Agile and Project Management - DrunkenPM Radio

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Jim Benson discuss the challenges of remote work, the impact of collaboration tools on productivity, and the importance of creating humane workspaces. They explore the dynamics of meetings, the toxicity of over-communication, and the need for regular maintenance in team processes. Jim shares insights from his course on cleaning toxic waste in workplaces, emphasizing the significance of visual management and effective communication to foster a healthier work environment. Takeaways • Work should be done without fear or trepidation. • Remote work requires understanding information needs within teams. • Meetings often become unproductive due to over-communication. • Context switching can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. • Creating humane workspaces is essential for team dynamics. • Regular maintenance of team processes prevents issues from escalating. • Collaboration tools need to be used intentionally and effectively. • Visual management can help reduce workplace toxicity. • Toxic systems lead to hiring toxic leaders. • Addressing workplace toxicity is a collective responsibility. Chapters 02:11 Introduction to Jim Benson and Work Dynamics 05:09 The Challenges of Remote Work and Collaboration Tools 08:07 Meeting Overload and Productivity Killers 11:14 Communication Tools and Their Inefficiencies 14:11 The Impact of Context Switching on Work 17:07 Creating Humane Workspaces 20:10 The Role of Tools in Team Collaboration 23:08 Cleaning Toxic Waste in Work Environments 26:15 Conclusion and Course Information Links from the episode Cleaning Toxic Waste Course: https://modusinstitute.com/course/toxic-waste Modus Institute: https://modusinstitute.com/ The Collaboration Equation: https://www.collaboration-equation.com/ The Agile Network December Micro Conference (Dec 16-17): https://theagilenetwork.com Contacting Jim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbenson/ Email: jim@moduscooperandi.com

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Galen Lowe explore the complexities of digital project management, emphasizing the importance of understanding digital projects, the role of project managers in decision-making, and the necessity of integrity in client relationships. They discuss the evolution of project management, the significance of building trust, and the challenges of navigating stakeholder expectations. The conversation highlights the need for project managers to learn from their experiences and adapt to the changing landscape of the profession, ultimately advocating for a supportive and humane work environment. This podcast was originally recorded in video. If you'd like to check out that version you can find it here: https://youtu.be/T6l6xRsT76A Takeaways - Digital projects involve a combination of people, pixels, and code. - Learning should not solely come from the school of hard knocks. - Project managers must facilitate decision-making processes. - Understanding choices is a key responsibility of project managers. - Decisions must be made, even when there are no good options. - Earning the right to ask questions is crucial in stakeholder management. Integrity is essential in maintaining client relationships. - Project management is evolving to focus on career health and continuous learning. - Building trust is fundamental to successful project management. - The messiness of projects is part of the journey towards success. Chapters 01:52 Introduction to Digital Project Management 07:55 The Role of Project Managers in Decision Making 13:56 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics 22:24 Navigating Client Expectations and Project Integrity 28:39 Evolving Perspectives on Work and Loyalty 34:49 Forward Momentum in Problem Solving 41:39 Embracing the Messiness of Project Management Check out Galen's original post on LinkedIn https://tinyurl.com/3br78w6d Contacting Galen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galen-low-digital-transformation-advisor/ Digital Project Manager: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com Podcast: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/digital-project-manager-podcast/ Agile for Project Managers Show My new podcast/show is available on The Agile Network along with a wide range of brand new content we share every week from our 80+ experts from all corners of the Agile space. Link: https://theagilenetwork.com/ You can use the promo code DRUNKENPM12C202 to get a 20% discount of any of our membership options.

