Blockers

Definition

Obstacles preventing progress on a project, ranging from technical issues to Steve from Accounting who won't approve anything. The scapegoats for why you're behind schedule.

Example Usage

We have three blockers this sprint: unclear requirements, missing credentials, and existential dread.

Origin

Agile software development methodology, early 2000s

Fun Fact

In daily standups, listing your blockers is how you subtly blame others for your lack of progress.

Source: Agile project management terminology

Related Terms

Advanced

Greenfield

A project with no legacy constraints, which sounds like paradise until you realize it also means no documentation, no infrastructure, and no one who knows what they're doing. It's a beautiful empty field where dreams and budgets go to get lost.

💼 Corporate / Business

Advanced

peanut butter approach

Spreading resources, attention, or budget thinly across all initiatives rather than concentrating on priorities, ensuring mediocrity everywhere. The 'everyone gets something' strategy that guarantees nothing succeeds spectacularly.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

cascade

The process of distributing information, decisions, or directives down through organizational hierarchy levels, typically ensuring that everyone hears the message third-hand and slightly distorted, like corporate telephone.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

greenfield project

A project starting from scratch without constraints from prior work, existing infrastructure, or legacy systems. The corporate equivalent of building on vacant land rather than renovating a crumbling building.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

loaded mile

When your equipment or vehicle is actually doing useful work with cargo or passengers, as opposed to running empty like your promises to get in shape. Every business wants maximum loaded miles and minimum deadheading.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

Move the Needle

To make a measurable impact, usually invoked by people who have no idea what the needle measures or where it currently sits. The needle, for the record, has never actually moved.

💼 Corporate / Business

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