Reflecting on Technical Craftsmanship

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by torbakhopper

The folks at Agile Velocity were kind enough to interview me about technical craftsmanship and post it online. I feel like I'm occupying a special role as an advocate for technical excellence here. Those who know me realize that I don't consider myself a "technical coach," and I am not the person to look to for hands-on mentoring in technical practices. However, I find it impossible to work in the software development sphere and not pay attention to the technical practices of the teams and organizations that I work with. That's the craft. Whether you know how to write code or not, be in the conversations about the technical practices used where you work and find out how you can support improvement.

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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