Agile Mentors Podcast

Join Brian as he explores the Change Initiative Canvas with Dr. Steve Martin, a groundbreaking tool designed to streamline and succeed in organizational change efforts. Learn how to tackle change with clarity and strategic foresight. Overview In this insightful episode, Brian Milner and Dr. Steve Martin dive deep into the mechanics of the Change Initiative Canvas, a strategic framework developed to guide organizations through successful transformations. They discuss critical aspects such as setting clear objectives, measuring impact, handling objections, and the importance of cultural alignment within the organization. Whether you're initiating small adjustments or major shifts, this discussion provides the essential tools and tactics to navigate change effectively and achieve meaningful, sustainable results. Listen Now to Discover: [1:10] - Brian welcomes Dr. Steve Martin, PhD, Certified Scrum Trainer®, CEO of Agility Guides, and professor at Franklin University and creator of the Change Initiative Canvas. [2:38] - Steve unveils the intriguing origins of the Change Initiative Canvas, sharing the inspiration and journey behind its creation. [4:38] - Steve breaks down the concept of failure, offering insightful strategies on how to interpret and learn from setbacks. [7:00] - Steve delves into the essentials of recognizing when change is necessary by questioning the underlying reasons and observing the problem's impact. [11:29] - Brian emphasizes how understanding the customer's immediate need for change is vital for navigating towards the right solutions. [14:34] - Steve explains the delicate balance between thoroughly understanding a problem and avoiding the trap of analysis paralysis. [15:24] - Explore your Agile potential with the custom Elements of Agile assessment, crafted by Mike and Brian to help you gauge your team’s current agility and identify opportunities for growth. [17:17] - Steve emphasizes the significance of clearly outlining what success entails to align efforts and expectations across the board. [20:29] - Explore effective strategies for navigating resistance and overcoming constraints during a change initiative, ensuring smoother transitions and successful outcomes. [26:48] - Steve highlights the critical need to understand an organization's culture and outlines methods for accurately assessing it to ensure alignment with strategic initiatives. [30:46] - Steve encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn and explore the practical tools and resources available on the Agility Guides Resources page, designed to enhance real-world Agile practices. [31:56] - Brian expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Steve for sharing his insights on the show, enriching the conversation with his expertise. [32:34] - Continue the conversation and deepen your Agile knowledge by joining the Agile Mentors Community. Enjoy a complimentary year-long membership by enrolling in any Mountain Goat Software, such as the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). [33:24] - Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast and spread the word to anyone who might appreciate our discussions. Have feedback or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you—drop us an email! References and resources mentioned in the show: Steve Martin Agility Guides Change Initiative Canvas Agility Guides Resources Elements of Agile Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Dr. Steve Martin is driven by a passion to help leaders excel, by leveraging extensive experience in orchestrating large-scale transformations and academic insights to empower leaders at all levels to navigate today’s volatile business landscape. From failed beginnings to leading successful agile transformations and teaching leadership principles, he guides executives and managers to lead with authenticity, humility, and a coaching mindset, ensuring both organizational success and personal fulfillment.

Join Brian and Anthony Coppedge as they unlock the secrets to bridging the team-leadership divide. Learn how to navigate through fear, short-term thinking, and the transformative power of Agile within top-tier organizations like IBM. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down for a groundbreaking conversation with Anthony Coppedge, of IBM and creator of the Retrospective Radar. They delve deep into the disconnects plaguing organizations between their teams and leadership. From overcoming fear and fostering long-term value to harnessing the strength of middle management and the critical role of data-driven decision-making, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for those looking to drive agility and foster a culture of transparency and success in their organizations. Join us to explore how translating team realities into leadership vision can catalyze meaningful change and position companies for enduring success. Listen Now to Discover: [1:18] - Brian welcomes Anthony Coppedge, IBM's business agility expert. [2:40] - Unveiling the core issue, Anthony explores how fear fuels the disconnect between teams and their leaders, offering insights into bridging this crucial gap. [4:04] - Anthony highlights the power for the team in delivering real value for the benefit of others. [5:14] - Hear Anthony unpack the significance of scalability in systems and processes, highlighting its role in enabling organizations to adapt and thrive, and what the conversations with the teams can look like to achieve scalability. [6:00] - Anthony lays out vivid examples of the existing gap between teams and leadership, offering insightful strategies needed to effectively bridge this divide. [7:50] - Highlighting the pivotal role of middle management, Anthony suggests leveraging these key players as connectors between teams and top leadership. [8:50] - Anthony shows how to effectively convey the ground-level realities of teams to leadership, ensuring their efforts are directly linked to the organization's overarching direction. [10:30] - Brian emphasizes the critical need to grasp what drives leaders, advocating for the translation of team insights into a language that resonates with leadership priorities. [13:59] - Anthony explores how adopting a client-centric approach fosters transparency in communication, ensuring clarity and alignment across all levels. [16:31] - Bridge the gap between your leadership and teams by helping the leaders to expand their Agile language and experience with Mountain Goat Software’s Agile For Leaders Course. [18:34] - Anthony proposes actionable strategies and the importance of teams spearheading cultural shifts within their organizations, steering them towards embracing Agile principles. [21:43] - Highlighting the strategic use of data, Anthony discusses how it can illuminate results and motivate shifts towards better practices. [29:14] - Brian unveils Anthony's innovative approach to reflection and growth with 'The Retrospective Radar.' [36:11] - Brian shares a big thank you to Anthony for joining him on the show and invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn. [37:27] - We invite you to share the podcast with friends and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. [38:06] - If you’d like to continue this discussion on the episode specific discussion forums on the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software. [38:48] - Brian invites listeners to join him live and in person at the 2024 Global Scrum Gathering in New Orleans and the Agile2024 conference in Dallas. References and resources mentioned in the show: Anthony Coppedge Retrospective Radar Retrospective Radar Template Creative Commons usage rights for the Retrospective Radar Agile For Leaders Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast 2024 Global Scrum Gathering Agile2024 Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Anthony Coppedge is the Principal Agile Digital Sales Global Transformation Lead at IBM and creator of the Retrospective Radar. Anthony has reshaped enterprises from startups to Fortune 500 giants like IBM, pioneering enterprise Agile Sales and driving customer-centric outcomes worldwide.

Explore the skills revolution with Brian and Evan Leybourn of the Business Agility Institute as they dive into a landmark study on the skills shaping today's workforce. Learn why adaptability, human skills, and agile acumen are the keys to success. Overview In an enlightening episode, Brian sits down with Evan Leybourn, co-founder of the Business Agility Institute, to delve into recent research findings on the essential skills for the modern workforce. They discuss the paramount importance of human skills over technical abilities in hiring, the emergence of 'pi-shaped' professionals who excel in multiple domains, and the critical role of agile acumen across various job roles. Additionally, they address the pressing need for educational systems to pivot from traditional role-based learning to a more versatile skill-based approach. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate the workforce's future, offering deep insights into adapting and thriving in an ever-evolving professional landscape. Listen Now to Discover: [1:17] - Join Brian in a captivating session with Evan Leybourn, the innovative author and co-founder of the Business Agility Institute, as they explore groundbreaking insights into agility and workforce evolution. [2:32] - Discover the unexpected findings from Evan's recent study, ‘Skills in the New World of Work,’ on the workforce's most sought-after skills and their pivotal role in modern hiring practices. [4:50] - Brian sheds light on the rising value of soft, or human, skills in the workforce, suggesting a pivotal expansion of Scrum Master skills to embrace these vital attributes. [8:00] - Evan reveals their unexpected discovery: organizations are increasingly seeking 'pi-shaped' skills that blend diverse areas of expertise. [12:45] - Perfect your human skills and refresh your Agile approach with Mountain Goat Software’s Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® courses. For further details, visit the Mountain Goat Software training schedule. [15:05] - Unpacking the idea of 'pi-shaped' professionals, Evan details how these unique individuals bring multiple skill sets to one role, elevating their effectiveness and output, using a full-stack developer as an example. [16:22] - Evan tackles the provocative statement that Agile is dead, offering insights and counterarguments to this bold claim. [21:47] - Evan highlights a key finding: Agile Acumen emerges as the runner-up in the most coveted skills during the hiring process across organizations. [24:50] - Evan stresses an important takeaway: 'The skills you have are valuable,' pointing out that the essence of Agile expertise transcends the exact wording of job descriptions. [27:05] - Highlighting a necessary evolution in learning, Evan advocates for a move towards skill-based training and education, away from traditional role-focused models, to better prepare for the workforce of tomorrow. [29:21] - Brian shares his gratitude for Evan and his work to help better understand the job market. [30:02] - Brian invites listeners to join both him and Evan live and in person at the Global Scrum Gathering 2024 in New Orleans. [30:33] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. [31:03] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. References and resources mentioned in the show: Evan Leybourn Skills in the New World of Work: Which Agile Skills are Most In-Demand in Today's Workforce? Business Agility Institute Directing The Agile Organization: A Lean Approach To Business Management by Evan Leybourn #noprojects: A Culture of Continuous Value by Evan Leybourn Global Scrum Gathering 2024 Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Evan Leybourn is the co-founder of the Business Agility Institute and author of "Directing the Agile Organization" and "#noprojects; a culture of continuous value." Evan champions the advancement of agile, innovative, and dynamic companies poised to succeed in fluctuating markets through rigorous research and advocacy.

