Afleveringen
-
What if everything you thought about improving team delivery was focused on the wrong problem? Sonya Siderova, founder and CEO of Nave, challenges the traditional approach of pushing people to work harder by revealing a game-changing insight: between 60-90% of delivery time is actually waiting time, not effort time.
Through her work analyzing over 100,000 workflows, Sonya demonstrates how making the invisible visible transforms team performance. She shares a powerful example where simply adding a second approver to a bottleneck process reduced delivery time by 40% without requiring overtime or additional resources. This shift in focus—from workers to the work itself—creates transparency without micromanagement and builds trust across all levels of the organization.
Sonya walks us through practical approaches for mapping workflows, structuring work around customer value, and establishing team decision frameworks that enable autonomy. She explains how aging charts can quickly identify bottlenecks during daily standups, saving teams from wasting time on status reports and focusing them on what truly matters: getting stuck work moving again.
For leaders struggling with the eternal question "when will it be done?", Sonya introduces probabilistic forecasting using Monte Carlo simulations. This approach replaces arbitrary deadlines with data-driven projections that acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in knowledge work while providing meaningful ranges for decision-making.
Whether you're a team lead trying to improve predictability, a product manager seeking to deliver customer value faster, or an executive looking to create a more transparent delivery system, this episode offers actionable insights to transform how you think about and measure work. By focusing on flow rather than force, you'll discover how to dramatically improve delivery performance while creating a healthier, more trustworthy work environment.
Listen in and learn how to stop pushing people and start pulling work through your system for remarkable results.Connect with Sonya on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/siderova/Check out Flow Metrics Including Probabilistic Forecasting using Nave:
https://getnave.com/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
In this episode of The Agile Within, I explore the fascinating Agile journey of Safety IO with Max Dazer, Agile Lead. Discover how Max navigated through frameworks like the Spotify model, Lean principles, and the Theory of Constraints to foster collaboration and break down organizational silos.
Gain insights into Safety IO’s innovative ecosystem planning and how the Theory of Constraints helped the team prioritize work, reduce wait times, and optimize delivery. Max also shares how embracing the Product Operating Model brought teams closer to business outcomes and bridged gaps across the organization.
Whether you're a Scrum Master, Agile enthusiast, or industry leader, this episode is packed with actionable lessons to elevate your approach to Agile transformation. Tune in now and take the next step on your own Agile journey!
Connect with Max on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/maximilian-dazer-b43875199
Check out the Road 2 Mastery:
https://www.road2mastery.com/
Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Software rewrites promise exciting technological advancements but frequently become risky, budget-draining quagmires. Why do these projects fail so consistently, and what can we do differently?
Richard Lawrence, founder of Humanizing Work, joins us to unpack the hidden complexities and psychological pitfalls lurking beneath seemingly straightforward rewrites.
We explore why the common directive to "just do what the old system does" is a dangerous trap, overlooking crucial hidden requirements, workarounds, and integrations that have developed over years. Richard introduces the "strangler approach"—a method that uses existing systems as scaffolding while gradually building new capabilities, allowing teams to deliver immediate value rather than delaying benefits until a complete replacement.
Next we examine user psychology, revealing why technical arguments for rewrites ("outdated technology," "unsupported platforms") fall flat with actual users. "That's your problem, not mine," reflects the realistic user perspective Richard articulates. Instead, we explore human-centered strategies that recognize users care about job performance, not technical implementation details.
Perhaps most valuably, Richard shares his "complexity-aware planning" framework, combining strategic exploration, active experimentation, and analytical planning to manage rewrite risks. We also tackle the difficult question of what to do when legacy customers no longer fit your product direction, offering alternatives to the blunt instrument of "firing customers" that build goodwill while still allowing strategic evolution.
Ready to transform how you approach your next system rewrite? This episode provides practical wisdom that could save your team months of frustration and your company millions in wasted effort.
Book a FREE 30 minute call with Richard:
https://www.humanizingwork.com/contact/
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/richardslawrenceSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
What separates a mediocre Agile coach from a truly exceptional one? The answer might surprise you. When Kamal Kalra posed the question "Can anyone be an Agile coach?" at an Agile open space, he challenged the conventional wisdom that knowledge alone qualifies someone for the role.
