Software Development: Culture Shift is More Vital Than Any Coding Practices

With 50+ years experience in the software development industry, I’ve come to understand that the key to progress in this field lies not in technological advancements, but in cultural changes.

Alan Kay’s concept of obliquity highlights the idea that the most effective way to achieve a goal is not always by pursuing it directly, but rather by approaching it from a different angle. In the context of software development, this means that our focus might better be placed on changing the underlying culture that shapes how software is created and delivered.

The current state of the industry is far from optimal, with over 90% of Agile adoptions failing to deliver the promised benefits. The pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, the lack of whole-systems thinking, and the absence of a learning culture all contribute to the failure of Agile initiatives.

A critical aspect of cultural change is the need to embrace failure. Failure is not something to be feared, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. It is through failure that we discover what works and what doesn’t, and can adapt our approach accordingly. A culture that embraces failure as a natural part of the learning process is one that is more likely to succeed in the long run.

In addition, we must move away from the traditional focus on individual performance metrics and instead measure success based on the collective achievements of the whole organisation. This means redefining success as the ability to deliver high-quality software that meets the needs of the business and its customers. It also means recognising and rewarding collaborative behaviour, rather than individual contributions.

Finally, we must recognise that cultural change is a continuous process, not a one-time event. It requires ongoing effort and commitment, and must be reinforced through the actions and behaviours of leaders at all levels of the organisation. By fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement, we can create an environment conducive to the adoption of effective practices.

In conclusion, technological advancements are of little import in software development, unless accompanied by cultural changes. Alan Kay’s concept of obliquity reminds us that sometimes the most direct path is not the most effective. By focusing on building a culture that values collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement, we can deliver better outcomes for our businesses and customers.