Join Brian and Stefan Wolpers as they explore the labyrinth of Scrum anti-patterns, shedding light on the crucial shifts needed in communication, event understanding, and organizational empowerment for Agile success. Overview Brian welcomes special guest Stefan Wolpers as they explore the maze of Scrum anti-patterns. Discover the art of tackling communication breakdowns, unravel the misunderstandings that plague Scrum events, confront the systemic issues of organizational anti-patterns, and challenge the rigidity of dogmatism in Agile practices. Whether you're a seasoned Scrum practitioner or new to the Agile philosophy, this conversation between Brian and Stefan will arm you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of Scrum, enhance team collaboration, and drive successful Agile transformations. Tune in to transform your understanding and practice of Scrum, and take a step towards mastering the dynamic world of Agile. Listen Now to Discover: [1:06] - ​​Join Brian as he sits down with Stefan Wolpers, a seasoned Professional Scrum Trainer and the mastermind behind ‘The Scrum Anti-Patterns Guide,’ for a deep dive into the pitfalls to avoid for Scrum success. [2:33] - Discover the power of inversion with Stefan, as he elucidates this groundbreaking learning principle, challenging traditional methods and revolutionizing our approach to personal and professional development. [5:21] - Stefan delves into the critical issue of communication breakdown and assumptions among teams, revealing effective strategies to address and navigate these common pain points. [10:01] - Listen as Stefan highlights the transformative impact of trust building and team bonding, revealing their significance as key elements in bridging cultural differences and bringing remote teams closer together. [12:02] - Brought to you by Mountain Goat Software, the Agile Mentors Podcast invites you to enhance your Scrum skills through the Certified Scrum Product Owner® course. Explore a world of Agile learning opportunities by checking out Mountain Goat Software's extensive training schedule. [13:03] - Join Stefan as he delves into the Scrum framework, highlighting the Daily Scrum and Sprint Planning as events ripe with anti-patterns, and providing guidance on overcoming these obstacles for smoother sprints. [18:10] - Listen as Stefan illuminates the critical anti-pattern of lacking empowerment within organizations, emphasizing its widespread impact and proposing pathways to cultivate a more empowered workforce. [22:08] - Explore with Brian the significance of an anti-dogmatic stance, highlighting its role as a pivotal anti-pattern in fostering innovation and adaptability in Agile environments. [26:14] - Brian shares a big thank you to Stefan for joining him on the show. [29:01] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. [30:01] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback, a question, or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Stefan Wolpers The Scrum Anti-Patterns Guide by Stefan Wolpers Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Mike Cohn’s Letting Go of Knowing Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.  Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Stefan Wolpers is the author behind "The Scrum Anti-Pattern Guide" and a celebrated Professional Scrum Trainer known for his unparalleled expertise in Agile methodologies. Stefan has dedicated his career to empowering professionals around the globe.

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Brian Milner and HR innovator Pia Maria Thorén on the transformative power of Agile in HR and leadership. Discover a people-centric approach that champions attitude, growth, and empathy. Overview Join Brian Milner in this compelling episode as he sits down with Agile and HR expert Pia Maria Thorén, who shares her insights on revolutionizing Human Resources and leadership with Agile project management principles. Pia Maria delves into the critical shift from traditional hiring practices to prioritizing attitude and potential, fostering a nurturing candidate experience, and the vital role of team involvement in the hiring process. Through her advocacy for empathy and a people-centric approach, Pia Maria outlines how understanding and support can transform handling performance challenges and layoffs into opportunities for growth. Tune in to explore how these strategies not only enhance HR practices but also pave the way for more dynamic, resilient organizations. Listen Now to Discover: [01:13] - Dive into an enlightening conversation with Pia-Maria Thorén, the visionary author behind 'Agile People' and a leading expert in Agile human resources. [02:30] - Join Pia-Maria as she unfolds the compelling narrative of Agile's breakthrough into HR practices, crafting a more effective and adaptive approach to leadership and human resources management. [07:46] - Hear from Pia-Maria as she unveils the secrets behind Agile's innovative recruitment and hiring strategies, focused on creating an environment where candidates are eager to work and flourish. [09:44] - Brian explores the catalyst behind Agile hiring practices, pondering how organizations kick-start the recruitment process when their sights are set not on vacancies but on attracting the perfect fit. [10:55] - Shifting the focus from traditional job slots to dynamic team contributions, Pia-Maria introduces the transformative concept of 't-shaped' teams in recruitment, urging a reevaluation of how we define the ideal candidate in job descriptions and hiring processes. [13:08] - Brian draws upon Simon Sinek's insightful video, dissecting the intricate relationship between trust and performance in teams, and highlighting the importance of trust in the makeup of high-performing teams. [15:00] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software. Elevate your expertise with their Certified Scrum Product Owner® course and gain exclusive access to Mike Cohn’s Agile Mentors Community for a full year of continuous coaching and support. Explore the full spectrum of Certified Scrum and Agile Training on the Mountain Goat Software schedule. [16:44] - Pia-Maria introduces a groundbreaking perspective on measuring team success, steering away from individual performance metrics and static goals towards a more dynamic and holistic assessment strategy. [21:37] - Pia-Maria delves into the complex dynamics of employee departures and layoffs within the Agile HR framework, questioning how these principles reshape traditional approaches to such challenging situations. [28:11] - Pia-Maria raises compelling counterpoints to the general avoidance of specialization, inviting listeners to consider the circumstances under which honing in on specialized skills could be advantageous. [29:24] - Brian shares a big thank you to Pia-Maria for joining him on the show, inviting listeners to connect through Agile People or LinkedIn. [31:07] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM, CSPO, or Mike Cohn’s Live Online Better User Stories class, where we get right into the good stuff and have some deep discussions. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. [31:40] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Agile People Agile People: A Radical Approach for HR & Managers by Pia-Maria Thorén Agile People Principles by Pia-Maria Thorén Agile People Picture Book by Pia-Maria Thorén et al. “How Do You Measure Success?” By Simon Sinek Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Mike Cohn’s Better User Stories Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Scrum Gathering in New Orleans 2024 Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Pia-Maria Thorén is the founder of Agile People and author of ‘Agile People' and specializes in driving organizational agility through HR, leadership, and motivation. She creates workplaces where employees perform better and feel engaged, contributing to successful transformations from both financial and human perspectives

Join Brian Milner and Master Coach Cherie Silas as they discuss the intricate dance between professional coaching and Agile coaching and unlock the secrets to empowering Agile transformations. Overview Join us on a captivating journey with Brian Milner and Cherie Silas, the visionary founder of Tandem Coaching, as they delve deep into the nuances that distinguish professional coaching from Agile coaching and learn why adopting a coaching mindset is crucial for effective Agile coaching. Explore the pivotal role of an Agile coach within an organization and the fine art of balancing consulting with true coaching to foster empowerment and self-solution finding. Cherie unravels the complexities of Agile practices, the thin line between coaching and counseling, and the transformative Tandem Coaching program. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand the essence of agile transformation and how it's not just about adopting new practices but about achieving meaningful business outcomes. Whether you're an aspiring agile coach or a seasoned professional seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation is your gateway to elevating your agile journey. Listen Now to Discover: [01:18] - Join Brian as he greets Cherie Silas, the visionary behind Tandem Coaching, co-author of 'Enterprise Agile Coaching,' and a revered Master Coach. [03:38] - Listen in as Cherie clarifies the essential differences and intersections between professional coaching and the dynamic field of Agile coaching. [07:07] - Explore with Cherie as she articulates the nuanced differences between being labeled an 'Agile Coach' and embodying the true essence of Agile coaching. [09:15] - Cherie shares her expertise on striking the perfect balance between consulting and coaching, highlighting strategies for blending these two vital roles effectively. [12:12] - Brian highly endorses Cherie’s dynamic, mentorship-driven Professional Coach Training for anyone looking to deeply enrich their coaching abilities. [14:42] - Learn from Cherie the critical role of engaging as a thought partner in coaching clients, a fundamental strategy for fostering profound and effective Agile coaching connections. [18:00] - Discover with Cherie the dynamic strategy of engaging clients with thought-provoking questions like, "What's the challenge we're tackling?" and "What's the goal we're striving towards?" This approach not only clarifies objectives but also charts the course towards achieving them, making each coaching session a journey of mutual exploration and growth. [22:04] - If you're on the path to becoming a Certified Scrum Master, look no further than Mountain Goat Software's engaging, top-rated courses. Beyond the interactive classes, you'll gain a year-long membership to the Agile Mentors Community—a vibrant space to both give and receive mentorship. Dive deeper into your Agile practice and explore the Mountain Goat Software Training Schedule today. [24:47] - Join Cherie as she unveils the foundational pillars of becoming an exceptional coach - the art of active listening, the skill of insightful questioning, and the journey through coaching training. [27:17] - Brian invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of the nuanced differences between coaching and counseling, questioning how to skillfully navigate the boundaries that define and differentiate them. [31:44] - Brian shares a big thank you to Cherie for joining him on the show, inviting listeners to pick up the book, ‘Enterprise Agile Coaching’ and highly recommends Tandem Coaching’s training programs. [33:15] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback, a great idea, or a guest suggestion for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Tandem Coaching Enterprise Agile Coaching: Sustaining Organizational Change Through Invitational Agile Coaching by Cherie Silas, Michael de la Maza, and Alex Kudinov Professional Coach & Team Coach Training with Cherie Silas and Tandem Coaching 2024 Global Scrum Gathering in New Orleans Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Join the Agile Mentors Community Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Cherie Silas is a Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC) and is the first agile coach to be awarded the ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC). She is the Founder and CEO of Tandem Coaching with a 20-year legacy in corporate leadership and co-author of the book Enterprise Agile Coaching: Sustaining Organizational Change Through Invitational Agile Coaching