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Kate Kaiser discuss the challenges faced by non-technical project managers, particularly in overcoming fear and embracing difficult conversations. Kate shares her experiences in project management, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, communication, and building trust with clients. They explore strategies for managing energy and maintaining transparency in client relationships, ultimately highlighting the significance of creating positive experiences in every interaction. Takeaways - Embracing fear can lead to better outcomes. - Self-awareness is crucial in managing stress and energy. - Being shameless helps in uncomfortable conversations. - Asking questions is essential for clarity and understanding. - Trust and honesty build strong client relationships. - Every interaction should be a positive experience. - Fear is a common experience; it's okay to feel it. - Having a plan B can ease communication challenges. - Project managers don't need to know everything; leverage your team. - Building relationships is more important than the project itself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kate Kaiser and Her Background 03:21 Embracing Fear in Project Management 06:16 Navigating Non-Technical Challenges 09:17 Self-Awareness and Energy Management 12:09 Honesty and Transparency in Client Relationships 15:19 Building Trust and Positive Experiences 18:26 Closing Thoughts and Conference Preview To learn more about the 2024 Digital PM Summit - https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024 Contacting Kay - Plank: https://plank.co/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-keizer/

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Val Hinze discuss the evolution of project management roles, the importance of creating a supportive PMO structure, and the significance of servant leadership in fostering a healthy work environment. Val shares insights on how Mighty Citizen has redefined project management to focus on career growth, client relationships, and sustainable practices. The discussion also touches on the upcoming Digital PM Summit and Val's talk about the journey of project management within her organization. If you'd prefer to watch the video version of this podcast you can find that here: https://tinyurl.com/3nwsmyud Takeaways • Creating a structure for project manager success is essential. • Support from leadership is crucial for project managers. • Client happiness is a key measure of project success. • Fostering growth and safety for project managers is rare but necessary. • Innovating together as a team leads to better outcomes. • Building sustainable client relationships is a new approach. • Continuous improvement should be a focus in project management. • Val's journey reflects the evolution of project management roles. • The PMO can be a supportive entity rather than a hindrance. • Val's superpower lies in her ability to adapt and innovate. Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Project Management and Personal Journey 03:09 Creating a Supportive PMO Structure 06:09 The Importance of Career Trajectory in Project Management 09:06 Fostering a Healthy Work Environment 12:07 Defining Success in Project Management 15:10 Performance Reviews and Growth Opportunities 18:11 Val's Talk at the Digital PM Summit 21:08 Val's Superpower and the Future of PMOs 2024 DIGITAL PM SUMMIT LINKS Digital PM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024 Val's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/val-hinze-dpm-summit-2024 Dave's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/dave-prior-dpm-summit-2024 CONTACTING VAL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valhinze/ Val at Mighty Citizen: https://www.mightycitizen.com/team/valerie-hinze Mighty Citizen: https://www.mightycitizen.com/

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Sara Doubleday discuss the complexities of managing change within creative teams, the integration of AI in creative processes, and the importance of maintaining human connections in a remote work environment. Sara shares her experiences with team mergers, the challenges of efficiency versus human connection, and the need for a supportive agency culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. The discussion highlights the nuances of change management and the significance of treating team members as individuals rather than mere processes. If you'd prefer to watch the video version of this podcast, you can find it here: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/77403/leading-creative-teams-through-change-with-sara-doubleday Takeaways • The role of a creative lead involves clearing blockers for the team. • AI is a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. • Change management requires grace and understanding of individual differences. • Team dynamics are crucial for successful project execution. • Building connections in remote teams takes intentional effort. • Efficiency should not come at the cost of human connection. • Successful change is a complex, non-linear process. • Agency culture can significantly impact team morale and productivity. • Recognizing the value of individual contributions is essential. • Continuous learning from past experiences is vital for growth. Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Chaos and Collaboration 03:32 Navigating Change in Creative Teams 06:13 The Role of AI in Creative Processes 13:01 Building and Rebuilding Teams 16:04 Misconceptions About Change Management 19:49 Reflections on Change and Team Dynamics Digital Pm Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024 Sara's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/sara-doubleday-dpm-summit-2024 Dave's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/dave-prior-dpm-summit-2024 Contacting Sara: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-doubleday/ Web: https://www.saradoubleday.com Seer Interactive: https://www.seerinteractive.com

