Cockburn´s Failure Modes

Fortunately we humans possess few counter behaviors such as below -Being good at looking around, -Being able to learn -Being malleable -Taking pride in work

based on which Cockburn suggests the below listed 10 strategies for overcoming the 5 failure modes.

Failure modes and alternatives

1. Countering with discipline (standard practice) built in with some tolerance

2. Start with something concrete and tangible

3. Copying and altering (template, blank page syndrome)

4. Watching and listening (Expert in earshot)

5. Supporting concentration and communication (e.g. Caves and common, Quiet work period)

6. Personality matched work assignments

7. Talent (retain best talent)

8. Rewards that preserve joy

9. Complement rewards with other factors like good work environment

10. Feedback (Like continuous integration, pair programming, iteration reviews).