Join Brian and Avipaul Bhandari as they uncover a secret to transformative Agile teams. Discover how one-on-one conversations can redefine team dynamics and even scaled organizational culture. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Avipaul Bhandari, a seasoned Agile coach, takes us through the critical role of one-on-one meetings in nurturing agile teams. Avipaul sheds light on how such meetings are pivotal in building trust, understanding individual perspectives, and fostering a culture of empathy. By adopting a coaching mindset, Scrum Masters and coaches can empower team members to lead the conversation, encouraging them to uncover and propose their own solutions. Listen in as they explore the profound impact these meetings have on scaling agile principles and catalyzing cultural transformation within organizations. Through emphasizing individual strengths and ensuring a safe environment for honest dialogue, one-on-ones emerge as a key strategy for enhancing team performance and achieving agile excellence. Tune in to learn how you can leverage one-on-one meetings to unlock the full potential of your team and spearhead a shift in your organizational culture. Listen Now to Discover: [01:15] - Brian warmly welcomes Avipaul Bhandari, a distinguished Agile coach and musician, joining us by popular demand from our listener community. [02:26] - Avipaul unveils the secrets behind effective one-on-one interactions and their ripple effect on enhancing organizational culture. [05:54] - Avipaul heralds human connection as a key driver of positivity and cohesion within teams, advocating for its impact on team success. [07:14] - Discover how Avipaul successfully navigated resistance to one-on-one meetings, turning reluctance into productive conversations, even from those claiming to have nothing to say. [10:55] - Mountain Goat Software is the sponsor for this podcast. Whether you’re looking to get Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) training or want to take an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (ACSM) class, click here to see what we have to offer. [12:00] - Brian discusses the profound impact of empathy and Simon Sinek's approach to nurturing a culture of psychological safety. [13:05] - Avipaul shares insights on enhancing empathy in the team members and yourself through the intimate dialogue of one-on-one meetings. [19:23] - Avipaul unpacks how one-on-ones within scaled teams can significantly boost processes and deeply motivate team members. [23:10] - Brian highlights how these interactions can embody and influence the broader company culture through demonstration, creating a ripple effect of positive change. [23:47] - Avipaul makes a compelling case for the power of respect in eliciting the best performance from everyone. [26:43] - Brian shares a big thank you to Avipaul for joining him on the show and the lister who suggested him! If you have a topic or person you would love to hear on the podcast, send your suggestions to podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com [27:41] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We also have Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®, Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and Mike Cohn’s Better User Stories Course, where we get right into the good stuff and have some deep discussions. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes; you can find the schedule here. [28:41] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Avipaul Bhandari Listen to Avipaul’s music on Spotify Simon Sinek’s Books Mike Cohn’s Better User Stories Course Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Avipaul Bhandari is an established agile coach and musician with over 20 years of experience. He is an intuitive and knowledgeable change agent and has been instrumental in successful agile adoptions in companies such as Microsoft, the Financial Times, Allianz, and others.

Join Brian Milner and Anton Skornyakov as they tackle the often overlooked art of slicing work on this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast. Discover how this pivotal strategy can revolutionize feedback loops and drive impactful results across industries. Overview Join us on a riveting journey with Agile expert Anton Skornyakov to unearth the transformative power of slicing work in Agile environments. In a world where most projects miss the mark on effective breakdown, Anton sheds light on the critical need for well-sliced work to secure valuable customer feedback and accelerate delivery of results. From the nuanced art of vertical slicing to innovative strategies for tackling complex story breakdowns, this episode is packed with insights and practical examples that span beyond the confines of software development. Whether you're grappling with how to split your next project into manageable increments or seeking to refine your Agile practice, Anton's expert advice and favorite splitting techniques offer a roadmap to success. Listen Now to Discover: [01:20] - Brian introduces an Agile Mentors Podcast listener-requested guest, Anton Skornyakov, Certified Scrum Trainer® and author of The Art of Slicing Work. [02:20] - Hear Anton recount the real-world struggles of translating the fundamental principle of defining effective increments into actionable insights for teams beyond software development. [04:39] - Anton delves into the art of work slicing by expertly applying the rules for splitting user stories, revealing insights for seamless practice. [06:41] - Anton brings vertical slicing to life with a relatable dinner party analogy, illustrating its transformative impact on teamwork. [11:12] - Anton uncovers the magic of vertical slicing, revealing its pivotal role in enhancing team responsibility—an esteemed Agile virtue. [13:01] - Facing challenges in cultivating a unified understanding of Agile principles across your team? Let Mountain Goat Software elevate your team's agility—from non-software teams to the executive suite. [13:58] - Brian expands the conversation to explore the far-reaching implications of vertical slicing on project management and team dynamics. [16:36] - Confronting a familiar hurdle, Anton dissects the notion that the complexity of work stands in the way of effective slicing. [17:57] - Anton explores strategies for navigating resistance when team members push back against the practice of slicing work. [19:20] - Anton reveals his insights into teams' struggles with splitting tasks they deem too large and how to overcome this perception. [24:43] - Anton shares his favorite ways of breaking down work. [28:47] - Brian expresses heartfelt gratitude to Anton for his invaluable insights on today's show and extends a warm thank you to the listeners for their brilliant guest recommendations. If you have a guest or topic suggestion for an upcoming episode, send us an email at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com [39:56] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast. Please like, subscribe, and share with your friends. [30:30] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We also have Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®, where we get right into the good stuff and have some deep discussions. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. References and resources mentioned in the show: The Art of Slicing Work by Anton Skornyakov Agile.Coach Introduction to Agile Working on a Scrum Team Agile for Leaders Mountain Goat Software’s Courses Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Anton Skornyakov is a Certified Scrum Trainer® and author of The Art of Slicing Work. He is passionate about educating and supporting organizations, reliably delivering results on unpredictable projects.

Join Brian and David Bland as they journey into the novel idea of testing assumptions before development to avoid costly mistakes and ensure the right things are being built in the latest episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast—a must-listen for any product owner wanting to determine if their team is working on the right thing. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian talks all things testing with David Bland, the founder of Precoil and co-author of the book Testing Business Ideas: A Field Guide for Rapid Experimentation. Learn the importance of testing assumptions and experimentation in product development as David shares his journey from working in startups to coaching and consulting and how he realized the need to bring Agile principles into the discovery phase of product development. You can listen in as they explore the concept of testing business ideas and the three-step process of extracting assumptions, prioritizing them, and running experiments. Listen Now to Discover: [01:01] - Brian introduces David Bland, founder of Precoil and co-author of Testing Business Ideas: A Field Guide for Rapid Experimentation. [02:10] - David dives into weaving testing assumptions and experimentation into managing the product backlog for product owners. [02:51] - David discusses how you can determine if you're working on the right things and prevent iteratively delivering something that nobody cares about by applying the Agile principles further upstream. [04:20] - Brain adds insight with the notion of being selective as the product owner, referencing the work of Henrik Kniberg. [05:18] - David breaks down the themes he developed from design thinking and how they apply beautifully to the product backlog: desirable, viable, & feasible [06:50] - Brian asks the question burning through many of our minds, “How do you apply it to testing your ideas?” [07:15] - David lays out the three-step process he uses and applies to testing business, product, and service ideas. [08:32] - David discusses the difference between requirements and assumptions. [10:33] - David provides a practical example of adding wishlist functionality to a website and what testing this idea would look like under his testing framework. [14:47] - Today's episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Private Training for Agile transformations. Get your team on the same page through customized training and coaching programs to level-set your team. For more information, visit the Mountain Goat Software’s Private Training page. [16:07] - Brian poses the concept of asking, “How does an idea move the needle” before the idea is developed? [18:14] - David shares his thoughts on running customer-facing acceptance criteria and the product death cycle, a term David coined. [21:06] - David provides an example of a client who puts a positive spin on killing projects that prove not to be viable via testing. [22:33] - Brian asks if there are testing methods that can be applied after a product launch as a lagging indicator of the launch. [24:57] - Brian clarifies the value of testing before making a bet on a new product, even as an entrepreneur working alone, through the example of knowing how a bet will play out in a Las Vegas casino. [25:38] - David lays out the common objections he sees from companies and how you could address them. [27:13] - David lays out one of his favorite techniques for testing, concierge, which he lays out in detail in his book. [30:41] - Brian draws the conversation back to the Agile Manifesto. [31:49] - Brian shares a big thank you to David for joining him on the show. [33:30] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: David Bland Precoil Testing Business Ideas: A Field Guide for Rapid Experimentation by David Bland & Alexander Osterwalder #25 Scaling with Henrik Kniberg Agile Manifesto Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Mountain Goat Software’s Private Training Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. David J Bland helps companies such as GE, Toyota, Adobe, HP, and Behr find product market fit using lean startup, design thinking, and business model innovation through his company, Precoil. He is the lead author of Testing Business Ideas with Alexander Osterwalder.

