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Agile how to: Thrive as a Development Team Member in Scrum and Kanban

Are you a developer or tester navigating the world of Agile? Do you want to understand how to excel in frameworks like Scrum and Kanban while delivering high-quality software?

Agile How To: Thrive as a Development Team Member in Scrum and Kanban is your essential guide to mastering Agile as a contributor who builds and delivers software. Whether you’re new to Agile or looking to sharpen your skills, this book offers practical advice, actionable strategies, and real-world examples to help you succeed in any Agile environment.

What You’ll Learn

  1. Core Agile Foundations
    – Understand the principles of Agile and how they enhance collaboration and efficiency.
    – Explore the differences and benefits of Scrum and Kanban frameworks.
  2. Practical Guidance for Developers and Testers
    – Participate effectively in backlog refinement, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
    – Build quality into your work with practices like Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD).
    – Use AI-powered tools to automate coding, testing, and performance optimization.
  3. Advanced Agile Practices
    – Collaborate with Product Owners to clarify user stories and align priorities.
    – Partner with Scrum Masters to resolve blockers and improve team dynamics.
    – Shape product discovery by contributing to spikes and identifying edge cases.
  4. Aligning with the Business Vision
    – Deliver software that aligns with user needs and organizational goals.
    – Use metrics and feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
  5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
    – Manage technical debt, scope creep, and over-commitment effectively.
    – Address Agile misconceptions like “no planning” or “no documentation” to maximize your impact.

Reflection for Self-Growth
Most chapters includes a dedicated reflection section, encouraging you to evaluate your practices and identify areas for personal and professional growth. These exercises empower you to adapt what you’ve learned to your unique context and evolve alongside your team.

Who This Book Is For
This book is designed for developers, testers, and contributors looking to thrive in Agile environments. It’s ideal for professionals working in cross-functional teams or those who want to deepen their understanding of Scrum and Kanban.

Why This Book Stands Out
With a focus on actionable insights, developer-centric guidance, and self-reflection, How To: Thrive as a Development Team Member in Scrum and Kanban bridges the gap between theory and practical application. You’ll gain the tools to succeed, whether you’re refining user stories, collaborating on product discovery, or delivering high-value increments.

Take the next step in your Agile journey and unlock your full potential as a development team member.

About the Author(s)
Matthew Coxall

Author, Agile & Product Expert, Product Innovator

Matthew Coxall is a dynamic author and professional with a passion for innovation, storytelling, and technology. With over two decades of experience leading Agile transformations and pioneering product development across industries, he has earned a reputation for blending creativity and strategy to deliver value-driven solutions. His professional accomplishments include two patents in the airline industry, championing innovation initiatives like an EdTechathon, several hackathons, and coaching teams globally to embrace Product and Agile practices.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Matthew moved to the UK in 1996, bringing with him a wealth of cultural experiences that now inform his diverse storytelling. In 1998-1999, he took nine months out to travel the world, an adventure that sparked his love for writing. Alongside his professional books on Agile methodologies and product development, he is working on a set of fiction books in his spare time, exploring themes of human connection, innovation, and resilience.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Matthew is an avid gamer, with a particular love for car racing games, and enjoys unwinding on the golf course every now and again. He immerses himself in books, movies, and creative projects, always seeking inspiration. Married with two stepdaughters, he lives in Berkshire, UK, balancing his career and creative passions with a deep appreciation for life’s stories—whether told through products, fiction, or film.

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