Summary In this episode, Jimi Fosdick joins Dave for a conversation about his journey from traditional project management to agile. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional project management to software development, the importance of understanding the context and problem domain when choosing project management approaches, and the misuse of the term 'agile' in the consulting industry. They also touch on the legacy of Frederick Taylor and the need for a people-centered approach in project management. The conversation explores the challenges of traditional project management and the need for a more empirical and agile approach. They discuss the problems with big upfront planning, the importance of shorter cycle times, and the fear of failure. The conversation also touches on the need for more humane workspaces and the changing nature of work. The principal themes include the limitations of traditional project management, the benefits of an empirical approach, and the evolving workforce and work environment. Takeaways • Traditional project management is effective for problems that can be solved on paper upfront, but may not work well for software development. • Agile approaches, such as Scrum, are better suited for software development and other complex, empirical problems. • The term 'agile' has become an overloaded and misused brand in the consulting industry. • Hybrid approaches that combine traditional project management and agile practices can be problematic and may not fully embrace the values and principles of agile. • A people-centered approach is essential in project management, and the focus should be on collaboration, respect, and solving the right problems. Traditional project management relies on upfront planning, which can lead to longer cycle times and higher failure rates. • An empirical approach, such as Agile, allows for shorter cycle times and the ability to adapt and change as needed. • The fear of failure often hinders organizations from embracing more agile and iterative approaches. • There is a growing emphasis on creating more humane workspaces and allowing for more flexibility and creativity in the workplace. • The nature of work is changing, and organizations need to adapt to the expectations and needs of the new generation of workers. Chapters 02:20 Introduction and Background 05:52 The Challenges of Traditional Project Management in Software Development 08:33 Differentiating Scrum from Traditional Project Management 12:13 The Misuse of the Term 'Agile' 14:38 The Problem with Hybrid Approaches 22:17 Legacy Code in Our Heads: Shifting the Project Management Paradigm 26:21 The Benefits of an Empirical Approach 28:46 Overcoming the Fear of Failure 33:18 Creating More Humane Workspaces 39:03 The Changing Nature of Work Contacting Jimi - Web: https://fearlessagility.com/ - X: https://x.com/FearlessAgility - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FearlessAgility/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realFearlessAgility/ - Courses on the Scrum Alliance site: https://tinyurl.com/yjc2rtmf Links from Dave's Intro - The Art of War for Collaboration Course http://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration - Guided Personal Kanban (September 2024) http://modusinstitute.com/course/guided-pk-sep-usa The Agile Network* https://go.theagilenetwork.com/l/web-dprior Use the discount codes below to get either 20% or 2 months of free access 2 Free Months - DRUNKENPM10CM 20% off Annual - DRUNKENPM10C20 Contacting Dave Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Richard Chang discuss the challenges that product owners face when they don't receive the support and direction they need from their leadership. They explore strategies for product owners to navigate these situations, including having open and honest conversations with leadership, running experiments to validate assumptions, and finding mentors or support networks. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the needs and perspectives of stakeholders and users, and the need for product owners to manage their space and hold their ground, even in the face of power dynamics. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and continuous learning in the role of a product owner. Takeaways * Product owners often struggle when they don't receive the support and direction they need from their leadership. * Having open and honest conversations with leadership can help product owners gain clarity and alignment on product strategy and goals. * Running experiments and validating assumptions can help product owners make informed decisions and mitigate risks. * Finding mentors or support networks can provide guidance and help product owners navigate challenging situations. * Understanding the needs and perspectives of stakeholders and users is crucial for product owners to make effective decisions. * Effective communication, collaboration, and continuous learning are key skills for product owners to succeed in their role. Chapters 04:55 Introduction and Background 07:12 Challenges of Product Ownership 11:49 Taking Initiative and Creating Strategic Direction 17:39 Validating Assumptions and Removing Bias 27:56 Coping Strategies and Social Engineering 31:01 Conclusion and Plug for Richard's Classes Contacting Richard Web: www.agilityprimesolutions.com Email: richard.cheng@agilityprimesolutions.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardcheng/ Twitter: twitter.com/richardkcheng Contacting Dave Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/ Links from Dave's Intro The Agile Network* https://theagilenetwork.com/ *If you’d like a discount on an annual membership or want to try a month for free, send an email to dave@theageilnetwork.com and let me know. Agile 2024 Interviews: https://drunkenpm.blogspot.com/2024/07/agile-2024-all-interviews.html The Art of War for Collaboration Course https://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration Guided Personal Kanban (September 2024) https://modusinstitute.com/course/guided-pk-sep-usa Public Scrum Training CSM/CSPO/A-CSPO https://www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events/search?tr=14153&cnty=US