Have you ever returned to an old User Story and wondered, “what was I thinking?” On today’s episode, Mike Cohn, walks us through how and why he recently revisited and updated 200 Real Life User Story Examples from his past projects and updated a resource for you! Listen in as Mike and Brian share what worked and what didn’t work from the past, in an effort to make their user story writing skills stronger. Overview What makes a user or job story great? In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Mike Cohn of Mountain Goat Software, share Mike’s recent updates and edit to 200 Real Life User Story Examples. Listen as they revisit 200 older user stories, breaking down their analysis through the lens of more experience and an evolving technological landscape. Plus, in true iterative fashion, Mike shares how he is still working to write better user stories after years of perfecting and teaching the art of story writing. Tune in to learn what makes a great clear user story, and what makes a story that stinks. Listen Now to Discover: [00:57] - Brian is joined today by Mike Cohn who will be revisiting user stories. [02:58] - Mike talks about how he came back to these 200 user stories and decided that some of them sucked and needed updating. [04:42] - When writing user stories, Mike talks about prioritizing meaningful conversations over perfect user stories. [06:35] - Brian underscores the importance of efficient communication with developers through unconventional yet practical user stories. [07:22] - Brian points to previous podcast episodes with Mike that delve into the basics of writing user stories, in episode, #10 Why User Stories are the Best Way to Capture Requirements with Mike Cohn and #39 The Art of Writing User Stories with Mike Cohn [08:22] - Mike walks through a story written for the development of the Scrum Alliance website, noting it is framed well within the site's premise. [09:10] - Brian raises considerations about inserting information mid-story. [09:57] - Mike finds the story intriguing but suggests simplifying it by moving details into acceptance criteria, a notion that didn’t exist at the time, for clarity. [12:03] - Mike advocates for concise user stories, suggesting omitting unnecessary details and using acceptance criteria for specifics. [13:52] - In a job story example, Mike and Brian point out common mistakes from an era without distinct fields. [16:34] - Brian understands the attempt to prompt discussion in the job story but finds it normal overall. [17:32] - Mike critiques a job story for site admins approving job postings, suggesting modernizing language for notification methods and flexibility. [19:34] - Reflecting on a story about user authentication, Mike acknowledges a bias toward email-centric perspectives, and questions if this story goes too far separating the what and the how. [21:22] - Mike highlights story #42, recognizing a potential mistake in specifying UI details in a story about navigating job listings. [23:24] - If you’re struggling to get your team or organization on the same Agile page from team members to senior executives. Mountain Goat Software can help you Build a Common Understanding of Agile on your team! [24:17] - If you’re a visual learner or you’d like to follow along, you can find the pdf of all the user and job stories discussed in this episode, plus many more, right here. [25:12] - Mike defends a story about viewing detailed course pages, acknowledging UI implications but justifying the necessity of the detail. [27:13] - Mike critiques a user story about creating user accounts, cautioning against a potentially misleading "so that" clause with a specific example. [29:18] - Reflecting on the evolution of user stories, Mike emphasizes a shift from stating "I can" or "I want to" to a more neutral "I." [30:40] - Critiquing a user story about browser compatibility, Mike suggests that it's a nonfunctional requirement and better suited as part of the definition of done. [33:18] - Brian presents a user story for Mountain Goat Software’s Planning Poker tool about database indexes, expressing reservations about the commonality of developer-focused stories. [34:00] - Mike reflects on the “as a developer” story and expresses uncertainty about its inclusion, considering it potentially problematic. [36:22] - Mike critiques a story about database analysis, acknowledging its verbosity but justifying the detail as necessary for clarifying the researcher's role and objectives. [38:03] - Brian appreciates the brevity of the "I want" part of a user story and finds the "so that" clause acceptable as it provides examples and context for developers. [38:39] - Considering a story about storing results, Mike deems it not bad but potentially too long. [40:00] - Mike highlights that the best way to get better at writing stories is to write a bunch of them, acknowledging that his early stories taught him valuable lessons. [41:03] - Brian thanks listeners and invites them to share and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. [41:29] - Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Free download: 200 User Story Examples #10 Why User Stories are the Best Way to Capture Requirements with Mike Cohn #39 The Art of Writing User Stories with Mike Cohn User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development by Mike Cohn Job Stories Offer a Viable Alternative to User Stories by Mike Cohn Mountain Goat Software’s Planning Poker Better User Stories Course Build a Common Understanding of Agile Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.  Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Mike Cohn, CEO of Mountain Goat Software, is a passionate advocate for agile methodologies. Co-founder of Agile Alliance and Scrum Alliance, he thrives on helping companies succeed with Agile and witnessing its transformative impact on individuals' careers. Mike resides in Northern Idaho with his family, two Havanese dogs, and an impressive hot sauce collection.

In this week’s episode, Brian is joined by the legendary Ken Rubin, the author of Essential Scrum. Together, they dive deep into the world of dependencies in larger organizations and scaling, drawing from Ken's extensive experience since the early days of Scrum. If you're navigating the complexities of dependencies and looking to optimize your team's flow, this episode is a must-listen. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes the iconic Ken Rubin to explore the intricate realm of dependencies at scale. They dive into the impact of dependencies on flow, the challenges of scaling, and the effectiveness of feature teams in managing structural dependencies. Ken shares valuable insights into the myths surrounding dependencies and practical strategies for minimizing their impact, whether they involve external partners, scarce specialized roles, or deliberate component teams. As a bonus, Ken announces his upcoming one-day live online course where you’ll dive deeper into effective dependency management strategies, Dependencies are Killing Your Agility: Learn to Fight Back! Tune in as Ken and Brian provide practical wisdom, actionable strategies, and a wealth of knowledge. Listen Now to Discover: [01:16] - In today’s episode, Brian sits down with the first director of the Scrum Alliance and author of Essential Scrum, Ken Rubin. [03:03] - Ken defines dependencies as a relationship between two or more entities that requires collaboration or coordination. [04:31] - Ken distinguishes two dependency types: structural and instantiated. [06:48] - Brian emphasizes addressing the root cause of dependencies, comparing it to optimizing water flow in plumbing systems. [08:06] - Ken stresses the importance of addressing structural dependencies to prevent them from becoming blockers and impeding flow. [10:18] - Brian highlights an upcoming one-day live online course with Ken titled Dependencies are Killing Your Agility: Learn to Fight Back! on March 14th, emphasizing its relevance for Scrum Masters and product owners. [11:10] - Ken defines the concept of flow and compares it to the concept of utilization. [13:04] - Leaders listening should prioritize optimizing flow over squeezing individuals for efficiency. [14:23] - Ken underscores the importance of managing structural dependencies by balancing system-level WIP. [16:28] - Ken debunks the myth that 100% feature teams can eliminate all dependency issues. [19:14] - Ken shares how feature teams are compelling but face exponential challenges. [21:45] - Ken explores the need for specialized roles in scaling feature teams, proposing a threshold approach. [24:57] - Discover why Ken advocates for a combined feature and component team model, suggesting systemic swarming for specialized roles. [26:55] - Today's episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Private Training for Agile transformations. Get your team on the same page through subject-specific training, coaching, and mentoring. For more information, visit the Mountain Goat Software’s Private Training page. [28:06] - Ken challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution for dependency problems, cautioning about tool limitations. [30:25] - Ken proposes expanding the concept of working agreements to include inter-team arrangements. [33:55] - Ken highlights the misconception of solving external dependencies through internal escalation, stressing the limitations and challenges. [35:40] - Ken dispels the myth that identifying dependencies means solving the problem, emphasizing the need for control. [38:35] - Brian highlights the significant impact of waiting time, using the example of ordering a t-shirt online. [39:36] - Addressing flow problems in scaling challenges is crucial. [42:35] - Brian underscores the impact of addressing flow issues and promotes Ken's upcoming one-day live online course, Dependencies are Killing Your Agility: Learn to Fight Back! on March 14th [43:24] - Brian highlights the value of Ken's insights on dependencies and provides helpful resources and links. [43:50] - Brian thanks listeners and invites them to share and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. [47:26] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We also have Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. [48:12] - Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Dependencies are Killing Your Agility: Learn to Fight Back! Essential Scrum by Kenneth Rubin Innolution Dependencies Are Killing Your Agile Flow at Scale by Ken Rubin #47 Exploring Lean Thinking In Agile Development with Bob Payne Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Mountain Goat Software’s Private Training Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Ken Rubin is the #1 best-selling author of Essential Scrum and world-renowned Agile trainer and coach. Ken focuses on full end-to-end business agility, applying agile ways of working with your development teams, technical and business leaders, executives, as well as the important non-development groups that are critical to providing your whole product solutions.

Join Brian in this solo episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast as he tackles listener questions, discussing topics ranging from the impact of AI on Scrum teams to managing retrospective challenges and fostering active participation. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and thought-provoking discussions. Overview In this solo episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian answers listener questions unraveling everything from AI's role in Scrum to the complexities of Agile practices and team dynamics. Listen in for valuable insights as Brian explores metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of product owners, offering key indicators for project success. He also discusses managing challenges within retrospectives, including strategies for handling upper management involvement, fostering transparent reporting, and the significance of visibility in sprint reviews. Discover the art of promoting active participation in retrospectives—Brian underscores the significance of psychological safety within teams and offers actionable insights into tailoring retrospective approaches to your team’s diverse personality types. Tune in as Brian answers listener questions with both practical wisdom and actionable advice. Listen Now to Discover: [01:18] - In today’s episode, Brian sits down to answer Agile Mentors Podcast listener questions. [01:59] - Brian briefly shares a personal update about speaking at the upcoming Global Scrum Gathering 2024 New Orleans and invites listeners to attend. [03:21] - The first listener question explores whether AI can replace members of a Scrum team. Brian discusses the current state of AI and its potential applications in different roles within a Scrum team. He also shares how his team is using “Goatbot.” [08:10] - For the second listener question Brian tackles the issue of handling resistance to Agile from a team member, sharing some strategies to understand the root cause and address misunderstandings. [11:48] - Brian introduces the third question about using metrics to judge the effectiveness of a product owner. [14:47] - Brian discusses handling retrospective issues involving upper management, and the value of transparent reporting. [16:42] - Brian explores scenarios about the cost of addressing an impediment and the importance of transparent decision-making by the organization. [17:22] - Brian suggests raising visibility in sprint reviews and seeking assistance from stakeholders or powerful individuals to address unresolved issues. [18:45] - Today's episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Certified Product Owner Course. This is a two-day training course taught by one of our Certified Scrum Trainers to teach you how to use the product backlog as a tool for project success. For more information, visit the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [24:39] - Brian explores the issue of low participation in retrospectives, and how to tailor approaches to different personality types for more active engagement. He highlights the work of Amy Edmondson, suggesting her research on psychological safety for deeper insights into team dynamics and participation. [26:15] - Lack of safety may be the Scrum Master's responsibility. [27:18] - Awareness of personality types is crucial for Scrum Masters. Brian advises varying retrospective formats to avoid monotony, including visual and written formats tailored to diverse preferences. [30:38] - Brian thanks listeners and invites them to share and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. [31:23] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We also have Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. [32:39] - Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. References and resources mentioned in the show: Global Scrum Gathering 2024 New Orleans Psychological Safety – Amy C. Edmondson Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work.

