Devopsdays 15 Year Anniversary
Next week, I’m thrilled to be giving a presentation titled "Deming to DevOps" at a special 15th anniversary edition of devopsdays in Antwerp. For those who don't know, the first devopsdays was born, back in April 2009 at a CloudCamp in the Antwerp Zoo. That idea blossomed into the first conference later that year in Ghent, and now, 15 years later, they are bringing the DevOps community back together at the venue where it all began.
On September 4-5, an incredible lineup of speakers will join together to celebrate the journey of DevOps. In my talk, I’ll explore how Deming's principles, which once redefined systems and quality in the industrial world, continue to influence modern DevOps practices. Over a decade ago, I framed the evolution of this concept as a "head-fake" from Darwin to Deming. But today, I’d extend that metaphor—from Darwin to ChatGPT. Just as Darwin transformed our understanding of biological evolution, AI and tools like ChatGPT are reshaping our approach to knowledge, creativity, and decision-making in the digital age. It’s a new era of non-deterministic thinking, linking the past with the exciting possibilities of the future.
I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones as we reflect on how far we've come and envision where we're headed next in this ever-evolving field.
Deming Updates
Ben Mosior writes about a tool called Mapkeep, which combines Wardley Mapping and the Theory of Constraints, to avoid making mistakes when hiring someone to help with LinkedIn content.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7229788941166481408/
Yassin Shaar writes about the key lessons learned over three weeks of applying hands-on leadership principles at Origo covering topics on going to the ground floor, sticking to daily coaching, emphasizing data, and wearing multiple hats.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234261981627604993
Eric A. Budd writes about how handoffs can be one of the top sources of inefficiency, and how it's essential to manage these handoffs carefully by using operational definitions to ensure clarity and reduce miscommunication.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234198805410107393/
Mike Rother writes about a short Digital Desk interview between Kari Byron and Jenny Buccos to discuss the importance of practicing everyday scientific thinking with Toyota Kata, even with kids and students.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7233925307324383232/
In this post, Paul Deane highlights insights from experts like Mike Rother, Jeffrey Liker, and Bob Emiliani and shares six practical tips for integrating problem-solving into daily work. These include prioritizing problem-solving, responding quickly to issues, respectfully challenging theories, empowering team members to find and implement solutions, and having them check the results. The author notes that while they've practiced this approach for years, it's an ongoing journey that takes time to master.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7233395566016126976/
Finally, here are some of the talking points that I will go over during my presentation next week.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NPfwEcte5yMWNmKeInmqTxewDd8WO1HPCG4shF7mJeY/edit?usp=sharing
