Recommended Reading List for Agile Teams
My daughter is off to the library today because she’s participating in the summer reading program. I used to love that time because I could read for pleasure without having some sort of school assignment due as a result. While you’re off at the beach or some other vacation destination, check out our recommended reading list for Agile team members and have your own summer reading program.
If you had to choose one book to read for the summer that explains Agile, go with Agile Project Management with Scrum by Ken Schwaber. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an Agile newbie, this book will reveal something new to you. Schwaber uses case studies and scenarios to lay a background for Agile development. He also walks through the planning process and the various roles within Scrum, and includes great resources in the appendices. Mike Cohn’s Succeeding with Agile is also an excellent book as an in-depth guide to Agile. This book is better suited to experienced Agile professionals but the material is certainly applicable to all.
As an Agile practitioner working in small teams, you will definitely need good teamwork skills. Or, perhaps you’re a ScrumMaster and leadership is your primary role. For these roles, we’ve got another two books that should go on your recommended reading list. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson is a great read for ensuring that those sensitive conversations go smoothly. You may also want to get The Servant Leadership Training Course by James Hunter. This book, only available in audio format, contains the hallmark principles which leaders of any organization can use.
If you prefer to get your information in bits and pieces on the web, here is our online recommended reading list. Several websites anchor the principles and practice of the Agile methodology. At the Agile Manifesto website, you can check out the core values and principles that define Agile’s purpose. You can find the Harvard Business Review article that started it all at The New New Product Development Game. This classic article is the first introduction of the idea of the Scrum and the constant cycle of iterations designed to improve upon the traditional product development methods. On the Scrum Alliance’s Suggested Reading page, you will find tips and insights on doing Scrum, whitepapers on theory and practice, and other core competencies that are part of the Certified ScrumMaster designation.
Braintrust maintains an extensive recommended reading list and resources for Agile professionals, including our own list of presentations hosted by Slideshare. This resource list is just one of the many deliverables that you’ll take away from your participation in any of our courses. Check out our current schedule of upcoming classes to find out when we’ll be in your area for public training. Or, you can find out how we can customize a course for you – simply head over to our Contact page to get in touch with one of our team members.
Question – What items would you add to this list? Do you have any comments about these or other resources for Agile teams?
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