Why do I go to office !

Some days back, my 5 year old son had this question about why do I need to go to office. My husband and I tried to explain to him how I earning money helps us to buy him toys, chocolates etc. He did not seem convinced, and said that his father is already earning money! Discussion got into another topic, and this was left as is.

Again yesterday he talked to me about why do I go to office, when the lady at my neighborhood is a home maker. I thought probably he sees lot of women who are not working, and are home makers, and hence this question is still on his mind.

Thought of giving a different answer to him this time. Started explaining him that everyone chooses a field that they like, study in that and later work on it. I said, I liked engineering, so studied that, and then got into this computer field, and I love doing that now. So I go to office, because its my choice. Some do not go, because they like don't like to. I also tried to push in examples of how his teacher likes to teach them and hence goes to school, which is her office. He loves his teacher, so probably was happy that she goes to her office :)

I hope he liked the answer this time, as he hasn't come back to me with this question again. But I am glad that he is thinking about what he sees around him, and talking to me about it. It makes me think as well :)

Read about this 10 year old boy creating mobile Apps, Looks like its time to jump the wagon, or else my kids would develop mobile apps before I do !

Talking Agile to an Agile Guru

Last to last week I got a chance to talk to an Executive General Manager from an Insurance Firm about what Agile means to us. This firm trains people in Agile, through Agile Academy.

I was amazed at how well I could connect with this senior fellow through the Agile Thread. We spoke about the team behavior, the team events, the workshops in our Agile journey. I could see a twinkle in his eyes when I showed him the comparison between Agile with Twenty-Twenty cricket made by one of our teams.

He shared his views on pair programing, skeptics, blurring line between specialized roles of developers and testers. So many common things. Agile helps them not only in software development, but in complex business strategies. This was indeed interesting to know.

We also talked about our experiences of teaching agile to freshers vs experienced. I commented that freshers connect easily with Agile principles, as their minds are not polluted with waterfall, and they bring in more energy. This organization also believes in the power of fresh thoughts. Incidenly they have special programs where they recruit fresh graduates, and get wonderful results out of their work.

It was really a pleasure to know that someone could see our passion towards Agile, and appreciate. I really think its a great start to this year! I look forward to more such interactions, and sharing the same with the world.