How we work - some recent lessons

Paul Stovell, founder and CEO of Octopus Deploy, shares insights into the company's evolving work methodologies and tools that have helped maintain smooth operations. Initially adopting a Scrum-based process with bi-weekly shippable products, the team faced challenges when they went eight months without a major release, highlighting the issues of working without strict time constraints and the inefficiencies of tackling massive architectural changes simultaneously. To address these issues, Octopus Deploy implemented strategies such as setting clear deadlines, conducting regular "bug bashes" to identify and fix issues quickly, and adopting Kanban to manage workflow. The company shifted to smaller, more focused teams with shorter stand-ups, enabling them to ship updates more frequently and maintain momentum. Tools like Slack, Google Hangouts, and Waffle.io have been integral in facilitating communication and collaboration, particularly in a distributed work environment. Stovell emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing and evolving processes to avoid complacency and maintain a strong focus on shipping quality products.