Adrian Cho

Build software the way jazz musicians play great music: discover Jazz, IBM's breakthrough approach to teamwork, innovation, and execution * *An IBM insider introduces the Jazz Process, reveals how it builds on the skills that make great jazz ensembles work so well, and shows how any development team can use it to become far more effective. *Teaches software pros how to work together more effectively, individually and in teams. *Shows how IBM and other firms are succeeding with Jazz principles in both software and business. The Jazz Process demonstrates the specific processes that jazz musicians use to collaborate, innovate, and execute in real time, and shows how to leverage the same approaches in many other software development contexts. IBM software development process expert Adrian Cho reveals how IBM and other companies are applying the best practices of jazz musicians to collaborate more effectively, and execute more successfully. He demonstrates why crossfunctional business teams are superior candidates for leveraging the jazz performance process, and shows how it can help them work in synergy to deliver more innovative products and services in the face of demanding deadlines and cost pressures. Although each jazz performance is full of risky unknowns, experienced jazz musicians know how to execute and deliver great performances consistently. They do this by passionately committing themselves to the task at hand; following a set of simple rules that provide autonomy while ensuring that music doesn't degenerate into chaotic noise; understanding their rapidly changing roles; constantly listening and communicating; trusting each other; and taking measured risks. Cho shows how to apply every one of these principles in software development, helping every project participant become more effective and productive -- both as individuals and as team members.

Collaboration, Innovation, and Agility

The Jazz Process

"An insider’s guide to translating the creative techniques of jazz to the business world.” Scott Berkun, author of The Myths of Innovation What Can Your Team Learn From Jazz Musicians? Experienced jazz musicians apply specific principles to collaborate, execute, and manage change in real time--delivering extraordinary innovation in the face of non-stop pressure and risk. Now, jazz musician and collaboration expert Adrian Cho shows how you can use the same principles to dramatically improve any team’s performance. Cho systematically introduces the Jazz Process and demonstrates how it can help cross-functional teams improve teamwork, innovation, and execution. You’ll learn new ways to encourage and integrate strong individual contributions from passionate and committed practitioners, and give them maximum autonomy while making sure your project’s “music” never degenerates into chaotic “noise.” Through multiple case studies, Cho shows you how high-performance teams achieve their success. • Master five core principles of working in teams: use just enough rules, employ top talent, put the team first, build trust and respect, and commit with passion • Establish a realistic framework for effective, continuous execution • Collaborate more effectively with team members, consumers, customers, partners, and suppliers • Master the essentials of team execution: listening for change, leading on demand, acting transparently, and making every contribution count • Reduce the “friction” associated with collaboration--and increase the synergy • Use form, tempo, pulse, and groove to maintain constructive momentum • Learn about the importance of healthy projects and teams • Innovate by exchanging ideas and taking the right measured risks • For every practitioner, leader, and manager interested in getting better results

Alan Knight

Joseph Pelrine

An in-depth exploration of ENVY/Developer, IBM's team programming environment for Smalltalk and Java.

Adrian Cho

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