Kamal brings a refreshingly human-centered approach to Agile coaching. His journey began when a mentor recognized his natural tendency to prioritize understanding people over processes. Rather than immediately focusing on performance issues, Kamal's instinct was always to connect with the human first—a philosophy that would become the cornerstone of his coaching style.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Kamal shares his "apple-orange" analogy, illuminating how organizations often fundamentally misunderstand Agile from the beginning. When companies have been handed "apples" but told they're "oranges," they develop an entirely distorted understanding of what Agile truly means. This misalignment explains why so many organizations struggle to implement Agile effectively despite their best intentions.
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is Kamal's personal "80-20 rule"—dedicating 80% of energy to addressing immediate problems while reserving 20% for examining and improving the underlying systems. This approach reflects the racing principle that "slow is accurate and accurate becomes fast," a counter-intuitive but powerful strategy for sustainable improvement.
What truly elevates this discussion is Kamal's assertion that Agile isn't just a methodology or even a professional skill—it's a way of life that extends into personal relationships, home environments, and every aspect of existence.
Connect with Kamal on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/kamalkalra-agilistSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
The Agile landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with demand for traditional roles decreasing while expectations for value delivery increase. How can Agile practitioners adapt and thrive in this changing environment?
Jessica Soroky, Senior Director of Program Management and Product Operations at Pendo, shares her fascinating journey transforming a team of Scrum Masters into Program Managers. This strategic shift expanded their focus from the software development lifecycle to the entire product development lifecycle – from initial ideation through customer validation to post-launch activities.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Jessica's candid assessment of the current state of Agile. While rejecting claims that "Agile is dead," she acknowledges significant market changes where once-plentiful positions have become scarce and increasingly specialized. Her insights on domain knowledge requirements reveal a troubling trend: companies demanding hyper-specific industry experience rather than valuing diverse perspectives that could drive innovation.
The most powerful takeaway comes from Jessica's practical experience leading organizational change. By redistributing responsibilities (engineering managers taking over standups, product managers owning sprint planning) while preserving the core facilitation expertise of Agile professionals, her team accomplished something remarkable – they shifted conversations from outputs to outcomes. Rather than celebrating completed sprints, they began focusing on delivering actual customer value.
For Agile practitioners wondering about their career trajectory, this episode provides a compelling roadmap. The skills that make great Scrum Masters – facilitation, process improvement, and human-centered problem-solving – create countless opportunities when applied more broadly. Former team members have progressed into product management, operations roles, and chief of staff positions they might never have discovered otherwise.
Ready to expand your perspective on what Agile can be? Listen now and discover how broadening your focus might reveal unexpected career opportunities and deliver greater value to your organization.
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasoroky/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
What happens when a traditional salesperson collides with Agile principles?
Seth Carpian, Chief Growth Officer at Tricon InfoTech, takes us on his transformative journey from being the sales executive who promised anything to land a deal to becoming a trusted advisor who understands the realities of software development.
The turning point came when a delivery colleague essentially told Seth to stop overpromising to customers. Rather than getting defensive, Seth embraced the opportunity to learn, spending years understanding lean product journey mapping and Agile principles. This knowledge transformed his approach to sales, allowing him to have more intelligent conversations with CTOs and CIOs that built genuine trust rather than just securing short-term wins.
Seth shares powerful insights from his unique perspective of having worked in both sales and product leadership roles. The conversation tackles the thorny issue of technical debt head-on, with Seth explaining how "bubble gum and popsicle stick" solutions might temporarily satisfy a customer but ultimately breaks in multiple places when touched.
For sales professionals looking to adopt an Agile mindset, Seth references Patrick Lencioni's concept of the "ideal team player" who is hungry, humble, and smart. While hunger and emotional intelligence are common in successful salespeople, humility—the willingness to acknowledge what you don't know—is often the missing ingredient that prevents true Agile adoption.
Whether you're in sales, product development, or leadership, this episode offers crucial insights into creating healthier relationships between business development and delivery teams, ultimately leading to better outcomes for customers and more sustainable success for organizations.Connect with Seth on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/sethcarpienSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
As a Scrum Master do you feel trapped in an endless cycle of fixing the same team problems? It just might be time to evolve your approach.
In this thought-provoking episode, Parjin Manguri shares her vision for "Scrum Master 2.0" - the evolution from team facilitator to systemic change agent. Drawing from her experiences across multiple organizations, Parjin explains why many team-level challenges are actually symptoms of deeper organizational issues that require a broader perspective to address.
We explore the delicate balance between focusing on immediate team needs while influencing system-level change. Parjin shares powerful examples of using data visualization to help leadership see the impact of their decisions, like the case of a team whose throughput skyrocketed when allowed to focus on a single sprint goal without interruption.
