Okay, tech folks, let’s blast off into the past because the brilliant women of NASA’s ‘Hidden Figures’ weren’t just human computers, they were Agile pioneers before it even had a name. Think those daily standups are stressful? Try calculating launch trajectories by hand when a nation’s pride and an astronaut’s life depend on your work.
Here’s how these unsung heroes embody core Agile principles way better than some of today’s teams:
Iteration: Rocket Science Edition
Forget two-week sprints! These women adapted with every calculation, every new dataset. A slight change in trajectory?Back to the slide rules, recalculating complex equations in a race against the clock. That’s responding to change with a vengeance.
Collaboration Over Silos
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson couldn’t stay confined to their segregated “West Computing” office. Their expertise was essential to NASA’s success. They navigated rigid bureaucracy, earning respect and integrating their knowledge into the broader project– a masterclass in cross-functional collaboration.
Embracing the Data-Driven
Before big data was a buzzword, these women dove into the numbers. They analyzed, predicted, and visualized trajectories, translating raw data into the insights that launched astronauts into space. Their deep understanding of the ‘why’ behind the calculations is a reminder that data isn’t just about reports – it’s about making critical decisions.
No “User Story” Needed to Value the User
The astronauts were their ultimate users. These women weren’t just crunching numbers; there was a face, a life, on the line. John Glenn specifically trusted Katherine Johnson’s calculations. That’s understanding user needs and building trust on a whole different level.
Adaptability as a Superpower
In the face of mind-blowing technical challenges, these women also battled sexism and racism. Yet, they didn’t just survive; they excelled. They learned new programming languages with the emergence of IBM computers, transforming their roles to stay essential. Talk about relentless adaptability.
Hidden Figures, Agile Legacy
The legacy of ‘Hidden Figures’ isn’t just about their scientific achievements. It’s a reminder that:
- Brilliance and innovation aren’t bound by titles, gender, or race. A diversity of perspectives fuels truly great teams.
- The essence of Agile – iterative problem-solving, adaptability, cross-functional collaboration – has always been crucial in driving progress.
- Sometimes the greatest stories of agility aren’t found in tech startups, but in the unsung heroes and the overlooked corners of history.
So, the next time your project hits turbulence, channel a little ‘Hidden Figures’ spirit. Embrace change, leverage the power of your whole team, and remember, sometimes the biggest leaps forward come from those who’ve had to fight the hardest to be heard.
Let’s celebrate those whose brilliance helped pave the way for the agile teams of today!
