In this episode, we explore the dynamics of two high-performing teams hindered by a single member’s reluctance to seek help. This episode explores the critical lesson, such as leveraging the “power of the team”, and introduces the high-performance tree metaphor, illustrating the foundational values and desired behaviors in effective Scrum teams. How does one individual’s challenge affect team performance, and what strategies can encourage collective problem-solving and support? Paul discusses his approach and insights, and refers to a video from Lyssa Adkins about the high-performance tree. Fe ..read more

“Agile is a framework for collaboration” In this episode, Paul shares a story from his early days as a Scrum Master in digital agencies, focusing on website projects for real estate agents. Despite the prevalence of the waterfall methodology, Paul ventured into the world of Agile, aiming to transform his and supplier teams’ approach to project management. His journey wasn’t without its challenges, especially in conveying the benefits of Agile over traditional methods. Through a mix of daily phone calls and strategic persuasion, he learned valuable lessons about teamwork, the essence of Agile a ..read more

In this BONUS episode, we explore what it would mean if we were to merge Scrum and Kanban.  Todd Little, Chairman at Kanban University, and Joey Spooner, Vice President of Product Management at Kanban University share their experience and stories from companies that tried this approach. Join us as we uncover the journey and strategies behind integrating Scrum and Kanban to replace project management and improve team productivity. The Genesis of Agile and Kanban Integration “Finding the right balance between Scrum and Kanban came from a need to handle uncertainty in tech projects better ..read more

Tom talks about how we need to, over time, evolve our signs and metrics of success for Scrum Masters, from mastering ceremonies to measuring lead times and value delivery. Emphasizing the importance of team engagement with users and customers, Tom offers insights into fostering a culture of responsiveness and continuous improvement, ensuring that the team’s journey towards autonomy and efficiency is both measurable and meaningful. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: 5 Why’s Tom explores the essence of effective Agile retrospectives, focusing on the 5 Why’s technique to address root cau ..read more

As Tom steps into a team entangled with centralized communication and decision-making issues, he shares his strategic approach to fostering team independence and effective communication, especially during a managerial hiatus. Key strategies include direct dialogue among team members, engaging leadership in problem-solving discussions, and advocating for managerial coaching, drawing upon a real-life transformation where team autonomy and progress shine despite initial resistance. Featured Book of the Week: The Scrum Field Guide by Mitch Lacey Tom sheds light on the pivotal role The Scrum Field ..read more

In a gripping episode with Tom, we talk about the chaos of a stand-up gone wrong, spotlighting how personal tensions can reflect deeper process issues. Tom recounts a fiery disagreement between developers, stemming from a pressured environment, and how it led to a transformative shift in team dynamics and location. We talk about how Scrum Masters can navigate through conflicts, focusing on psychological insights and team unity. Key takeaways include the importance of 1-on-1 chats, understanding triggers, and collective decision-making, all while referencing seminal works like Deming’s 14 princ ..read more

The Great Product Owner: Leading with Heart, Empathy and Vision for PO’s In this segment, we explore the story of a Product Owner who exemplifies leadership, empathy, and the ability to inspire and unite a team. This episode showcases the qualities that make a Product Owner truly exceptional, from active listening and feedback to fostering a culture of openness and adaptability. It’s a narrative that illuminates the path to greatness in product ownership, setting a standard for others to follow. The Bad Product Owner: The Facade of Busyness, And How it Burns Out Agile Teams In this segment, J ..read more

Jörn Hendrik defines success for Scrum Masters as reaching a point where the team can self-sustain, appreciating the Scrum Master’s guidance but also be ready to venture forward independently. This episode explores the dynamics of trust, autonomy, and the subtle art of knowing when to step back. How does one cultivate a team’s capability to navigate challenges without constant oversight? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Keep/Drop/Try, and Creating Space For Conversation to Flourish Discover the power of the Keep/Drop/Try retrospective with Jörn. He shares how we can use that format ..read more

Join Jörn as he shares his pioneering Agile Model for Construction projects. He shares how he applied scrum principles to the engineering realm of a large-scale construction project. This episode unfolds the creation of a working model that harmonizes Agile with the construction industry’s unique demands, showcasing the versatility and impact of Agile methodologies beyond software development. How does one adapt Agile to new territories, and what lessons can the construction industry teach us about Agile’s universal applicability? Listen to find out! Want to Improve Your Change Management Resu ..read more

Jörn Hendrik recounts a sobering team story centered around the development and eventual discontinuation of a seemingly promising app. This episode sheds light on the dangers of commitment without flexibility, the value of listening to feedback, and the importance of recognizing when to pivot. It’s a tale of commitment, disillusionment, and the hard-earned wisdom that sometimes, stopping is part of the journey to success. Featured Book of the Week: Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson Dive into Amy Edmondson’s “Fearless Organization” with Jörn as he shares how this seminal work on psychologi ..read more