The conversation dives into practical tools and techniques for expanding your influence, including creating communities of practice with other Scrum Masters, mapping organizational decision points, and employing delegation poker to clarify autonomy levels. We also discuss strategies for facilitating productive conversations between teams and leadership that break down hierarchical barriers and create psychological safety.
Whether you're a Scrum Master feeling limited by your current role or a leader wondering how to unlock the full potential of your Agile coaches, this episode offers concrete strategies for addressing root causes rather than endlessly treating symptoms. Listen now to discover how you can become a more effective agent of meaningful organizational change.
Connect with Parjin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/parjin-manguri-3185a6148/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Have you ever felt like you're constantly over-correcting?
Maybe one day you're doing too much for your team, becoming the bottleneck rather than the enabler. The next, you swing too far toward directing rather than guiding. I visualize this struggle as an old-fashioned gold scale—add a little too much weight to either side, and the whole thing crashes to the ground.
Through years of inspecting and adapting, I've developed five practical steps that have transformed my approach to leadership and life. These aren't theoretical concepts but battle-tested practices: learning to listen between the lines, asking questions that create safety rather than defensiveness, gathering feedback from multiple angles, embracing the experimental mindset, and maintaining momentum through continuous improvement.
The most powerful transformation came when I began using the phrase "I'm asking, not telling" during team discussions. This simple clarification created a ripple effect, changing not just how my team received my questions but how they communicated with each other. Similarly, framing decisions as experiments removed the paralyzing pressure of perfectionism, allowing us all to embrace the mantra "sometimes you win, sometimes you LEARN."
Ready to find your own balance? Join me in this episode where vulnerability meets practical wisdom. You can find The Agile Within on your favorite podcast app. Links to listen to this episode will also be added to the comments.
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/markmetze
Listen to Tesla's song "Gettin' Better":
https://youtu.be/uee-aYUA0u4Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Step into a game-changing perspective on career development in the latest episode! Join me as I dive deep into the philosophy of creating your own opportunities through relentless effort and strategic thinking. Just like a basketball team that employs a full-court press to dominate the game, we can apply this relentless approach to our careers to break free from stagnation.
Using my own defining career moments, I share how a proactive mindset can reshuffle the landscape of your professional journey. From making the leap from desktop to web development in a rapidly changing industry to passionately stepping into managerial leadership, my experiences reveal valuable insights for anyone feeling trapped in their role.
Learn how to motivate yourself to take initiative and embrace change with confidence! Each story is designed to inspire you to dictate the pace of your career rather than letting others control it. Moreover, discover how weaving together personal values and professional strategies can create impactful leadership transformations.
Curious about how to apply these ideas in your own career? Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that encourage you to think and act differently! Don't wait for life to give you the perfect opportunity – instead, apply the pressure and make it happen. Subscribe now and let’s take control of our career journeys together!
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmetze/
Watch to create a mental image of your own full court press:
https://youtu.be/w6FTd7SQq_o?si=9NwP7ok_x93qEMWQSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Vadim Arefiev, a senior Agile coach and founder of the Success Charge Academy, shares his inspiring transition from a full-stack Java developer to a human-centric coach.
With insights from a pivotal encounter with Agile legends Gene Gendel and Jeff Sutherland, Vadim discusses the profound fulfillment found in helping others unlock their potential. Through personal stories and experiences, Vadim highlights the importance of resilience and the power of personal narratives in overcoming adversity.
Discover the art of building trust and enabling change within teams, as we draw parallels between sports coaching and software development. Vadim explains the "flip it" technique that transformed a resistant team member into a collaborator and the value of servant leadership in recognizing individual strengths and aspirations.This episode also introduces the concept of positive intelligence, offering strategies like square breathing and gratitude routines to reshape thought patterns and foster resilience. Vadim's expertise provides a roadmap for maintaining a positive attitude amidst rapid technological changes, emphasizing the authentic empowerment that comes from choosing a positive perspective.
Connect with Vadim on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/va3
Check out Vadim's Success Charge Academy:
http://successcharge.com/
Read about Vadim's ministry for the homeless in Brooklyn:
https://www.homelessny.org/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Discover the secret sauce behind creating impactful workshops that foster learning and innovation within organizations. Join me as I engage in a lively conversation with the insightful Paula Lipnick, a seasoned product agility lead, whose expertise in orchestrating transformative workshops is nothing short of inspiring. Paula shares her valuable strategies on aligning workshop goals with team objectives, ensuring sessions are not just productive but also engaging and motivational. Learn how to nurture curiosity and professional growth in fast-paced industries like technology and product management, and explore Paula's engaging analogy of setting the table to create a welcoming environment for collaborative learning.
