Agile and Beyond 2018

We all know two heads are better than one. But do we ever stop to think about why? See One, Do One, Teach One (SODOTO) is a standard method for mastering surgical procedures. Developed in 1890 by William Stewart Halsted, founder of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and first Professor of Surgery, SODOTO was established as the training method for the first surgical residency training program in the United States. Today, it is a standard practice for mastering any craft. See One - Observation allows the beginner to synthesize information from the master and understand the task ahead. The beginner moves forward with an understanding of the challenge. Do One - The beginner learns by doing and iterative application. With a framework established in the “See One” phase, and under the guide of the master, the beginner is able to practice in a safe environment. Teach One - Through teaching, there is a new level of learning and proficiency experienced. The beginner only becomes a master when they are able to effectively coach a novice. The SODOTO methods particularly support lean and agile mindsets. Paired programming and team partnering across other disciplines in an agile environment create the perfect conditions for the SODOTO cycle to flourish. Don’t believe me? I use the SODOTO method to learn a brand new skill: java programming. Under the mentorship of three separate masters, Industrial Logic Coach Wyatt Sutherland, Agile Coach Bob Allen, and software craftsman coach Fred Estabrook, I learn to program by seeing, doing, and teaching. Using written and video journal entries, I will share my experience going through the SODOTO cycle and demonstrate that partnering, observing, practicing, reflecting, and teaching is the most effective way to learn.