Scenic Routes:
Navigating Agile & DE&I, DMV Edition

Hey! …straight outta the DMV (well, for almost 4 years now) – and no, I'm not talking about the Department of Motor Vehicles! For those who don't know, that's D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 

Now, y’all know traffic around here can be as unpredictable as trying to find parking in D.C. to eat at Stan’s, on Friday night. But guess what? Managing that mess has some uncanny similarities with navigating the world of Agile and DE&I. Buckle up, folks; let's cruise.

1. Know Your Route Ahead of Time

Just like when you're trying to dodge that D.C. traffic by taking the scenic Georgetown route, with Agile, you gotta have that roadmap. And when it comes to DE&I, that means knowing where you want to go with your inclusive initiatives – straight, no chaser.

When I first relocated here, back in 2019, I thought I was being slick, skipping the main drag (IYKYK) and ended up in a two-hour backup near the Watergate? Yeah, not my finest moment. Likewise, in the Agile world, without a clear vision and roadmap, you might just find your teams a metaphorical traffic jams, questioning all their life choices!

2. Detours? We Got This!

You’re cruising down I-495, and bam! Construction ahead. But I'm not a DMV native; so I've got backup routes for my backup routes. In Agile, it’s all about that adaptability, and in DE&I? Being ready to pivot when needed. And trust, in the world of diversity, things can switch up real quick!

Just last week, my daughter's GPS suddenly went rogue on her and led me down a rabbit hole, I mean, pothole-filled lane in Silver Spring. But a quick swerve, a side-eye, and some DMV resilience got her back on track. Likewise, your DE&I strategies may need some occasional rerouting, but with flexibility and a fail-fast mindset, we keep pushing!

3. Cruise Control is Not Always the Answer

Sometimes, you gotta step on the gas; other times, you need to ease off. Same with Agile and DE&I. You can’t just set it and forget it. Stay engaged, be active, and for goodness sake, don't snooze at the wheel!

Picture me, rolling down the GW Parkway, feeling the wind, and then – a sneaky speed trap. Got me! In our professional journeys, just like driving, we can't be on autopilot. In Agile, it's that constant engagement, retrospection, and action that keeps us from those unexpected "speeding tickets".

4. Honk If You Love Feedback!

Ever been beeped at the exact moment the light turns green? Welcome to the DMV! But in Agile, those quick feedback loops – or "honks" – are vital. And DE&I? It’s all about listening to those voices, understanding the different frequencies, and adjusting our tunes.

So, I have a confession. I've been that eager beaver at the light, giving a gentle (okay, maybe not-so-gentle) honk to the car ahead. But here's the thing: just as we appreciate those nudges on the road, in Agile and DE&I, timely feedback is gold. Listen, adjust, and keep it moving, honey!

5. Everyone’s Journey is Unique

We've all got places to be, and though the destination might be the same, our journeys differ. In Agile, it’s respecting each person’s role, and with DE&I, it's celebrating every unique story. Because, honey everyone's journey is like a go-go beat – unique to the DMV and essential to the whole rhythm. And bay-bee, they love their go-go!

Picture two cars: one's a flashy convertible, roof down, blasting some Junkyard Band; the other, a trusty old sedan, humming some smooth jazz. Different vibes, same destination. Just like in our workplaces - every individual brings their own flavor to the mix. And that mix? It’s the soundtrack to that team's success.

Concluding... stay with me...

So whether you're navigating the Beltway, a scrum meeting, or an inclusion workshop, remember: it’s all about the journey and the peeps you ride with. So, whether you’re from the DMV or just passing through, let’s make our professional roads as inclusive as that U Street vibe on a Saturday night!

P.S. Shoutout to my peeps that are new-ish to the DMV, and know the struggle of the left lane on the Beltway. We out here, being Agile and inclusive, one commute at a time! #DMVLife #Agile #DEI