SPaMCAST 125 - Coaching, Two Calls To Action

Welcome to the Software Process and Measurement Cast 125! I recorded this Cast before the earthquake in Japan but did want to let all of the SPaMCAST friends and all of the people of Japan that my thoughts are with you.  In this week’s Software Process and Measurement Cast I feature a short entry I wrote on coaching, a comment on the blog entry on coaching and two calls to action.  The paper on Agile is from Venus and PMOs from Mars will begin in SPaMCAST 127.  The essay begins . . . Coaching is a core agile technique, however the impact of the differing coaching technique has not been thoroughly understood which has meant that practices were driven based on individual style.  That is until now.    Why is coaching important?  Coaching is important because it can lead it to smoothly functioning organizations; higher productivity and profits. Call to Action One:Last year I interviewed Bertrand Meyer about SEMAT (see SPaMCAST 96 at www.SPAMCAST.libsyn.com). During the interview he indicated that one the reasons he was participating was to find a means to bridge the gap between practitioners and academia. The idea that there was a gap has been weighing on my mind since, to a great or lesser extent.  So why do you think there is a gap?  Is the gap (if it exists) driven by distrust or is that practitioners do not value input from academics?  Your thoughts and ideas will help me frame a future essay. Call to Action Two and Book Plug . . .Many Software Process and Measurement Cast Listeners have purchased Mastering Software Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques co-authored by Murali Chemuturi and myself and published by J. Ross Publishing.  Thank you!  If you are one of those many listeners, please consider posting a review on Amazon or one of the many online book review sites.  Reviews help sell books.  So if you agreee with Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development and Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc that "Mastering Software Project Management is a masterpiece of clarity, organization and depth of practical knowledge" why not let the world know with a review? Finally do want me to sign a bookplate for your copy of the book?  Email me and include a picture of you with your copy of the book and I will send you a personalized, signed bookplate! Contact information for the Software Process and Measurement CastEmail:  spamcastinfo@gmail.comVoicemail:  +1-206-888-6111Website: www.spamcast.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/tcagleyFacebook:  http://bit.ly/16fBWV Check out my blog and show notes for upcoming conferences and webinars! Next!In SPaMCAST 126 I will feature my interview with Phillip A. LaPlante on his book Requirements Engineering for Software and Systems.  This was a powerhouse interview on requirements; you will not want to miss it.