by Mike Ososki, PMP – PMI Atlanta Events Writer
AI can be used for faster coding, but beware—it can fail, too. Our recent Dinner Meeting presenter Nelson Ingle (“Coach Nelson,” Founder and CEO of Simply Agile Inc.) is an Agile expert that shared his approach to avoid AI failure. He calls it the Predictable Outcome Model & Blueprint.
Based on the Agile methodology, an iterative, flexible approach to software development and project management, Nelson emphasizes clarity. He asserts that a predictable outcome is achieved through a shared clarity of WHY + WHAT + HOW.
If teams are moving without shared clarity, results drift—and worse. Many of us have seen this classic “Tree Swing” image, depicting different perspectives and varied interpretations resulting in some pretty awful misalignment.
Of course, this is insanity. Not good. So instead, Nelson advocates to prioritize clarity first, and then structure. Using Agile methodology, we break down high-level strategic goals into actionable tasks. The blueprint is Initiative > Epic > Feature > Story. Generally, the first two are strategic and the last two are Tactical.
When you manage your projects, you want the outcome and end goal to be an expected and predictable experience. Ask:
- WHY are we doing this? What is the motive and cause? It’s the driving force that provides a sense of purpose.
- WHAT problem do we want to solve? This is a list of issues or dysfunction that we want to diagnose and treat.
- HOW do we achieve this? Solve for What, including all the many details, pieces and steps that deliver on the expected outcome.
Another way to look at the formula is from the WHO perspective, focused on people. Combining the model and the blueprint, we get can get these groupings:
Nelson shared “Date Night” as a detailed application example:
- Outcome: a memorably lovely evening with our favorite person
- Why/Initiative: desire for a special occasion.
- What: Enjoy a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant.
- Epic: Meal courses, eg: appetizer, main course, dessert, with many specific details.
- Feature: More details, eg: appetizer, like bruschetta, with cocktails, salad, soup, etc.
- Story: Yet even more details, like exact recipes to create delicious foods.
- How: Up to you.
Coach Nelson describes his Simply Agile company as “a community of communities that moves you forward” with a stage-by-stage system of steps. These include Path to Freedom, AI Bootcamp, and The Allies Network. Learn more at https://simplyagile.com/