The (mis)adventures of an agile coach
In this dynamic world, continuous growth is paramount. The Scrum Master, often perceived as a mere facilitator, has a more profound role. Not only do they guide the Scrum process, but they can also help team members flourish – both technically and in soft skills. In this article, I will highlight the essential function of … Read more
As a Scrum Master, you might wonder about self-management. Why is it important? It revolves around the simple concept of ownership. When teams take ownership, they feel responsible for the results. This sense of responsibility inspires higher levels of engagement, creativity, and productivity. Furthermore, self-management boosts the team’s morale and builds resilience. It eliminates the … Read more
As a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, I have embarked on a personal quest to deepen my understanding of effective Product Backlog management. My organization faces the challenge of a massive Product Backlog which, thankfully, has seen notable improvements in quality over the past year. However, there’s always room for growth and refinement. That’s why … Read more
In Scrum Teams, the Scrum Master plays a exciting role. But even a Scrum Master can experience moments of stagnation or boredom. So, how do you keep your profession fresh and fun? Let’s delve into my very own tried and true methods of staying sane in the Scrum realm. The Scrum Guide: an old friend … Read more
We’ve all been there. Uncomfortable silences, glaring issues that everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about, the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. As humans, we naturally avoid conflicts. We would rather ignore the issue or get lost behind our screens, coding away, or jump into another meeting. The problem, however, continues to … Read more
Kanban, a term borrowed from Japanese, means ‘visual sign’ or ‘card’. At its core, it is a visual management tool. It aids teams in managing and optimizing workflow. Kanban focuses on continuous improvement, flexibility, and flow. Let’s delve deeper into understanding its essence, how teams can leverage it, and how it stands apart from Scrum. … Read more
The Scrum Guide is a unique resource! Crafted by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, it’s a document that never ceases to amaze. I see it as a generous gift, always offering something new. Like delving into a rich Hieronymus Bosch painting, it’s multi-layered. (And yes, perhaps less unsettling than Bosch’s work.) The Scrum Guide is … Read more
Avid readers of my blog (and attendants of my Scrum lectures) may recognize this topic, which is very close to my heart. Scrum and Taylorism represent two distinct paradigms. While Scrum is an emblematic representation of Agile, emphasizing team collaboration, flexibility, and a relentless focus on delivering genuine value, Taylorism stands as a methodology deeply … Read more
Imagine you work for a company that wants to improve its processes. Despite numerous brainstorming sessions and team meetings, transformative ideas are unattainable. How could this be resolved? By implementing Liberating Structures! Liberating Structures provides a set of dynamic methods that revitalize conventional thinking, generating new ideas and solutions to complex problems. These methods promote … Read more
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