The merits of “I don’t know” – and the desire to find out

The merits of not knowing – and the desire to find out

What feelings do you experience when hearing the phrase “I don’t know”? Today, the world seems to demand instant answers from everyone. Especially those in positions of authority, like politicians, who are expected to look confident and decisive no matter what. But this expectation can feel suffocating. It builds an illusion of certainty in an … Read more

Self-organization, self-management: what’s the tea?

Self-organization, self-management: what's the tea?

At the heart of Agile, and especially Scrum, lies the dynamic duo of self-organization and self-management, each painting a different shade of team autonomy. You have probably heard of them. I have used the terminology, often interchangably. A quick reminder: Self-organization is about teams owning the ‘how’ of the work: figuring out the best ways … Read more

The Emperor’s New Clothes: a lesson in transparency and honesty

The Emperor’s New Clothes: a lesson in transparency and honesty

Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes‘ has always been one of my favourite fairytales. Even now, as a grown-up, it continues to capture my imagination and resonates within my professional life. The most striking scene from the fairytale involves a deceived emperor strutting around in ‘invisible’ clothing, with his subjects nodding and … Read more

A code of conduct: the ethical Agile Coach

The ethical Agile Coach: a code of conduct

Agile coaching is more than wielding methodologies or driving change. It is a role steeped in layers of skill, responsibility, and ethical mindfulness. Agile environments, with their inherent twists and turns, demand more than just technical knowhow. They call for a strong ethical compass, a ‘true north’ to keep decisions in line with both the … Read more

Use the FORCE: remembering the Scrum Values

Use the FORCE: remembering the Scrum Values

In a recent meeting, I found myself struggling to recall all the Scrum values. It was a moment of blankness, which was particularly frustrating as I pride myself on my expertise. Noooooo! Remembering lists has never been my strong suit. Previously, I had managed to remember the pillars of Empiricism—Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation—as TIA, using … Read more

Embodying the four values of The Agile Manifesto

The Four Values of The Agile Manifesto

As a Scrum Master, you can use the Agile Manifesto’s four values as a compass to guide your team through the complex landscape of software development. Prioritising individuals and interactions, valuing working software, collaborating closely with customers, and embracing change can help ensure that processes are more than just delivering software; they are also about … Read more

Making a ‘Scrum knowledge matrix’

Scrum Knowledge Matrix

A few weeks ago, while preparing for my PSM-III exam, I encountered an article (in Dutch) where someone spoke of a useful tool to make connections between the different parts and aspects of Scrum. They proposed a spreadsheet with the various Scrum Events, Artifacts, Roles and Values. I have decided to make my own version … Read more

Addressing the heart of Scrum: the Scrum Values

Addressing the heart of Scrum: the Scrum Values

Scrum is mainly known for its visible roles, events and artifacts. But there are some elements, less visible to the naked eye, that are of utmost importance in using Scrum. Scrum focuses on individuals and their interaction, rather than on processes or tools. Scrum is also organized around values ​​that Scrum Teams could (and should!) … Read more

Scrum Values: the value of respect

Scrum Values: the value of respect

“Scrum team members respect each other to be capable, independent people.” – The Scrum Guide Everyone comes from a different place in life, and they bring with them different experiences and ideas. To work as a Scrum Team, members must respect each other’s differences. Better yet, celebrate them! Take the developers for example. They are … Read more

Scrum Values: the value of commitment

Scrum Values: the value of commitment

“People personally commit to achieving the goals of the Scrum Team.” – The Scrum Guide Commitment as a value sounds rather bit abstract and is often misunderstood. Get out of bed, brush your teeth, come into work with a positive mindset, follow instructions, make it to the deadline – right? In the context of the … Read more