The Bad Apple Effect can deeply sabotage a team’s performance and development. Recently, I had an eye-opening experience outside of the professional world that showed me just how much individual negativity can damage a group. Both my sons play football – one at the academy level and the other at grassroots – and despite the... Read more ..read more

Exploring Why Agile Isn’t Dead – It’s Misunderstood While listening to Jimmy Carr on The Diary of a CEO, his quote, “People crave the success, not the journey,” really struck a chord with me. This perspective sheds light on a common issue I’ve observed: why Agile fails in organisations. Many organisations jump into Agile without... Read more ..read more

When people ask, ‘What is Scrum?’, they often seek to understand its mechanics, much like one might enquire about a power tool. However, there’s a crucial difference. With power tools, the primary focus is on their effective usage, not the intricate details of their inner workings. Similarly, with Scrum, shouldn’t we focus more on its practical application rather than just its structural components? Too often, discussions about Scrum become fixated on its mechanics, overlooking its broader purpose and transformative potential. This narrow focus is a common dysfunction, stemming from prevalent ..read more

A common question we often receive inquiries through our Contact Us page, asking, “Should I Become a Scrum Master?”, in particular from individuals transitioning from traditional project management roles or those who are contemplating a shift in their career. Of course, this question hinges on multiple factors. But building on our previous blogs, What is a Scrum Master and Giving back: considerations for a new Scrum Master, let’s delve into some questions that may aid your decision-making process. 10 Guiding Questions To Help Your Decision Embarking on the Scrum Master journey entails nurturin ..read more

Inspired by the disconcerting misconceptions we’ve seen recently and from Eminem’s iconic line, ‘Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?’ – we felt compelled to write this blog “What is a Scrum Master?” and ask: May I have your attention, please? Will the real Scrum Master please stand up? I repeat, Will the real Scrum Maste please stand up? We’re gonna have a problem here We’ll be addressing a troubling trend that has caught our attention: the persistent misunderstandings about what a Scrum Master truly is and does. Despite Scrum being around for over 25 years, it’s disheartening to see tha ..read more

In the context of agile teams and Kanban adoption, I’m reminded of ‘The Princess Bride,’ a classic film where Vizzini frequently exclaims ‘Inconceivable!’ Inigo Montoya famously retorts, ‘You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.’ Similar to Vizzini’s misuse of ‘Inconceivable,’ many teams misconstrue terms like ‘Kanban,’ ‘Scrum,’ and ‘Agile.’ When someone claims ‘We’re doing Kanban!’ but their actions tell a different story, it’s like my own ‘Inigo Montoya moment’—a red flag indicating incomplete Kanban adoption. Don’t worry; in this article, we delve into comm ..read more

In our training and coaching sessions, we’re frequently asked, “Where do we start?” Whether teams are new to Scrum or refining their methods, this remains a challenge. In this blog series, drawing from our vast experience, we’ll guide you through it. Welcome to the first post. Consider this analogy: Amazon Prime is celebrated for its speedy next-day deliveries, while Alibaba might take weeks or even months for international orders. The key takeaway? Even if a team is driven by value, agility is compromised when validation and value realization take excessively long. How do we reconcile our asp ..read more

In assisting several Product Owners in a number of larger organizations, we’ve noticed a recurring challenge that we’ve called ‘Escaping the Product Owner’s Trap’! Many Product Owners find themselves operating more as component owners than embracing the ownership of a Product. They commence their journey with clear intentions, understanding their role as value maximizers, focusing on delivering value, and diligently setting up their Product Backlog, goals, and stakeholder interactions. Yet, a vital first question often eludes them: ‘Am I truly an owner of a product that can deliver value?’ Thi ..read more

Welcome to “10 Powerful Tips to Pass the PSPO I Assessment”! Whether you’re new to Product Ownership or looking to enhance your expertise, these tips will provide valuable guidance to excel in the assessment and become a proficient Scrum Product Owner. As you prepare for the assessment and aim to achieve Scrum Product Owner certification, remember that it’s not just about passing the assessment. It can be an excellent feedback & learning opportunity on your Scrum and Product Owner journey. Let’s explore these tips to help you succeed and continue growing as a proficient Scrum Product Owner ..read more

If you’re seeking tips to pass the PSM I Assessment and achieve Scrum Master certification, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights, effective strategies, and practical tips to confidently navigate the assessment and enhance your chances of success. Table of Contents Format Subject Areas Tips to Pass the PSM I Assessment Read the Questions Carefully: Think About What the Scrum Guide Says: Embrace the Scrum Master as a Servant Leader: Understand Empiricism and the Three Pillars: Grasp the Importance of a Valuable, Usable, and Done Increment ..read more