What a Microsoft ALM MVP means to me?

2010 was a busy, exciting and important professional year.  I was asked to and did speak more than any previous year by far.  I was involved in the absolutely awesome Southwest Ohio Give Camp event which has convinced me to be involved in other events.  I had the chance to formally teach a course (Professional Scrum Developer) that focuses on the things in my craft which I care most deeply about: people and software craftsmanship.

On New Years Day I found a fantastic acknowledgement of that work in my inbox: a Microsoft ALM MVP Award.  This is my first MVP, though with luck and continued hard work I’ll be in for a few more.

Opinions abound, I’m sure, but for me this award means a few things:

First, that someone noticed.  Speaking and working in the community is by and large done on ones free time.  For someone else to take notice of my efforts and take the time to nominate me means a lot.  To the two individuals who have stepped forward, I want to express my deepest gratitude.

Second, you can live beyond the walled garden.  Microsoft provides a broad and meaningful stack that empowers many.  At the same time, there is a world that is especially visible in ALM that crosses boundaries.  It is important in any industry to explore other worlds to gain experience and perspective.  Hopefully my open-mindedness is evident to all.  If not, you should follow me.

Thirdly, it really pays to be involved.  It’s scary to put your knowledge and faults on the line, but it really is a blast.  We’ll be looking for help and volunteers for the 2011 Southwest Ohio Give Camp.  If you’re not in this area, find one or start one.  Find your local user group and show up.  Present on something you have tried or delivered or failed to do.  You have something to offer and people will listen.

All of that work and time doesn’t come without a cost.  I have an incredibly patient and supportive wife who has not once asked me to skip, cancel, or postpone an event.  Balancing this time with our two boys is a difficult task.  To all those who struggle finding balance or are considering more community involvement, I can’t stress how absolutely critical it is to have that switch. As the This Developers Life recent Disconnecting podcast shows, not everyone can do this so easily.

In the end, the award is presented to those who use there time and effort toward improving the community.  Microsoft certainly does quite a bit to support the developer community and I’m happy to do my part.

As 2011 begins I renew my efforts to support people, processes, and tools (in that order!) that allow software teams to deliver high quality code in a sustainable manner.  I invite you to do the same.

Happy (belated) New Year!