Join Brian and Scott Dunn as they journey into the heart of handling conflicts and challenges within small teams for effective teamwork in the latest episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Scott Dunn sits down with Brian to delve into handling conflicts and challenges within small teams. From the impact of hierarchies on team dynamics to the nuances of technical leadership, listen in as Brian and Scott tackle the intricacies of managing conflicts to navigate the delicate balance between individual excellence and fostering a collaborative team culture. Listen in as Listen Now to Discover: [01:54] - Today, Brian is sitting down with Scott Dunn to discuss the topic of handling conflicts and challenges in small teams, particularly regarding hierarchies and experience levels. [03:17] - Scott shares his experience with issues arising from unofficial authorities, highlighting challenges with project managers and leads. [04:03] - Scott talks about the transition to a democratic process and shares a humorous anecdote about a unique meeting disruption and the resolution. [07:27] - Brian discusses the challenge of individuals feeling a loss of authority in the shift to self-organization and emphasizes the need for communication to address their concerns. [08:27] - Brian categorizes leads into obstructive and unintentionally hindering types. [09:27] - Scott discusses the need for aligning expectations with Agile principles. [11:34] - Brian discusses the challenges faced by Scrum Masters and Agile coaches in identifying and addressing team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, and understanding to resolve misunderstandings. [12:07] - Scott shares an example of a scrum master effectively addressing a bottleneck issue with a lead. [13:13] - Brian highlights a leadership misunderstanding where senior individuals are consistently assigned challenging tasks and the unintended consequences of pigeonholing experts into specific roles. [14:35] - Scott shares experiences of individuals falling into roles they didn't initially choose, and the negative impact on job satisfaction. [15:32] - The importance of promoting teamwork, continuous learning, and adaptability over being the sole expert. [16:11] - Brian discusses the issue of knowledge silos and suggests a proactive approach within the team to mitigate risks and ensure knowledge sharing. [16:32] - The importance of managing resource fungibility and avoiding bottlenecks. [17:40] - Brian debunks the idea of job security for those deliberately hoarding knowledge and emphasizes the importance of staying marketable and adaptable. [18:52] - Scott highlights the consequences of being difficult to work with and shares the secret for long-term professional success. [20:00] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and their Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® course. Plus, automatic enrollment in Mike Cohn’s Agile Mentors Community, including twelve months of ongoing coaching and support. To learn more, check out the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [20:42] - How different roles, especially leads, should interact in a scrum team where equality is emphasized. [21:34] - The importance of a lead developer having a mindset focused on helping others succeed and empowering the team. [22:31] - Scott defines true technical leadership and the importance of empowering team members to scale workload and creating a culture of learning within the team. [23:59] - The impact of senior team members as "pollinators of learning." [24:56] - Brian defines a lead's role using sports analogies to illustrate leadership beyond individual excellence. [26:48] - Brian shares the ‘see one, do one, teach one model for successful leadership and teams. [27:57] - Leveling up expectations and helping and asking for help as a lead. [32:32] - Setting the example by what you do, not by what you say. [33:17] - The importance of leads in establishing culture. [34:53] - Brian shares a big thank you to Scott for joining him on the show. [35:29] - We invite you to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Do you have feedback or a great idea for an episode of the show? Great! Just send us an email. [36:10] - If you’d like to continue this discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community. You get a year of free membership into that site by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software, such as CSM or CSPO. We also have Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®, where we get right into the good stuff and have some deep discussions. We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. References and resources mentioned in the show: Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.  Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Scott Dunn is a Certified Enterprise Coach and Scrum Trainer with over 20 years of experience coaching and training companies like NASA, EMC/Dell Technologies, Yahoo!, Technicolor, and eBay to transition to an agile approach using Scrum.

Join Brian and Emilia Breton as they explore AI and its practical applications in Agile, from enhancing productivity to coaching. Don't miss their insights on AI tools shaping the future of Agile. Overview Today, Brian sits down with Emilia Breton to unravel the dynamic intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Agile. Brian and Emilia share their experiences and experiments with AI tools, revealing how they leverage these technologies to enhance productivity and decision-making and amplify human capabilities. Listen in to learn more about the evolving landscape where AI and Agile converge to shape the future of work. Listen Now to Discover: [01:25] - Brian welcomes Emilia Breton to the show to talk about the intersection of AI and Agile, focusing on using AI to enhance human connections. [03:04] - Emilia shares that it's about using AI to accentuate our humanity and create space for us to connect, observe, and inspire. [05:15] - Emilia discusses the questions about copyright for AI-produced content, such as code and why It's important to be able to trace where AI-derived information comes from. [06:02] - Brian reflects on the rapid evolution of mass-consumable AI and its transformative impact over the past year. [06:39] - Emilia underscores the importance of visibility in AI outputs, and the need to cross-verify AI-generated information with human expertise. [08:41] - Brian introduces the concept of hallucination in AI, emphasizing that AI can't think or reason, and it may generate false information to please users. [10:29] - The importance and irreplaceable qualities of human competence. [11:30] - How tools like Lucidspark can help with ideas during product brainstorms or retrospectives. Otter.ai and Spinach.io can automate tasks like taking meeting notes and updating Jira, saving time for more important work. [14:16] - Brian introduces Rewind.ai, a tool that records computer activities for later recall, explaining its potential benefits and privacy considerations. [16:10] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and today’s episode is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Certified ScrumMaster Class a two-day class covering the fundamental principles of scrum as well as detail about the different roles, meetings, and artifacts. For more information click on the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [17:01] - Emilia explores the use of AI to spark inspiration, and shares generative AI art programs DALL·E or Midjourney. [20:06] - Emilia discusses using Grammarly and AI as a partner in content creation, to iterate prompts to achieve the desired tone and style. [21:10] - Discussing Google's new multimodal Gemini models, which can translate speech, text, video, and images. [22:07] - NotebookLM is designed for researchers to organize and refer to research papers and articles. Brian shares his experience with this tool. [22:48] - The speakers discuss using AI for data analysis to interpret large datasets, capture notes, brainstorm ideas, and facilitate retrospectives to enhance Agile practices. [25:08] - Brian and Emilia discuss how AI can be a valuable tool in coaching and can assist in facilitating sessions. [28:08] - What lies ahead with AI? [29:24] - Brian sends a huge thank you to Emilia for being on the show. If you found this episode useful, please share this episode with others. We’d love your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. You can email us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. [30:09] - If this topic was impactful to you and you want to continue the discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community where we have a topic discussion for each podcast episode. You can get a free year-long membership in the community just by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software. References and resources mentioned in the show: Emilia Breton Lucidspark Otter.ai Spinach.io Rewind.ai  DALL·E Midjourney NotebookLM Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Emilia Breton is an Agile wizard with over two decades of experience, who effortlessly navigates the realms of startups and global corporations. Specializing in guiding both scrappy ventures and colossal entities, she brings innovative approaches to software development and team building. Emilia's commitment to injecting playfulness ensures a dynamic and creative touch to Agile practices, making her the go-to coach for those ready to elevate their software development game.

