Who is Neil Killick?

Neil

What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?

I am intensely shy, self-conscious and paranoid. I know this, so I work hard not to let these character traits have a negative impact on my life.

What would have become of you if you were not doing the job you do today?

Wow, who knows?! I know when I was at school I was passionate about music, both playing (piano and guitar) and production, and was an avid snooker player.

In the realms of software, I might still be a developer if I hadn’t chosen to try new things a few years ago. I joked at the recent DDD conference that I realised I wasn’t smart enough to be a top developer, so I moved into management :)

I still miss coding sometimes; the creativity and discipline of it. The feeling of producing things that people love using.

What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?

The path that I have chosen requires me to step quite significantly outside my comfort zone. I am not a natural public speaker, nor even really a natural collaborator. I work and socialise well with people when I know them and/or feel comfortable in their company, but often become quite insular and introverted if this is not the case.

While I often feel challenged, or that I am not capable of doing what I am attempting, I have learned that I need to keep on pushing myself in this way. In the past I have become far too comfortable with things, and tended to revert to what is easiest rather than what reaps maximum reward. Going out there on my own as an Agile Coach/Consultant has forced me to confront some of these demons.

What drives you?

I can’t help but care about the waste of human potential found in typical software development teams. I have experienced first hand the negative effects on my personality and productivity of working in uninspiring environments with unmotivated people.

I am passionate about humanising the way development teams get treated by their managers and the wider business. Bridging the divide between “IT and the business”. Helping people to work together toward common goals in environments that inspire, motivate and bring joy to the working day.

What do you think makes a great team?

There are many ingredients that must come together to make what I would describe as a “great team”. Self-organisation. Time. A desire from the individuals to share achievements and failures, and to improve together. Autonomy, mastery, purpose. Having intrinsic discipline and motivation. Passion and love for what you do. A supportive and trusting environment.

What is the essence of Agile?

The Agile Manifesto and Principles describe Agile better than I ever could :)

What is the last book you have read and which book made a huge impact in your life?

Last book I read was Eric Ries’ “The Lean Startup”.

“Run” by Dean Karnazes inspired me as a runner and a human being.

If you were going to have a dinner party with anyone alive or deceased - which three people would you invite and why?

Ron Jeffries, Bob Marshall and John Lennon. Three great minds, for different reasons. Never met any of them in person, which is as good a reason as any! Would be an interesting conversation with lots of humanity and practical ideas for improving our lives via improving the world of work.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting with Agile?

Read as much as you can about Lean and Agile.

What question do you think I should also ask and what is your answer?

“Is Agile a methodology or a mindset?” - Mindset

Whom do you think we should ask next in Australia and/or New Zealand and why do you feel they should be included in the book?

James Holmes. He is a fantastic example of an Agile developer, given his passion for technology as well as delivering value for the customer and the business. But most importantly, he is a caring human being who wants people to be happy at work and in life.