Explore the journey of maximizing workshop benefits through intentional planning and continuous improvement. We delve into the intricacies of value stream mapping workshops and uncover how breaking down silos can optimize processes, build empathy, and spark innovation among team members. Paula and I also swap stories about the thrilling world of immersive workshops, akin to hackathons, where creativity meets excitement, and nerves turn into innovation. Whether you're curious about adopting new tools or eager to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for making workshops a cornerstone of your learning organization.
Connect with Paula on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/paula-lipnick-mba-pmp-psm
When in Dallas, visit the Dallas World Aquarium:
https://dwazoo.com/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Michelle Pauk, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, returns to The Agile Within to share her transformative insights on positivity in the Agile world. Ever wondered how mindset shifts could powerfully change the way Agile professionals contribute to their field? Michelle argues that it’s less about proving your worth and more about making authentic contributions.
We navigate the fascinating link between neuroscience and personal well-being, examining how understanding brain chemistry can elevate our professional journeys. By drawing parallels with Agile methodologies, we shed light on how breaking down complex goals into bite-sized tasks, much like practicing daily gratitude, can enhance both contentment and productivity. In a world often caught in the chaos of corporate hustle, we champion a balanced approach that celebrates both triumphs and trials while steering clear of the pitfalls of toxic positivity.
The episode takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss resilience through positive choices, illustrating how small, mindful actions can lead to monumental changes in mindset. From the disillusionment of superficial Agile adoptions to the triumph of launching a consulting business after a layoff, personal stories punctuate the narrative, showcasing the tremendous growth that can sprout from setbacks. Join us as we celebrate the power of mindset in turning challenges into opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/michelle-pauk
Discover Michelle's offerings on the Streamside Coaching website:
https://www.streamsidecoaching.com/
Email Michelle:
michelle.pauk@gmail.comSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
What happens when you blend the marvel of natural wonders with the intricate science of the human mind? Join us as Harkiran Brar, IT project manager and host of "Project Perks with Harkiran," takes us on a journey through the picturesque beauty of Niagara Falls and into the realm of neuroleadership. Discover how the awe-inspiring vistas of our world can ignite creativity and enhance decision-making processes. Harkiran guides us through the fusion of neuroscience and leadership, highlighting how understanding the brain's functionalities can reshape our approach to behavior management and decision-making in agile environments.
Ever wondered how to balance empathy and authority in leadership? We navigate the layers of the human brain, from emotional impulses to rational thinking, shedding light on the art of maintaining composure amidst emotional outbursts. Harkiran shares valuable insights on using emotional intelligence and self-regulation to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel encouraged to express themselves. With strong communication as the backbone, we discuss strategies for leaders to manage emotions and inspire trust within their teams, ensuring a harmonious and productive workplace.
Connect with Harkiran on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harkiran-brar-pmp-psm-14b21321a/
Watch or listen to the "Project Perks with Harkiran" podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHlJdOZTzTye11thLwsEQg
https://open.spotify.com/show/55xrSSe9HNwvJ9uXJ3bwPt?si=364f7c6ec2944153
Check out Harkiran's offerings:
https://topmate.io/harkiran_brar_pmppsmSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Unlock the secrets to thriving in the AI era with the help of Victoria Morgan-Smith, a respected organizational coach and consultant. She joins me to unravel the transformative power of shared learning in today's dynamic work environments. Discover how innovative platforms like internal conferences and hackathons can create fertile ground for ideas to flourish, moving beyond the limitations of traditional training methods. As organizations strive to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration becomes imperative.
We also explore how to make conferences more inclusive for introverts, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine. Introverts can often feel sidelined in typical conference settings, but by offering diverse participation options such as quiet spaces and structured formats, their unique perspectives can enrich discussions and outcomes. Whether through prepared talks, panel discussions, or insightful note-taking, the inclusion of all personality types enhances both the conference experience and organizational innovation.
Finally, navigate the world of AI-driven organizations by understanding different engineering archetypes. Identifying these mindsets helps in tailoring engagement strategies. Learn the importance of fostering shared learning across diverse teams through regular internal events and open conversations. Victoria shares practical insights from her co-authored guidebook on organizing successful internal tech conferences, offering listeners a roadmap to nurture collaboration and drive growth in the AI space.
Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriamorgansmith/
Read Victoria's book, "Internal Tech Conferences : Accelerate Multi-team Learning":
https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Tech-Conferences-Accelerate-Multi-team-ebook/dp/B08PDS9KMQSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Unlock the secrets of vertical facilitation with Agile Coach, Trainer, and Transformation Strategist, Amy Lane, who shares her transformative journey from a hesitant coach to a proponent of this innovative approach. Discover how vertical facilitation transcends traditional coaching, allowing teams to deeply understand dynamics and emotions. Amy introduces the "five windows of attention," a tool that guides groups toward authentic growth. Listen as Amy's personal experiences, such as improving daily stand-ups, illustrate the power of addressing team interactions and fostering organic development.
Presence and active listening take center stage as we explore the profound impact of being truly attentive in today's digitally distracted world. Amy discusses intentional aspects of vertical facilitation, like creating a safe social container and using "heat experiences" to push teams toward growth. Learn about strategies like "unzipping" to tackle conflict avoidance and foster honest communication. This episode is your gateway to enhancing facilitation skills and embracing feedback as a gift for personal and professional evolution.
Discover Vertical Facilitation:
https://www.verticalfacilitator.com/
Connect with Amy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileamy/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
What does it truly take to build a thriving Agile community?
Scrum Master Alina Thapliayl from Arbergen, Germany, joins us to share her unique perspective. In our engaging conversation, Alina outlines the persistence and adaptability required to sustain an Agile community while keeping the focus on the collective needs rather than individual ambitions. She enriches the dialogue with her firsthand experiences of creating a vibrant and safe space for collaboration and learning, and offers a refreshing metaphor by comparing the exhilarating challenges of Agile to the breathtaking view from an aerial glider.
Launching a community of practice within an organization is no small feat, and this episode unpacks the essential steps to get started. We talk about the critical need for a clear vision, securing the necessary buy-in, and effectively publicizing these initiatives without making unrealistic promises. Our discussion delves into the importance of inclusivity, the right tools for remote and in-person gatherings, and even the power of sharing a meal to forge deeper connections. We also stress the importance of a code of conduct to foster an environment ripe for motivation and knowledge exchange, ensuring meetings remain positive and productive.
Feedback is a lifeline for any community, and Alina emphasizes its role in adapting meetings to better serve members. In the long run, strategies like creating accessible internal resources and sharing success stories can significantly enhance community engagement and learning. As the episode concludes, there's a heartfelt acknowledgment of the teamwork and camaraderie that made this discussion possible.
Connect with Alina on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-thapliyal/
Check out the airfield club in Aarbergen:
https://www.fcaarbergen.de/verein
https://www.fcaarbergen.de/fliegen/mitfliegenSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Discover how the vast, unpredictable ocean can teach us about agility and leadership as I sit down with Stephanie Ockerman, a renowned business agility and leadership coach. Stephanie takes us on her unique journey of blending surfing with agile practices, revealing how the ocean's natural ebb and flow mirrors the complexities of business environments. Her vivid stories illustrate that truly understanding agile principles is akin to riding a wave—it's about being present and engaging with the experience. Join us as we explore how the lessons from the surf can transform our leadership capabilities and help us navigate the ever-changing tides of business.
We tackle the ongoing struggle between traditional planning and genuine agility within organizations. Stephanie uses surfing as a metaphor to spotlight the shift from reactive to creative leadership. By emphasizing the importance of presence and openness to learning, we challenge leaders to transcend beyond mere compliance with agile methodologies, urging a more holistic approach to managing uncertainty and complexity. Our conversation invites leaders to embrace a mindset that values sensing change and responding creatively, leaving rigid plans behind.
Our discussion wraps up with the introduction of the Agile Leadership Surf Camp, a transformative experience in Costa Rica that combines surfing, yoga, and leadership development. Stephanie shares insights on how this unique blend can cultivate personal growth and enhance one's ability to embrace uncertainty gracefully. This episode promises to inspire, offering a fresh perspective on agility and leadership, rooted in the serene yet challenging environment of the ocean. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to ride the waves of change with confidence and creativity.
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieockerman/
Check out Stephanie's website, subscribe to her newsletter, and find out about offerings including the Agile Leadership Surf Camp in Costa Rica:
https://www.agilesocks.com/
Read Stephanie's book, "Mastering Professional Scrum":
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Professional-Scrum-Coaches-Challenges/dp/0134841522Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Ever wondered how to navigate the chaos of a growing startup? Join my conversation with Tom Holt, principal consultant at Otterworks Consulting, as he reveals the secrets to transforming initial success into sustainable growth. Through Tom’s seasoned insights, discover the nuances of managing expanding teams and communication complexities, and learn how to maintain momentum with refined processes.