Ever wondered how visuals can transform your role as a product owner? Join Brian as he sits down with visual storyteller Stuart Young to unravel the power of visualization in product ownership. Join them on a journey to discover the art and science behind being a successful product owner. Overview Ever wondered how to elevate your product ownership game? In this episode, we delve into the world of visual storytelling with Stuart Young. Join Brian and Stuart as they discuss the diverse tools, such as story mapping and the product disposition canvas, that can bring your product visions to life. From storytelling techniques to the neurodiversity lens, we explore the art and science of communication that transcends traditional boundaries. Listen in to uncover the impactful ways visuals can shape your product strategy. Learn how being more visual can sharpen your skills, foster collaboration, and create a more inclusive and successful product development journey. Listen Now to Discover: [00:23] - Today welcomes Stuart Young, a Certified Scrum Trainer and visual storyteller to discuss storytelling through the product lens and more. [03:32] - Stuart discusses drawing large-scale pictures at conferences and recommends Visual Meetings and Visual Leaders by David Sibbit. [06:54] - Stuart emphasizes the impact of visual storytelling on individuals, highlighting the universal language and information retention through visuals. [08:46] - The benefits of visual representation in capturing the flow of ideas and aiding memory. [10:26] - The importance of varied methods for engaging different learning styles. [11:41] - Stuart discusses the value of visualization tools such as roadmaps, post-it notes, and story mapping to provide clarity and a clear narrative. [12:14] - The importance of blending Stuart references Pixar and Ed Catmull's book Creativity, Inc., discussing the importance of blending exciting elements, like storyboarding, in motivating teams and creating a compelling narrative. [15:13] - Stuart emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling, even if it doesn't always have a happy ending, he references TEDxHogeschoolUtrecht - Steve Denning - “Leadership Storytelling" for further inspiration. [15:25] - Brian recommends Simon Sinek's TED talk on "Start With Why" as an example of effective storytelling despite not being visually polished. [16:09] - Stuart praises Henrik Kniberg's impactful video on product ownership, acknowledging the simplicity of the drawings but highlighting the potency of storytelling. He recommends the Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rhodes for those interested in delving further into storytelling. [17:08] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and their Certified Scrum Training Classes. For more information, click on the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [18:38] - Stuart highlights the significance of visual elements in crafting compelling visions and underscores the value of utilizing available templates, from sources like the Gamestorming book. [20:06] - Stuart discusses the role of visualization in making the intangible tangible, particularly in the tech space. [21:50] - Brian emphasizes the imprecision of words. He also discusses the value of showing rather than just telling, especially in product requirements, to enhance understanding and avoid delays caused by miscommunications. [23:34] - Stuart reflects on how visual communication can enhance inclusivity. He shares, “For people with reading and writing difficulties, pictures and symbols are better. The worst, the most abstract form, of course, is the word.” [25:22] - The role of a visual storyteller as a "human cursor" connecting diverse conceptual thinkers. Stuart recounts an illustration experience, emphasizing the challenge of visualizing details without clear specifications and underscoring the mantra of "process over art" in product ownership. [28:06] - Stuart underscores the product owner's role in leveraging the unique skills of team members to converge on a shared understanding of what "good" looks like. [29:19] - Brian references the episode of the show they did on Navigating Neurodiversity and the importance of understanding and accommodating different communication styles within a team. He highlights the need for product owners to be aware of the preferences of their team members and adjust communication methods accordingly. [30:54] - Stuart introduces the product disposition canvas and shares a personal revelation. [32:54] - Brian acknowledges the potential superpowers that come with neurodiversity, sharing his own experience of a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and the benefits of leveraging the unique qualities each team member brings to a team. [33:36] - Stuart reflects on the importance of recognizing individual strengths and blind spots, emphasizing that everyone has a valuable contribution. [34:20] - Stuart encourages recognizing individual strengths for collective success. [35:23] - Listeners can connect with Stuart on LinkedIn and at Agile Nuggets | Agile Tips [37:38] - Please share this episode with others if you found it useful. Send feedback and suggestions for future episodes to podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. [38:21] - If this topic was impactful to you and you want to continue the discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community where we have a topic discussion for each podcast episode. You can get a free year-long membership in the community just by taking any class with Mountain Goat Software. References and resources mentioned in the show: Stuart Young on LinkedIn Agile Nuggets | Agile Tips | Cprime Learning Scrum in Under 10 Minutes #76: Navigating Neurodiversity for High-Performing Teams with Susan Fitzell David Sibbet Visual Meetings by David Sibbet Visual Leaders by David Sibbet Creativity, Inc. Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde TEDxHogeschoolUtrecht - Steve Denning - “Leadership Storytelling" Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action | TED Talk Agile Product Ownership in a Nutshell by Henrik Kniberg Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers, and Changemakers Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Stuart Young, a Certified Scrum Trainer and Visual Storyteller, merges Agile methodologies and design thinking to empower individuals and teams. As a thought leader, he champions Visual Storytelling for engaging stakeholders, addressing customer needs, and expediting learning. Through workshops, Stuart encourages teams to embrace visual methodologies to achieve business success.

Are you part of a struggling Agile team? Join Mike Cohn and Brian Milner in this episode as they uncover the primary signs of a team in distress. Listen in as they share the common causes of underperforming teams, and what to do to boost morale, enhance collaboration, and transform your Agile team from struggling to thriving! Overview What is the primary sign of a struggling Agile team? It's when the energy in the room feels like a deflated balloon, and laughter is a distant memory. In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Mike Cohn of Mountain Goat Software help listeners identify the signs of a struggling Agile team and the common culprits. Listen in as they unveil the key principles of cultivating a positive work environment and the vital importance of addressing CYA behavior. Plus, they share their top-notch tips on boosting team morale and enhancing collaboration, all while preventing unfinished projects and ensuring consistent delivery. Tune in to transform your Agile team from struggling to thriving! Listen Now to Discover: [01:23] - Brian welcomes back Mike Cohn to the show to discuss how to identify the signs that your team is struggling and what to do about it. [01:54] - Common causes of unfinished work. [04:45] - Do developers use Scrum as an excuse to be lazy? No—that’s rare but can be easily corrected. [07:36] - How to manage underperforming teams. [09:04] - Teams that lack excitement and laughter may be struggling. Work should be fun and enjoyable. How to create a positive work environment. [10:32] - How to break the habit of rolling unfinished work forward. [12:44] - The power of small wins to improve job satisfaction. [14:12] - How to boost morale and deliver small wins that create a sense of accomplishment. [14:30] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and their Certified Scrum Training Classes. Whether you want to be a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or even take an advanced certification, all courses are designed to give you the skills that agile teams and organizations value so you’ll stand out in the market. For more information click on the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [15:35] - What CYA is really telling you about your team. [16:59] - The role of managers in creating an environment of openness and collaboration [19:03] - How individualistic behavior—working in isolation, not collaborating—hinders teamwork. [21:08] - Introducing Swarming—a horrible way to work, you’ll get less done—but a great drill to help teams discover new ways to collaborate. [27:54] - Thank you to Mike Cohn for joining us on the show. [28:18] - Please share this episode with others if you found it useful. Send feedback and suggestions for future episodes to podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. [27:54] - If this topic was impactful to you and you want to continue the discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community, where we have a topic discussion for each podcast episode. References and resources mentioned in the show: #70: The Role of a Leader in Agile with Mike Cohn #39: The Art of Writing User Stories with Mike Cohn Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Mike Cohn, CEO of Mountain Goat Software, is a passionate advocate for agile methodologies. Co-founder of Agile Alliance and Scrum Alliance, he thrives on helping companies succeed with Agile and witnessing its transformative impact on individuals' careers. Mike resides in Northern Idaho with his family, two Havanese dogs, and an impressive hot sauce collection.

Join Brian and his guest Lance Dacy as they dive into the trends and challenges awaiting the Agile community in 2024 and the importance of adapting Agile principles to the hyper-competitive world of product development. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Lance Dacy to take a deep dive into the anticipated trends and challenges awaiting the Agile community in 2024. The duo explores the ongoing debate between remote and in-person work, the imperative need for innovation in leadership and management, and the intricacies of forward-thinking strategies as we work toward building organizations tailored for the future. Join Brian and Lance as they navigate the complex intersection of Agile principles, organizational leadership, and the ever-evolving landscape of the business world in 2024. Listen Now to Discover: [01:17] - Brian Milner has Lance Dacy on the show today for the traditional discussion of looking ahead at trends and upcoming developments in the Agile and Scrum space for 2024. [02:10] - Remote vs. in-person work—opening the discussion with this hot-button topic and the evolving debate. [03:31] - Lance offers his insights on organizations' adaptive strategies, what we learned during the pandemic, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of remote work. [05:58] - The loss of collaboration and learning when in a remote environment. [07:22] - The hybrid work solution. [07:36] - Brian shares a study favoring in-office productivity. [09:50] - Lance shares his personal work-at-home challenges and the importance of aligning work environments with individual personalities and preferences. [11:32] - The importance of accommodating individual preferences and working styles, and the need for organizations to match their environments to employees rather than requiring employees to adapt. [12:58] - The challenges faced by managers and leaders in making decisions about remote work, and the importance of flexibility in work hours. [15:20] - Brian raises concern about layoffs in the Agile area during tough economic times, questioning if it's the right strategy for long-term success. [16:23] - Lance emphasizes the need for understanding Agile rather than blindly applying it, suggesting the Agile industry may be bloated and encouraging a focus on culture and effective coaching. [17:23] - Mountain Goat Software, is the sponsor for this podcast. Whether you’re looking to get Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) training or want to take an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (ACSM) class, click here to see what we have to offer. [19:33] - Leadership and management innovation—Brian and Lance discuss the need for organizations to prioritize human-centric management AND leadership innovation, citing Gary Hamel's concept of building organizations fit for the future. [23:25] - Lance discusses the devaluation of the human element in organizations. [24:31] - Brian and Lance share their insight into the devaluation of developers, and the need for discussion on the trajectory of Agile in the face of such challenges. [25:55] - Lance highlights the need to educate leaders and managers on the criticality of Agile budgeting alongside project management to align expectations. [27:40] - Lance addresses the challenge in achieving true Agility, and why coaches offer such a long-term ROI. [28:10] - The importance of educating leaders on the value of coaching, psychological safety, and the need for a neutral perspective in fostering organizational improvement. [29:15] - Brian predicts a continued emphasis on cost-cutting in 2024 due to economic uncertainty. [29:57] - Brian expresses his concern about the long-term negative impact of eliminating coaching roles. [31:34] - Lance anticipates a cultural shift that might make it difficult for companies to attract talent if they don’t embrace more human-focused values that empower individuals. [32:59] - Lance urges Agile coaches to adapt to a changing paradigm and discusses the challenge for leaders and managers to shed bureaucratic structures and implement an effective strategy for embracing these principles. [34:17] - Brian urges a reevaluation of Agile's focus, emphasizing transparency and adaptability over rigid structures and roles. [34:48] - Brian stresses Agile's strength in handling unexpected challenges and calls on Agilists to emphasize the fundamental principles to demonstrate Agile's value effectively. [35:40] - The need for new thought leaders in leadership, management, and organizational design to guide Agile practitioners in effectively leveraging data and scaling Agile practices. [36:30] - The importance of evolving beyond rigid practices to embrace Agile's adaptability. Lance uses the analogy of professional sports to illustrate the importance of adaptability, discipline, and rigor in responding to dynamic situations. [38:03] - Not doom and gloom but a chance for growth and adaptation—Brian expresses optimism and excitement for the upcoming year, seeing it as an opportunity for renewed focus and bringing value to organizations in the evolving world of product development. [40:20] - Brian extends his thanks to Lance Dacy for being on the show. And don’t forget to share your thoughts and ideas on upcoming trends in the Agile Mentors Community. [41:09] - Please send feedback and ideas for upcoming shows to podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. And don’t forget to share and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. [41:14] - Happy New Year to everyone, Brian expresses excitement for the journey ahead in 2024, meeting more listeners at in-person events, and sharing more insights on future episodes of the Agile Mentors Podcast. References and resources mentioned in the show: #63: The Interplay Between Data Science and Agile with Lance Dacy #30: How to Get the Best Out of the New Year with Lance Dacy #76: Navigating Neurodiversity for High-Performing Teams with Susan Fitzell Humanocracy Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® #4: The Developer Role in Scrum with Sherman Gomberg DFW Scrum (Dallas, TX) | Meetup Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.  Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Lance Dacy is a Certified Scrum Trainer®, Certified Scrum Professional®, Certified ScrumMaster®, and Certified Scrum Product Owner®. Lance brings a great personality and servant's heart to his workshops. He loves seeing people walk away with tangible and practical things they can do with their teams straight away.

