece we make sense of what is happening around us.

The more models I've learned, the more things started to click and make sense. I've started adapting and seeing other people's points of view, have more constructive conversations and find better solutions to various problems I'm trying to solve.

I am much happier as result! I feel that more people would benefit from knowing more models!

Here are my 3 tips for dealing with models:

1. Always upgrade your tool box

Agility is a continuous learning process. Books, conversations, trainings, seminars, webinars you name it. They all help!

You will be better off by knowing. Develop a constant thirst for learning and knowing more things. You will become more knowledgeable as a result. Putting it in practice will develop your wisdom. This simple recipe will increase your value to society!

I haven't seen a downside to this. Not yet at least.

2. Dismissal may mean you haven't understood it yet

I've stumbled on lots of things I didn't agree with or I didn't see value in. Later on, I’ve started to understand.

Every model is just a different view. Looking at an agile team you can easily apply Scrum, Kanban, Six Sigma, ITIL, Prince 2 or any other model for assessment.

Each comes with its own reward/penalty attached. This is just how models work.

One of the Agile teams I’ve coached mixed Scrum, Kanban and a bit of ITIL. This combo just worked for them.

3. There are no silver bullets

Well this one is pretty self-explanatory. It goes in line with: "When you only have a hammer, every problem is a nail."

Some great questions to ask are: What is not working here? What am I not seeing? Is there a better way to do this? How did others solve this in the past?

Obstacles are just life's way of testing our capabilities. If something is not working, we can continue doing it, hit the same wall, over and over or go back to the drawing board.

Sometimes it’s much better to stop and rethink.

Thinking in models has helped me a lot. I believe it contributed to having a healthy detachment from my opinions. It has also helped me understand when I want to be flexible and where I want to stand my ground.