The Async-First Playbook: Remote Collaboration Techniques for Agile Software Teams

Thoughtworks Principal Product Manager Sumeet Gayathri Moghe provides tools and techniques to embed remote-native, asynchronous practices into traditional agile methods, making remote work more efficient, inclusive, thoughtful, and fun. He addresses the nuts and bolts of specific practices and the softer elements such as culture, mindset, and leadership.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Pearson Education (US)

Distributed work has become an inevitable part of the modern workplace, but traditional agile approaches are not well-suited for remote teams. Meetings, ceremonies, and rituals that were once essential for collaboration can become unsustainable when teams are scattered across different time zones. As a result, employees experience burnout, constant interruptions, a lack of deep work, poor work-life balance, increased frustration, and workplaces that lack diversity.

In response to this challenge, Thoughtworks Principal Product Manager Sumeet Gayathri Moghe has written The Async-First Playbook. This book provides tools and techniques to embed remote-native, asynchronous practices into traditional agile methods, making remote work more efficient, inclusive, thoughtful, and fun.

Drawing on extensive experience leading distributed teams, Moghe addresses the nuts and bolts of specific practices, as well as the softer elements such as culture, mindset, and leadership. The book is organized into short, practical chapters that show how to adapt traditional agile techniques such as sprints and pair programming for the realities of today's distributed environments. Whether you are working on a small project or a large enterprise, you will learn how to create asynchronous environments that promote success, improve the workplace experience, and deliver better results.

One of the key insights of The Async-First Playbook is that asynchronous collaboration is crucial to the success of any project. Traditional agile methods, which are designed around synchronous communication, can be inefficient and ineffective in distributed teams. By adopting async-first practices, teams can improve their productivity, reduce the risk of errors, and increase their overall satisfaction.

To get started with async-first distributed work, Moghe provides a step-by-step guide. He explains the tools, skills, and protocols that are needed to succeed in an async-first environment, such as asynchronous communication tools, time management techniques, and team collaboration strategies. He also offers examples and hands-on templates to help readers implement async-first practices in their own projects.

In addition to providing practical guidance, The Async-First Playbook also offers insights into the cultural and mindset changes that are necessary for successful async-first distributed work. Moghe emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and effective leadership style that encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of belonging among team members. He also discusses the challenges that teams may face during the transition to async-first work, such as resistance to change and the need to manage expectations.

Overall, The Async-First Playbook is a valuable resource for anyone who is looking to lead a successful distributed team. By embracing async-first practices, teams can improve their productivity, reduce stress, and create a more inclusive and fulfilling workplace. Whether you are a seasoned agile practitioner or just starting out in remote work, this book will empower you to lead a more effective and asynchronous team.

To access additional resources, examples, and hands-on templates, visit the companion website for The Async-First Playbook.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 225 x 175 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780138187538