Embark on a captivating journey through the Agile Mentors Podcast in 2023 with Brian Milner. Explore a spectrum of Agile topics, from Scrum Master challenges to leadership insights. Join Brian for insightful summaries, memorable moments, and a walk through the rich tapestry of Agile wisdom on the show. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian embarks on a retrospective journey through the standout moments of the podcast in 2023. Explore carefully curated episodes, offering solutions to the common challenges and then delving into the world of Agile beyond software development. Listen in as Brian shares insightful summaries featuring memorable moments and a diverse landscape of Agile wisdom shared by his esteemed guests. Categorized into topics like Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Developers, Agile’s use beyond software, general career advice, and leadership and coaching, this retrospective is a treasure trove of practical advice, actionable insights, and real-world experiences. Tune in for an inspiring tour through the rich tapestry of the Agile Mentors Podcast 2023 episodes. Listen Now to Discover: [01:16] - Brian introduces the episode and invites listeners to join him in a retrospective of the year's episodes, highlighting ones that may have been missed or are hidden gems worth revisiting, which he will group by listener preferences and areas of interest. [02:39] - For Scrum Masters: Brian begins discussing the first episodes tailored for Scrum Masters, kicking things off with #47, "Exploring Lean Thinking and Agile Development," featuring guest Bob Payne, who shares insights into lean thinking, a foundational principle in agile development. Brian recommends this episode for Scrum Masters aiming to enhance their understanding of Agile's fundamentals. [03:34] - Episode #52, "The Birth of Agile: How 17 Adventurous Techies Changed the World," features Agile icon Mr. Jim Highsmith, one of the authors of the Agile Manifesto. Jim provides a glimpse into the past and offers insights into the future of Agile. [04:06] - Episode #59, "Revising the Scrum Guide," features Don McGreal, who played a key role in the guide's revision, shedding light on the thinking behind the revisions. [05:31] - In Episode #62, "Effective Sprint Goals," Maarten Dalmijn delves into effective crafting techniques and the finer details of achieving success with Sprint Goals. [06:12] - In Episode #69, "Should Scrum Masters Be Technical with Allison Pollard," Allison and Brian explore the question of whether Scrum Masters should possess technical skills. If you grapple with how technical a Scrum Master should be, this episode provides valuable insights and perspectives. [06:51] - In Episode #39, Mike Cohn, an authority on user stories, shares valuable insights into the art of crafting effective user stories. [07:15] - In Episode #65 with Randy Hale titled "Unlocking Lean Portfolio Management," Brian and Randy explore the concept of moving beyond a single-team focus as a product owner, delving into the realm of lean portfolio management building upon insights shared by Bob in episode #47. [07:50] - For Product Owners: Must listen bonus from last year, Episode #22, with Roman Pichler, who shares his insights on "How to Create Helpful Product Roadmaps," addressing challenges commonly faced by product owners in dealing with the nuanced aspects of their role. The episode covers strategies to avoid pitfalls, especially the dangers of rigidly locking into scope and schedule timelines. [08:54] - For Developers: Episode #33, "Mob Programming with Woody Zuill," introduces developers to the transformative practice of mob programming. Woody Zuill, a pioneer in this way of working, shares insights and a practical and thoughtful approach that makes it worth exploring. [10:00] - In Episode #48, Brian hosts a unique episode featuring the renowned Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory, experts in Agile testing, in a show called "Holistic Agile Testing." This episode is particularly recommended for developers specializing in testing or involved in testing within a Scrum team. [11:00] - In Episode #54, "Unlocking Agile's Power in the World of Data Science," Brian and Lance Dacy explore the intersection of Agile methodologies and data science. The popularity of this episode prompted a sequel, Episode #63, on the fusion of Agile and data science. [11:58] - In the final developer-focused episode, Carlos Nunez joins Brian to delve into the world of DevOps. Carlos, a speaker at Agile 2023, shares insights on the significance of DevOps in today's Agile landscape, emphasizing DevOps as a means of empowerment rather than gatekeeping. [12:38] - Agile Outside of Software: Episode #32 with Cort Sharp focuses on Scrum in High School Sports—specifically high school swimming. Cort shares his experience applying Scrum principles to create practice schedules and routines for the swim team he coaches, providing valuable insights for those interested in using Agile beyond the software realm. [13:24] - In #38: "Using Agile for Social and Societal Transformation with Kubair Shirazee," Kubair walks listeners through how his nonprofit employs Agile methodologies to empower micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries. The episode highlights success stories, such as a barber's journey from a rented spot to owning a professional store, demonstrating Agile's transformative impact beyond the tech industry. [14:40] - Episode #45 with Scott Dunn explores "Overcoming Agile Challenges in Regulatory Environments." This crucial topic addresses the unique challenges faced in tightly regulated sectors like government, legal, and medical professions, offering a compelling dialogue on navigating regulatory hurdles within an agile framework. [16:00] - Episode #64 features John Grant discussing "How Agile Methodologies Reshape Legal Practices." This episode reveals the transformative impact of Agile in the legal profession and offers a unique perspective on Agile as a philosophy rather than just a practice, illustrating its broader applicability beyond the software realm. [17:00] - Today's episode is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course. This is a two-day training course taught by one of our certified Scrum trainers that teaches you how to use the product backlog as a tool for project success and how to respond to changes in business conditions by restructuring the product backlog. For the schedule, visit the Mountain Goat Training Schedule. [17:27] - General Career Advice: #34: "I'm Trained, Now What? with Julie Chickering" addresses the post-training phase for Scrum Masters and Product Owners. Julie shares insights on taking the next steps, implementing knowledge, and finding opportunities to build a resume in Agile roles. [18:29] - In #40: "Is it Time to Go Out on Your Own? Tips and Insights with Chris Li" Brian and Chris Li discuss considerations for those at later stages of their careers contemplating the transition to independent consulting. If you're pondering whether it's time to establish your consultancy, this episode provides valuable insights and considerations to guide your decision-making process. [19:00] - In #42: "The Importance of Self-Mastery with Bob Galen," Bob emphasizes the value of constant learning, even after years of experience, highlighting the importance of staying open to new discoveries and others' experiences. This episode serves as a compelling guide for personal growth and continuous improvement. [20:28] - Episode #46 with Christina Ambers: In this episode, Christina shares insights on "How to Assess Company Culture Before Accepting a Job Offer." As the year closes and people consider new job opportunities, Christina guides listeners through the crucial step of evaluating company culture and the importance of understanding if a company truly embraces Agile values or merely pays lip service to them. [21:14] - Episode #50 celebrated the milestone of the 50th episode. Lance Dacy was on the show to discuss "Choosing Your Path: Exploring the Roles of Scrum Master and Product Owner." The episode offers guidance for individuals at crossroads, helping them decide between Scrum Master and Product Owner roles. It serves as a valuable resource for those navigating career decisions in the Agile landscape. [22:13] - Leadership and Coaching: In the Leadership and Coaching category, Episode #37 features Brad Swanson discussing "Servant Leadership, Not Spineless Leadership." Brad dispels misconceptions and offers valuable insights into the essence of servant leadership, making it a compelling resource for those interested in effective leadership approaches. [23:28] - In Episode 41, Karim Harbott explores "Cultural Transformations in Organizations." The episode delves into the challenges of changing organizational culture, emphasizing the time and effort required beyond implementing specific practices. [24:00] - In "#44: Transformations Take People with Anu Smalley", Anu highlights the often-overlooked aspect of involving people in organizational transformations, shedding light on the human dynamics that can either support or hinder the process. [24:35] - In Episode #53, "Debunking Myths in Agile Coaching with Lucy O'Keefe," we tackle the common myths surrounding Agile coaching and provide insights on unlocking excellence in Agile coaching practices. [25:01] - Episode #66 is a solo episode where Brian shares his insights into navigating team conflicts, laying the foundation for understanding and mastering the essential skill of conflict navigation. [26:00] - In Episode #68, Brian hosts Mike Hall for a discussion of "The Pros and Cons and Real-World Applications of SAFe." Whether you're new to SAFe or deeply involved, Mike's expertise provides valuable perspectives and tips for navigating this framework. [26:42] - In Episode #70, Mike Cohn joins Brian to explore "The Role of a Leader in Agile." Here, Mike shares valuab

