The (mis)adventures of an agile coach
Earlier this year, I did my first attempt at the PSM III exam. Sadly, I did not make it, but luckily, I now know what to expect. This is empiricism manifest, and this gives me way more confidence for my next attempt. I will not address questions and answers (as these are not known anymore … Read more
As a diligent and incisive Scrum Master, your hard work in fostering self-managing Scrum Teams has finally paid off! These teams, thriving in autonomy, show a high level of engagement which correlates with improved productivity and innovative solutions. They are responsible for their work, make crucial decisions, and resolve challenges independently. However, you may now … Read more
As an agile coach, my role is steeped in empiricism. It’s a principle on which Agile and the Scrum framework rest, allowing us to adapt in complex projects with unpredictable aspects. Empiricism, at its core, involves making decisions based on observed and tested phenomena. It’s about learning from experience, adjusting our actions based on what … Read more
Servant leadership is an innovative approach that contrasts traditional leadership styles. It emphasizes empathy, listening, and placing others’ needs before one’s own. We see the importance of servant leadership, especially in Agile and the Scrum framework. In this article, I explore how managers can apply servant leadership and why it’s a vital tool in today’s … Read more
In the world of (agile) development, metrics hold a key role. They provide insight into team performance and guide improvement. However, focusing on the wrong ones can lead to undesired results. This article aims to shed light on crucial metrics, beneficial for both individuals and teams in a Scrum setting, while taking into consideration the … Read more
One night, while going down a reading-rabbit hole, I came across an unfamiliar term: ‘Agile Kata’. My thoughts strayed, and I found myself transported back to 2002, to the film “Equilibrium.” Equilibrium (directed by Kurt Wimmer) is a dystopian action film, starring Christian Bale. The film contains some fantastic action moments, but it was sadly … Read more
As someone who uses Spotify on a regular basis to listen to music and podcasts, I like the platform’s user-friendly design and vast library. Although I’ve just recently became aware of the ‘Spotify model’ as a framework for scaling agile development processes, I’m not familiar with its distinguishing features or how it compares to other … Read more
During a recent Scrum training I enquired about the different Scrum certificates. I have attained a lot of certificates through Scrum.org, but I know that the Scrum Alliance also gives out their own certificates. The response of my (Scrum.org licenced) trainer was a little more dramatic than I initially expected. They shared their insights on … Read more
We humans love comfort and habit. We seek consistency, predictability, and the familiar. Comfort can provide joy, relaxation, and tranquillity. It acts as a safe haven when the world seems chaotic or dangerous. Yet, growth and comfort can’t always go hand in hand. When we get too used to comfort, we may stagnate and miss … Read more
In my quest for personal growth, I have found that true growth comes from embracing all of my facets. These days, self-discovery has a starring role in my adult life. The older I become, the closer I feel to becoming a complete person. Life experiences have coloured what used to feel like a blank slate. … Read more
“Know thyself”, the age-old saying reminds us. It beckons us to explore our desires, motives, strengths, and even our deepest vulnerabilities. I recently took a short break, during which I penned a few articles. One titled “The State of Discomfort” examines how discomfort can catalyze positive personal and professional transformation. These writings flow from me … Read more
I have often heard the term ‘white-passing’ used to describe me. People look at my build and complexion, and they see a European, perhaps with a touch of Mediterranean. Yet, I have always identified as someone of mixed heritage. Upon closer inspection, there’s a hint of something else. A round face that tans a bit … Read more
In December 2022, I took part in the Professional Agile Leadership™ (PAL-E) training. After this, I completed the PAL I assessment. However, I still had questions about applying empiricism to gain business value. To find answers, I decided to enroll in the “Evidence-Based Management ™” course. This article will share my key takeaways from the … Read more
Last year was a whirlwind of new experiences for me – a new job, three courses and writing a lot for this blog. Despite the challenges, I persevered and made significant progress in my personal and professional life. As summer approaches, I am excited to take a step back, unwind, and focus on my personal … Read more
This article is a review of “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen. Consider the following scenario: a manager is providing performance feedback to an employee. The employee is doing their best, but they are feeling defensive and dejected as the boss cites all of their areas for improvement. The manager, on … Read more