Exploring the Human edge in Agile
I really love my role as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, though it sometimes packs a punch of surprises. Somehow, I’ve become the go-to virtuoso on Scrum among friends and colleagues. While it might sound grand, it is a mixed blessing. Picture me at a friend’s birthday party, devouring a slice of carrot cake. … Read more
Remember that time you tried to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions? Chaos, right? Managing a complex project without a clear visual guide feels the same. Enter Obeya, your new agile and Scrum best friend. Let’s explore how this concept can revolutionize your work. What is Obeya? Obeya, a Japanese term meaning “big room”, comes from … Read more
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
Have you ever cooked dinner for a date without knowing their culinary preferences? Imagine cooking an exquisite roast… only to find out your date is vegan. Traditional project management frequently feels like this: focused on finishing tasks rather than knowing what actually satisfies the end user. This is where product thinking comes in. It’s like … Read more
The third and final day of the Online Scrum Master Summit 2024 built on the momentum of the preceding (day one, day two) days, presenting thought-provoking sessions and insightful discussions. Each workshop provided a deep exploration into the evolving Agile landscape. By attending Thursday’s eight (!) sessions, I gained novel insights on Agile autonomy challenges, … Read more
Building on the success of the first day, the second day of the Online Scrum Master Summit 2024 featured thought-provoking sessions and insights. Attending the day’s eight (!) sessions immersed me in topics ranging from mental health and team dynamics to the use of AI in Agile practices. So join me again as I recount … Read more
While scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across the Online Scrum Master Summit, which instantly piqued my interest. The summit has a broad roster of speakers from across the world, each providing unique views and practical guidance. The large number of interesting subjects and speakers prompted me to cover each day of the summit. This blog post … Read more
Since the last version of the Evidence-Based Management (EBM) Guide was published in 2020, significant updates have been made to enhance the clarity and applicability of EBM. The updates in the new 2024 version are based on new insights and learnings since the 2020 version. The fundamental concepts of EBM remain unchanged, focusing on using … Read more
Last week, I took a course on using User Experience (UX) practices in Agile, and I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the early days of my career. The course provided a meaningful reflection on the principles I first discovered during my university years, when I began to understand the interaction of technology and user … Read more
As a Scrum Master, I’ve always been devoted to encouraging teamwork and positive interactions among team members. Over the years it’s become clear to me that mastering facilitation skills is essential for improving team dynamics and problem solving. Personally, I considered my facilitation skills to be “okay-ish.” I’ve often looked up to other professionals and … Read more
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
A new work day begins. I get out of bed and get ready for work. As The Hague is waking up, I find comfort in the ritual of my morning brew. A cappuccino, extra strong, becomes my companion as I await the train that takes me to Rotterdam. My wireless earbuds play the day’s anthems. … Read more
Sometimes it just clicks in your mind. When you read about a specific topic and think, “Hey! That’s me!“. A few days ago, while falling through another late-night Scrum rabbit hole, I came across the term ‘hostmanship’. After reading about it, I realized how much it reminded me of values I hold dear in both … Read more
The Scrum Master has an pivotal role in the Scrum framework, but their role is frequently misunderstood. Let me be clear: Scrum Masters are no ‘rule enforcers’. They are facilitators and coaches who guide their teams through project complexities with finesse and understanding. The stance of the “Scrum Police” highlights a misunderstanding of the Scrum … Read more
The “Five Whys” technique has emerged as a crucial tool for problem-solving and continuous improvement. This technique is based on asking “Why?” five times to dive deep into the root cause of a problem. It is a method that turns a challenge into an opportunity for growth and learning. Harnessing the power of the Five … Read more