The Trouble with Tribal (Knowledge), Chicago Code Camp 2016

Overview

I delivered this talk about Tribal Knowledge at the 2016 Chicago Code Camp hosted at the IIT Chicago.

Abstract

Imagine—you’ve joined a software development team, you’ve settled in for your first production code change—only to be told “You’re doing it wrong!” You missed a critical detail that—oops, we forgot to tell you!

It’s not your fault, really! It’s not!

Tribal knowledge, bad onboarding, and nonexistent documentation can frustrate and hinder the even best of team members. At worst, it results in sloppy execution and poor quality outcomes.

What’s the answer? More documentation? A wiki? A knowledge base? Training? Code reviews? Checklists?

This session explores real world scenarios taken from in-the-trenches experience.

Learn multiple tools and techniques for capturing and sharing knowledge for maximum effectiveness. You’ll uncover new approaches to breaking the “same old ‘cycle-of-suck!’”

Leave with a renewed vigor for collaboration and tools for taking your team to the next level.

Video

I managed to personally record the session. Enjoy!

Slides

Slides are available as a PDF here.

NOTE: The slideshow tool has some formatting issues during export so you may see some odd renderings in spots.

About the Author

Jeffrey A. Miller is a Senior Consultant, Trainer, Author, Speaker, and Leader. Jeffrey has over 25 years of experience helping organizations bring value to their mission through software. He has presented a variety of programming, data, and team topics at user groups and tech conferences.

Jeffrey and his wife, Brandy, are adoptive parents and have written a fun children’s book called “Skeeters” with proceeds supporting adoption.