Mobbing

March 21, 2025
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What is Mobbing?

Mobbing is a collaborative approach in which a group of team members simultaneously work on the same task in the same physical or virtual space. This technique is most common in software development but has broader applications in project management and other fields. Unlike pair programming, which involves two people, mobbing typically involves three or more contributors who take on distinct roles, such as driving (controlling the keyboard), navigating (giving directions), and observing (reviewing or learning).

Mobbing combines multiple people’s strengths, skills, and perspectives to solve problems more efficiently, produce higher-quality work, and enhance team learning. The method relies on constant communication and rapid feedback, reducing misunderstandings and improving team members’ alignment. While highly collaborative, this approach can also be intense, requiring clear ground rules and strong facilitation to remain productive.

Key Points

  • Mobbing involves a group working together in real-time on a shared task.
  • It promotes continuous feedback and knowledge sharing among team members.
  • The method encourages cross-functional learning and reduces siloed work.
  • Roles rotate regularly to keep team members engaged and prevent fatigue.
  • Mobbing can increase code quality, team alignment, and shared ownership in software projects.

Related Terms

  • The pair programming technique involves two team members working closely at one workstation. It is a smaller-scale form of mobbing.
  • A cross-functional team benefits from mobbing by allowing members from different disciplines to collaborate and share insights.
  • Using Agile methodology can support mobbing by encouraging adaptive planning and teamwork.
  • Swarming, like mobbing, focuses multiple people on one issue, though it is often more temporary and less structured.
  • A well-facilitated retrospective meeting can help teams reflect on their mobbing sessions and improve the process.

Mobbing: Example

A software development team is tasked with building a new login feature. Instead of dividing the work, they decide to mob it. One developer writes the code while others suggest improvements, identify edge cases, and look up relevant documentation. Each member contributes to the final solution as they rotate roles, resulting in fewer bugs and stronger collective understanding.

Mobbing: Best Practices

  • Clearly define the task and desired outcome before starting.
  • Establish and rotate roles frequently to maintain focus and engagement.
  • Use a timer to schedule regular breaks and transitions.
  • Create a respectful and inclusive environment where all voices are heard.
  • Regular reviews should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of mobbing for the team.

Additional Resource

Software Teaming - A Mob Programming

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