It’s 30 years now since Fred Brook’s (Mythical Man Month) said that “there’s no silver bullet” in IT. Of course, he’s right. But if you really want to build a top performing technology team that can have impact, regardless on context, it requires stubbornness. Sheer doggedness is the key. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else. It’s quite analogous to climbing a mountain, with ravines and cliff faces and rough terrain to be circumvented. It feels like a graft sometimes on the way up. But then, after a while, you look back, and marvel at the progress made. But there’s a few important things to remember: 1. You need to be going towards the summit, so a clear purpose is important. 2. It would be a good idea to measure progress. 3. Don’t push anyone off the mountain, or step on them as you climb (values are important). 4. Don’t worry, just like climbing a mountain, you get “fitter” with all the learning, and that makes you more efficient: more progress for less effort. 5. Enjoy the hike!