Developer Headphones

Agile Focus has compiled a list of signs that a development team isn't operating optimally. It is a pretty good list although I have to say I disagree with the first point.

People wearing headphones inside an agile development environment doesn't necessarily mean they are trying to block out their surroundings. Especially for developers who are writing code. When it comes to writing code, I'm a big proponent of music. Not to block out what is happening with the team, but to add some character to the software I'm building. Even if there are no external distractions happening for hours at a time while writing code, I still prefer music because the silence is distracting.

Having said that, there is a time and place for music and it isn't during collaborations with other team members. Communication is essential but so are those coding intervals where you, as an individual, get things done.