Summary In this conversation, Si Alhir discusses the concepts of agility, resilience, and anti-fragility and how they relate to navigating stress and achieving growth. He emphasizes the importance of embracing stress and using it as a tool for adaptation and evolution. Si also highlights the need for balance between order and disorder, and the dangers of too much of either. The conversation touches on examples such as vaccinations, exercise, and the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and organizations. Si Alhir discusses how ecosystem thinking and the concept of the edge play a role in increasing agility, resilience, and antifragility in organizations. He shares real-life examples of how organizations have leveraged these concepts to overcome challenges and achieve success. Si also introduces the Edge Collection, a set of instruments that help assess and cultivate agility, resilience, and antifragility at the individual, team, enterprise, and ecosystem levels. Takeaways - Agility, resilience, and anti-fragility are degrees on a spectrum, not absolute elements. - Stress is necessary for growth and building resilience, but it must be leveraged intelligently. - The key is to seek stress and disorder proactively, rather than reacting to it. - The in-between, or the edge, is where the magic happens and where organizations and individuals thrive. - Too much order or too much disorder can be debilitating, so balance is crucial. - The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for adaptability and the challenges of navigating extreme situations. Ecosystem thinking is a worldview that can be applied to organizations, teams, technical architectures, infrastructure, and society. - Increasing agility, resilience, and antifragility requires exploratory and discovery work to understand what factors contribute to these qualities and how to amplify them. - The edge is where agility, resilience, and antifragility intersect, and maintaining the tension between these three is crucial. - The Edge Collection is a set of instruments that assess and cultivate agility, resilience, and antifragility at different levels of an organization. - Ecosystem enterprises are those that thrive on the edge, balancing stability and adaptability to navigate complex environments. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Overview and Annoucements 03:08 Introduction and Origin Story 06:24 The Edge: Embracing Stress and Anti-Fragility 13:17 Agility, Resilience, and Anti-Fragility as Muscle Fibers 28:55 Navigating Extreme Situations: Lessons from COVID-19 30:50 Introduction to Ecosystem Thinking and the Edge 33:20 Understanding Ecosystems and Applying Ecosystem Thinking 35:45 The Five E's and Five C's of Ecosystem Thinking 42:26 Introducing the Edge Collection: Assessing and Cultivating Agility, Resilience, and Antifragility 46:24 The Edge: Where Agility, Resilience, and Antifragility Intersect 49:29 Cultivating Agility, Resilience, and Antifragility with the Edge Collection 52:13 Thriving on the Edge: Balancing Stability and Adaptability in Ecosystem Enterprises Links from the podcast Contacting Si Alhir Si’s books on Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/salhir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salhir/ The Art of War in the Wild https://tinyurl.com/3abab6pb The Edge Collection on Comparative Agility https://www.comparativeagility.com/capabilities/team-edge-assessment The Art of War for Collaboration https://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration Guided Personal Kanban Class with Dave Prior and Mark Kilby https://modusinstitute.com/course/guided-pk-sep-usa The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/ Use Promo Code DRUNKENPM8C20 to get 20% off Annual Membership or DRUNKENPM8CM to get 1 Month Free

