I’ve written before about how a Scrum Master can begin working with a new team, and lately I’ve been experimenting with a new technique. I won’t rehash what I’ve written already, but it’s important to understand that my previous advice still applies: When you’re not terribly smart, it helps to be a good listener. Jerry […]
A Scrum Master’s Guide to Working With a New Team Read More »
TL; DR: They’re more similar than many realize, and I think it matters. I get it why designers and devs feel they belong in different camps though. I just think they’re mistaken, and I suspect the myth began because of one obvious difference: Anyone can look at a design and offer an opinion, but it
Are Designers and Developers Really All That Different? Read More »
I’m a Technical Program Manager. At least, that’s what you’ll find on my business card, but it’s not what I enjoy most. I enjoy coaching. I enjoy helping people find the answers inside themselves instead of offering up my own solutions. After all, my teams are the ones in the trenches. They have the best
Start With Your Beliefs Read More »
No one’s perfect, especially me. Or you. Agile isn’t perfect either. Everything and everyone has their shortcomings, and I believe it’s important to acknowledge them. To be clear, I’m not talking about where a traditional approach is more suited than an agile one. No. Instead, I intend to talk about situations where an agile approach
Agile Isn’t Perfect Read More »
If this agile thing is so great, then why doesn’t it always stick? And if we can get it to stick, why does it require so much upkeep? Why can it sometimes be so fragile? Time and again, I’ve helped teams, people, and organizations with their transformations, and in many cases, I’ve seen it either
But Why Is It So (Fr)Agile? Read More »
So can teams rotate the Scrum Master role? Sure, but should they? No, it most circumstances I don’t believe so. First, I think high-performing teams can rotate the role, but I’ve run into only a handful of teams that I’d say meet that bar. Is your team one of those? Likely not. Maybe that’s cynical
Can We Rotate the Scrum Master Role? Read More »
I’m difficult but with purpose. I’ve said this about myself on numerous occasions, and I’m sure many of the bosses I’ve had over the years had a hell of a time managing me. Then again, like Grace Hopper said: You manage things. You lead people. And it’s not that I’m trying to be difficult. I
A Survival Guide for Navigating Conflict Read More »
Have you ever wanted to learn to fly? Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a bird’s eye view of San Francisco or have a beautiful view of rush hour traffic as you speed over packed highways. Every year, I set a goal for myself to learn or do something new in the spirit of continuous learning.
Four Things Becoming a Pilot Taught Me About Coaching Read More »
A few months back, a colleague of mine and his organization were about to begin their agile journey. They had piloted Scrum with a single team, and this team was going to share their experiences at an off site with the rest of their small organization. At this same off site, he asked if I’d
How To Introduce Agile To the Uninitiated Read More »
So here’s the thing. Too many companies claim to be agile shops. Far too many in my opinion. I can’t count how many conversations I had where someone claims their approach is an agile one, but a few questions in, and I’m convinced it’s something else. However, it’s not my place to judge an approach
How To Spot an Agile Imposter at Your Next Interview Read More »