In this episode, Brian Milner and Lucy O'Keefe share their journeys to becoming Certified Scrum Trainers® (CSTs). Join them as they discuss the challenges, unexpected moments, and valuable lessons learned along the way, offering insights for those considering the CST path. Overview Explore the transformative journey to becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST) with Brian Milner and Lucy O'Keefe. From the submission process to mentorship, co-training, and the rigorous Trainer Approval Committee (TAC) interviews, they unravel the intricacies of achieving CST status. Listen in for valuable tips, reflections, and inspiration for navigating the rewarding but challenging road to becoming an elite Agile trainer. Listen Now to Discover: [01:26] - Brian introduces his guest, Lucy O'Keefe, who recently achieved her Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST). [02:53] - Today’s discussion will explore the experience of becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer® with Brian and Lucy sharing their personal experiences and insights into the process of becoming a CST. [03:44] - Lucy shares what fueled her passion for becoming a CST and how her mentor—Anu Smalley—inspired her. [05:00] - Brian discusses his decision-making process for becoming a CST and why it's important to make a decision that aligns with your instincts and career goals. [06:07] - Brian and Lucy each share their journey to becoming a CST and the steps required before being eligible to pursue the trainer certification. [08:24] - Insight into the two phases of the submission process for becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer®: the materials phase and the Trainer Approval Committee (TAC) phase and the challenges along the way. [09:38] - Brian reflects on the significance of mentorship in the journey to becoming a CST and David Hawks's crucial role in opening doors and making connections with other trainers. [09:48] - Lucy acknowledges Anu's pivotal role and emphasizes the importance of these relationships, (especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic. [12:00] - Lucy and Brian discuss the relationship-building phase involved in co-training and mentorship. [13:22] - Lucy explains the (time-intensive) nature of co-training. [14:26] - Brian shares his approach to initiating co-trainings. [15:11] - The importance of feedback and obtaining recommendation letters—a crucial element in the submission process. [16:28] - Brian and Lucy discuss the impact of mentorship on their journey, expressing gratitude for the individuals who opened doors and provided mentorship. Brian mentions David Hawks, Kert Peterson, and Lance Dacy, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and valuable insights gained from them. [17:20] - Lucy shares about the recent special episode of her podcast where she featured her mentors. [17:55] - The value of in-person training (and some of the expenses involved). [20:09] - The challenges of training in a virtual environment. [22:18] - The limitations of virtual classes and the added value of personal interactions and shared experiences during breaks. [23:38] -The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and their Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® class. This is the only ACSPO that uses our interactive software so that breakout exercises are valuable and FUN! Plus, you will automatically receive 12 free months in the Agile Mentors Community. For more information, click on the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [25:17] - The lengthy process of submitting materials for Certified Scrum Trainer® approval. Brian shares his personal experience. [25:35] - Lucy explains the current two-phase process for CST approval and her experience (highlighting the changes since Brian's initial submission). [26:33] - The rigorous examination process and the scrutiny applied to every aspect of the application during the fine-tooth comb review during the TAC phase of becoming a CST. [27:00] - Lucy describes the final stages of the approval process. [27:19] - Brian reflects on the changes in the CST qualification process and emphasizes the importance of following the TAC's feedback for those who reach this stage. (Advice from Chris Li) [28:49] - Resilience and persistence in the face of potential setbacks during the CST approval process. [30:42] - An in-depth explanation of the challenging TAC (Trainer Approval Community) interview process for becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer®. [32:23] - Brian shares his personal preparation strategies and reflects on the unpredictability of TAC interviews, recounting an unexpected request during his own experience. [33:32] - Lucy shares her preparation methods and also stresses the unpredictability of TAC interviews and the importance of adaptability during the process. [34:29] - Be prepared to think on your feet. Brian shares the emergency situation he faced and a mistake during his live presentation. Plus the surprising comments he received from the committee. [37:27] - Lucy shares her unexpected experience after the committee's vote. And a valuable piece of advice for listeners. [38:33] - Embarking on the CST journey involves challenges and moments of doubt, but perseverance is crucial, as success may require multiple attempts—not everyone passes on the first try. [39:43] - Becoming a CST is a subjective process and often involves multiple attempts—it doesn’t diminish your capabilities as a trainer. Brian shares the crucial aspects of the journey. [40:13] - Lucy shares why it's important not to take rejection personally, instead viewing it as a chance to identify areas for growth and become a better trainer in the end. [41:23] - Brian emphasizes the importance of viewing the CST process as a journey—being prepared for potential setbacks, highlighting the mindset of growth and continuous learning. [42:30] - Lucy adds that the rigorous Certified Scrum Trainer® requirements aim to ensure that CSTs are among the elite trainers, making the achievement more meaningful. [43:38] - The importance of embracing each chance to enhance oneself as an Agilist and a trainer. [44:09] - Brian's words of wisdom: "Hard things that are hard to do, that just makes it all the better when you achieve them.” [44:45] - Lucy’s advice: “It's not just becoming a CST. It's what you learn on your journey that really matters." [45:25] - Congratulations to Lucy for getting her CST! Brian extends his thanks to her for being on the show. For listeners interested in continuing the discussion, you can join the conversation in the Agile Mentors Community, where they also have monthly Q&A calls. [46:58] - If you found this episode useful, please share it. Send feedback and suggestions for future episodes to podcast@mountaingoodsoftware.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. References and resources mentioned in the show: #53: Agile Coaching: Debunking Myths and Unlocking Excellence with Lucy O'Keefe #44: Transformations Take People with Anu Smalley #17: Getting There From Here: Agile Transformations with David Hawks #12: Kanban with Kert Peterson #54: Unlocking Agile's Power in the World of Data Science with Lance Dacy #40: Is it Time to Go Out on Your Own? Tips and Insights with Chris Li Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.  Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.   Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Lucy O'Keefe has over 28 years of IT experience and has worn multiple hats in the Agile world - developer, Product Owner, Scrum Master, and now, Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST) where she uses her experience to ensure each student has a great training experience.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Susan Fitzell to unravel the realm of neurodiversity in the workplace. Join them as they explore the intricacies of accommodating neurodivergent individuals, discussing the challenges they face and the strategies to foster an inclusive environment for everyone on your team. Overview Today, join host Brian Milner in an insightful conversation with Susan Fitzell as they explore the intricate world of neurodiversity within Agile environments. Listen in to gain valuable insights into the challenges neurodivergent individuals encounter and discover effective strategies, from reevaluating dress codes to adapting communication methods, to foster an inclusive workspace. Susan provides practical tips that offer a fresh perspective on accommodating diverse work and communication styles, empowering teams to collaborate successfully. Tune in to revolutionize your leadership approach by embracing the unique strengths neurodivergent team members bring, and create an environment where every individual can thrive. Listen Now to Discover: [00:00] - Brian introduces guest Susan Fitzell, a certified speaking professional, and author to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace. [03:24] - Susan explains the evolving neurodiversity language, now encompassing diverse brain wiring, including conditions like ADHD and autism, and discusses terminology challenges. [08:22] - Brian shares his own personal connection to ADHD and a story about his daughter’s autism and her triumphs. [10:40] - The challenges of diagnosing autism in females and how the criteria are based on male presentations. [15:16] - The importance of neurodiversity for Scrum Masters and leaders, and the challenges of recognizing neurodivergence, especially in females adept at masking. [19:19] - The need for flexibility in understanding neurodivergent team members, the impact of past negative experiences, and the importance of soft skills for a collaborative Agile team. [21:33] - Susan addresses the high unemployment rate (80%) among neurodivergent adults, especially autistic individuals, and highlights challenges in interviewing. [24:22] -The importance of recognizing and leveraging the unique skills of neurodivergent individuals on Agile teams, and acknowledging their specialized contributions. [25:41] - Brian shares a study that indicates young autistic individuals choose computer science degrees at three times the general public's rate, emphasizing the likelihood of having neurodivergent individuals on your teams. [26:04] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software and their Certified Scrum Master Training Class. Despite the name, it's not just for Scrum Masters, it's designed for anyone who wants to understand Scrum and add value to any team. For more information click on the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule. [27:41] - Susan addresses accommodations in the workplace for neurodivergent individuals. [28:10] - Brian and Susan discuss specific aspects scrum masters should consider for accommodating neurodivergent individuals within team environments. [31:30] - Susan shares insights on sensory sensitivities and the challenges of conforming to things like dress codes for neurodivergent individuals. [34:16] - The significance of recognizing and accommodating sensory preferences for better productivity. [35:27] - The positive impact of remote work on neurodivergent individuals, allowing them to create a comfortable work environment tailored to their needs. [37:35] - Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding team members as individuals to recognize and embrace the diversity of strengths and challenges in their teams. [40:19] - Supporting neurodivergent team members through workspace recommendations, emotional check-ins, and communication preferences. [41:04] - Brian mentions Susan’s Neurodiversity in the Workplace and "The Autism at Work Playbook" as valuable resources. [43:36] - Brian thanks Susan for her insights. You can connect with Susan and there are more resources at her website at https://susanfitzell.com/, or by sending her an email. [44:19] - If this topic was impactful to you and you want to continue the discussion, join the Agile Mentors Community where we have a topic discussion for each podcast episode. [45:18] - Please share this episode with others if you found it useful. Send feedback and suggestions for future episodes to podcast@mountaingoodsoftware.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. References and resources mentioned in the show: Susan Fitzell Neurodiversity in the Workplace "Autism at Work Playbook" Autism in Heels Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner Training Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP, is a renowned neurodiversity speaker, coach, and consultant with over 30 years of experience. Specializing in training neurodivergent thinkers, including those with dyslexia, autism, ADD, and ADHD, Susan is a trusted expert and author of 16 books. With a holistic approach and dedication to creating competitive learning cultures, she collaborates with organizations globally to maximize the potential of neurodivergent individuals.