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Colleen Johnson discuss the concept of cumulative flow diagrams (CFDs) and their practical application in Agile methodologies. They explore the significance of CFDs in understanding work in progress, cycle time, and throughput. Colleen provides insights into the interpretation of CFDs and the implications for team performance and workflow management. The conversation delves into Little's Law, airport analogies, and the visualization of CFDs to identify patterns and bottlenecks in the workflow. The conversation covers the use of Cumulative Flow Diagrams (CFDs) as a tool for visualizing work in progress and identifying workflow issues. It also delves into the concept of accelerating product value and the importance of learning quickly in product development. The discussion emphasizes the need for small bets and fast feedback to drive product improvement. Additionally, it highlights the challenges of defining and predicting value in product development. If you would like to watch the original video interview, you can find it here. https://tinyurl.com/55r86tah Takeaways - Understanding the practical application of cumulative flow diagrams (CFDs) in Agile methodologies - Interpreting CFDs to identify patterns an bottlenecks in the workflow - The significance of Little's Law and airport analogies in understanding CFDs - Visualizing CFDs to gain insights into work in progress, cycle time, and throughput - Implications of CFDs for team performance and workflow management CFDs provide a visual representation of work in progress and can be used to identify workflow issues. - Accelerating product value involves making small bets, learning quickly, and responding to feedback to drive product improvement. - Defining and predicting value in product development can be challenging, and the focus should be on shipping fast, learning quickly, and enabling rapid response to feedback. - The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding customer behavior and the need to pivot quickly based on feedback. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 03:16 Introduction to ProKanban 06:46 Understanding CFDs 09:37 Little's Law and Airport Analogies 04:14:24 Work in Progress and Work Item Age 16:53 Interpreting CFDs and Workflow Insights 27:46 Accelerating Product Value through Small Bets and Fast Feedback 40:48 Challenges of Defining and Predicting Value in Product Development Contacting Colleen ProKanban: https://www.prokanban.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colleen-johnson Email: colleen@scatterspoke.com Additional Links The Art of War for Collaboration: https://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration Agile Alliance LinkedIn: https://www.agilealliance.org

Summary In this conversation, Si Alhir and Dave discuss the Art of War, its application in transformation work, and the naturalness and unity found within its wisdom. They explore the concept of taking whole, the relationship with the environment, and the role of the Sage Commander. Si shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the transformative power of the Art of War. The conversation delves into the concept of enlightened leadership and the application of the principles from 'The Art of War' in organizational transformation. It explores the distinction between an enlightened ruler and a wise general, the importance of psychological safety, and the shift from a vicious ego-based reality control cycle to a virtuous eco-based reality navigation cycle. The conversation concludes with a powerful story of using the ordinary and the extraordinary to transform toxic organizational dynamics. Takeaways • The Art of War is a transformative wisdom that emphasizes naturalness and unity in its application. • The concept of taking whole and the relationship with the environment are key elements of the Art of War's wisdom. • The role of the Sage Commander involves patience, relaxation, and an understanding of the natural flow of time and energy. • Leadership power lies in the individual's ability to navigate the world around them, working with the environment as a partner. • The Art of War offers tools for practice and learning, requiring a mindful and respectful approach to its application. Enlightened leadership requires awareness and mindfulness in navigating the nature of things. • Psychological safety should focus on building strong individuals to interact in an unsafe world. • The application of 'The Art of War' principles can lead to successful organizational transformation. • The distinction between the vicious ego-based reality control cycle and the virtuous eco-based reality navigation cycle is crucial for effective leadership. • Using the ordinary and the extraordinary can transform toxic organizational dynamics. Titles • Tools for Practice and Learning in the Art of War • Exploring the Transformative Wisdom of the Art of War Transforming Toxic Organizational Dynamics • Navigating Psychological Safety and Reality in Leadership Chapters 00:00 Preroll Intro 02:33 Introduction to the Art of War and Transformation Work 13:42 The Concept of Taking Whole and Unity 29:21 Navigating the Environment as a Partner 33:03 Tools for Practice and Learning 34:05 Enlightened Leadership and 'The Art of War' in Organizational Transformation 36:56 Navigating Psychological Safety and Reality in Leadership 43:43 The Shift from Vicious Ego-Based Reality Control to Virtuous Eco-Based Reality Navigation 59:39 Transforming Toxic Organizational Dynamics The Art of War in the Wild (May 2024) Panel #1 - Brad Barton, Mark Ferraro, and Si Alhir https://lnkd.in/emmnxQut Panel #2 - Cynthia Chambers, Christine Ferraro, and Holly Fiorello https://lnkd.in/eZNX6mJB Panel #3 - Chris Herring, Cynthia Chambers, and Mudasir Ahamed https://lnkd.in/ed3kyMUB Panel #4 - John Cherian., Chris Herring, and Dave Prior https://lnkd.in/eXB7Mm5x Si's Books on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/6rjvkucw Contacting Si LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salhir/ Dave's Links Dave's upcoming classes: tinyurl.com/u2vh9zh8 The Art of War for Collaboration: modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration Contacting Dave: linktr.ee/mrsungo