Communication can make or break a burgeoning team, and as lines multiply with growth, chaos often ensues. Our discussion dives into the evolution of communication and authority structures in agile environments, where clear empowerment is key. Embrace the wisdom of gradual process introduction to keep teams informed and efficient, sidestepping bottlenecks along the way. Leaders, it's time to trust your teams and distribute responsibilities to pave the way for seamless decision-making and effective scaling.
Creating a psychologically safe space is the bedrock of effective change management. Tom shares strategies for fostering trust through retrospectives, enabling teams to unearth valuable insights and drive continuous improvement. Learn about the power of focused goals over multitasking and why smaller, iterative approaches can lead to quicker value delivery and adaptability. Plus, get tips on meaningful documentation without the bloat, ensuring your processes add value and aren’t just noise. Engage with us for free consultations and start taming that chaos today!
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomholtstl/
Discover Tom's company, Otter Works Consulting:
https://www.otterworksllc.com/
Contact Tom via Email:
Tom@OtterWorksLLC.com
When in St. Louis, Missouri visit Forest Park and City Museum:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Park_(St._Louis)
https://citymuseum.org/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
What if mastering the art of Agile could transform your team's dynamics and boost productivity? Join me to uncover the insights of Gary Evans, a seasoned Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and author of "The Effective Scrum Master." Gary shares his journey of over thirty years in Agile methodologies and reveals the inspiration behind his latest book, filling crucial gaps in current Scrum Master literature. Tune in to explore his unique perspective on the evolving role of a Scrum Master and grasp practical guidance on navigating technical challenges and resolving conflicts within teams.
Discover the intriguing personas that Gary introduces—the Sherpa, Shepherd, Sheepdog, and Diagnostician—which illuminate the multifaceted role of a Scrum Master. These personas serve as a framework for understanding the journey from novice to expert, driven by experience, experimentation, empathy, and empowerment. Gary underscores the importance of community, humility, and mentorship in the path to becoming an effective Scrum Master. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how nurturing leadership and fostering self-reliance can empower Agile teams to thrive.
Join the conversation as we dissect the balance of authority and empathy required to protect and nurture Agile teams effectively. Gary candidly shares experiences that echo familial protectiveness, such as defending teams against unreasonable demands while maintaining sustainable work practices. By embracing both the nurturing and protective qualities akin to a shepherd and sheepdog, Scrum Masters can ensure their team's well-being and productivity.
Connect with Gary on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gary-k-evans-72167
Check out Gary's Book, "The Effective Scrum Master":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/098830113X
Visit Gary's website and subscribe:
https://www.effectivescrummaster.com/
When in Columbia, SC visit Lake Murray and the South Carolina State Museum:
https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/
https://scmuseum.org/Support the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within -
Join me for an enriching conversation with Jimena Saavedra, an Agile coach hailing from the beautiful shores of Montevideo, Uruguay. Jimena shares her journey of transformation within the world of Agile coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust in driving meaningful change. As we bond over Uruguay's picturesque beaches, Jimena reveals the daily decisions that shape her role and the necessity of fostering genuine connections within teams. Through her candid insights, she highlights the challenges and sometimes isolating aspects of being an Agile coach, while underscoring the power of embracing discomfort to facilitate real growth.
Our discussion opens up further to examine the complexities and hurdles Agile coaches often encounter. From handling team dynamics to the delicate art of balancing professional distance with personal connections, we delve into experiences that test resilience and honesty. We recount a personal story of attempting to gather meeting time data, illustrating the importance of timing and transparency. Through shared anecdotes and mentor advice, we explore the significance of self-awareness and insightful questioning in an Agile coach's toolkit. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected with Agile communities, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous development, all while pushing teams toward accountability and growth, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable territory.
Connect with Jimena on LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/maria-jimena-saavedra
Connect with Jimena by Email:
mjsaavedra02@gmail.com
Explore Jimema's website and YouTube channel (in Spanish at the moment):
www.disruptronix.com
https://www.youtube.com/@jimenasaavedra-agilistagenuina
Discover Uruguay and Punta del Este, the Miami Beach of South America:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZC2lyuNAfo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_del_EsteSupport the show
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within - Laat meer zien
