The first time I played Dungeons & Dragons I rolled a human cleric named Enos. He was a thin and wiry fellow who was wise beyond his years. I recall not being able to carry a sword, which bummed me out, but I was building an amazing support character anyway. I wanted to be able to help my party first before engaging in combat. Which is why I felt this was a perfect starting class for me.
This was back in ‘91 so I believe it was 2nd edition D&D at the time. I remember being so fascinated with the artwork, that I couldn’t wait to imagine my character. I only played a handful of times, all while not really understanding the rules. I didn’t care, because I just wanted to play to the challenge our DM provided.
I recall how hard it was to get a game going, because I only knew one person from the neighborhood who wanted to play. He just so happened to know someone that wanted to lead us on our journey. Then my brother wanted to play. That’s when I learned how important it was to work together.
My brother was only interested in treasure hunting.
Whereas, I wanted to explore.
So our game sessions were always pretty quick, because the fighter of our group (my brother) would charge in at everything, even if there was nothing to fight. I remember our DM getting so frustrated with us, that he stopped giving us simple monsters to fight. He would ramp it up pretty quick based on how annoying my brother was.
After only a few sessions, our DM left.
Probably to find a better group to play with.
Building products is a lot like playing the game. Your DM (or stakeholder) gives you an opportunity and provides the scenario (context). You make a decision, roll the dice, and hope it’s correct. Throughout the game, you come across monsters that want to keep you from accomplishing your goal. They are strong, and hellbent on not letting you progress.
Here are 4 Anti-Change Agents (or monsters) in your path to product agility.
The Over-Confident Leader
Skills
Charismatic Presence: The Over-Confident Leader possesses an overwhelming charisma that allows them to influence and persuade others easily.
Micromanager: They possess a keen eye for detail and strive to be involved in every aspect of the organization, from decision-making to execution.
Traits
The Over-Confident Leader is a formidable force in the organization, exuding an aura of unwavering self-assurance. Their confidence blinds them to the chaos they create, as they believe their abilities and decisions are infallible. They may inspire loyalty in their followers but often disregard the expertise and opinions of others, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
The Bullying Boss
Skills
Manipulative Charm: The Bullying Boss has a cunning ability to manipulate and influence others, especially those within their inner circle.
Consensus Builder: They possess a talent for coercing agreement from their subordinates, often disregarding dissenting voices.
Traits
The Bullying Boss may have moments of kindness but resorts to bullying tactics when challenged or faced with decisions. They surround themselves with favorites and seek agreement that aligns with their own opinions, dismissing the input of those who don't conform. Their desire for control and fear of dissent can stifle creativity and lead to a lack of diverse perspectives.
The Quarreling Team
Skills
Competitive Bickering: The Quarreling Team members excel at engaging in heated arguments, each vying to prove their superiority.
Individualistic Expertise: They possess specialized knowledge in their respective areas but struggle to work collaboratively.
Traits
The Quarreling Team is a group plagued by internal strife and constant bickering. Each member believes their individual ideas and expertise are superior to others, often hindering collective progress. While their individual skills may be valuable, their inability to work together as a cohesive unit results in a lack of synergy and delays in achieving team objectives.
The Commanding & Overworked Product Owner
Skills
Decisive Authority: The Commanding & Overworked Product Owner wields unquestionable decision-making power, ensuring tasks are completed to their specifications.
Workaholic Endurance: They possess an incredible capacity for work, often taking on more projects than can be reasonably handled.
Traits
The Commanding & Overworked Product Owner is a force to be reckoned with, making all the key decisions and setting the direction for projects. They focus on status and availability, valuing immediate progress over proper risk assessment. Their over-commitment and lack of delegation can lead to burnout, and their insistence on control may hinder collaboration and shared ownership within the team.