tech·nic·al·ly agile

Why Slow Processes Impact Developer Productivity and Performance

Explores how inefficient processes, not individual shortcomings, hinder developer productivity and performance, highlighting the need for systemic improvements.

Published on
1 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/CkgnD5GYbI8

I once heard a leader say, “This developer is too slow.” No, the process was slow.

If someone on your team is struggling, it’s not a personal failing—it’s a system failure. Maybe they weren’t given the right training. Maybe work sits in review for weeks. Maybe the handoffs between teams are a mess.

Nigel Thurlow puts it perfectly:
“You never measure a person, ever. You only ever measure a process. You improve the system, never the people within it.”

People don’t fail in a vacuum. The system sets them up for success or failure. If you’re spending time trying to fix the person, you’re missing the real problem.

Want better performance? Fix the process.

Have you ever seen someone get blamed for a system failure?

Team Performance Operational Practices Sociotechnical Systems Software Development Continuous Improvement
Comments

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

Sage Logo
ALS Life Sciences Logo
Freadom Logo
MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd. Logo
Trayport Logo
Big Data for Humans Logo
ProgramUtvikling Logo

CR2

Jack Links Logo
Microsoft Logo
SuperControl Logo
DFDS Logo
Hubtel Ghana Logo
Lean SA Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo
Qualco Logo
Boeing Logo
Teleplan Logo
Nottingham County Council Logo
Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo
Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo
Ghana Police Service Logo
Washington Department of Transport Logo
New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo
Healthgrades Logo
Brandes Investment Partners L.P. Logo
New Signature Logo

CR2

Microsoft Logo
Schlumberger Logo