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior is joined by Jeff Leach and Sandra Cain to discuss the question of whether coaching has killed Agile. They explore the role of coaching in Agile transformations and the challenges that arise when underqualified coaches are thrust into coaching roles. They also discuss the difference between coaching and consulting, the importance of understanding one's place as a coach, and the need for range and adaptability in coaching approaches. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach that combines both coaching and consulting based on the specific needs of the organization and individuals involved. The conversation explores the importance of first and last impressions in building relationships and the role of emotions in our interactions. It delves into the distinction between coaching and consulting, emphasizing the need for coaches to be unbiased and focused on drawing out the best in others. The conversation also touches on the challenges of internal coaching and the importance of measuring the success of coaching engagements. It concludes with a discussion on the future of coaching and the need for a balance between task-oriented and relationship-oriented approaches. Takeaways • Coaching and consulting are both important in Agile transformations, but coaching should not be led with and should be used when appropriate. • Underqualified coaches can hinder Agile transformations and fail to deliver the promised value. • Coaches need to understand their place and have humility, as well as the ability to adapt their approach based on the needs of the organization and individuals. • There is a need for range and adaptability in coaching approaches, as different situations may require different approaches. • A balanced approach that combines coaching and consulting based on the specific needs of the organization and individuals is crucial for successful Agile transformations. First and last impressions are crucial in building relationships. • Coaches should be unbiased and focused on drawing out the best in others. • Internal coaching can be more complex and requires careful design around confidentiality and safety. • Measuring the success of coaching engagements should focus on moving towards the desired culture and operational rhythm. • The future of coaching requires a balance between task-oriented and relationship-oriented approaches. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:07 The Question: Did Coaching Kill Agile? 05:59 The Challenges of Underqualified Coaches 08:45 Defining Coaching and Consulting 15:32 The Importance of Range and Adaptability in Coaching 28:05 The Power of First and Last Impressions 31:48 The Challenges of Internal Coaching 37:44 Measuring the Success of Coaching Engagements 47:35 The Future of Coaching: Balancing Task and Relationship Contacting Sandra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracain/ Email: coachcain@gmail.com Contacting Jeff Web: https://www.adaptivitygroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyleach/ Email: jeff.leach@adaptivitygroup.com Dave's Links From The Intro Certified Scrum Product Owner July 1-2, 2024 (Use PRIOR50 to get $50 off the list price) https://tinyurl.com/2r8af3uk Dave's upcoming classes: https://tinyurl.com/u2vh9zh8 The Art of War for Collaboration: https://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration Contacting Dave: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

Summary The conversation explores the concept of being a hero or a villain in a team and how awareness of one's role can lead to more intentional actions. The guests, Jesse and Carl, share their perspectives on this topic. Jesse discusses his experience running an agency and how he developed a marketing approach for supervillains. Carl talks about his role at the Bureau and the challenges of being a leader. They also discuss the importance of empathy and self-reflection in avoiding villainous behavior. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their actions and the impact they have on others. They also explore the challenges of leadership and self-awareness, particularly in relation to the younger generation. It delves into the importance of difficult conversations, honest feedback, and effective reward systems. The fear and pressure of being in a position of power are discussed, along with the potential for toxic leadership. Strategies for improving self-awareness include having a coach, seeking unfiltered feedback, and using AI tools. The concept of decommoditization is introduced as a way to differentiate oneself in a competitive market. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the supportive and inspiring nature of the Bureau community. Takeaways • Being a hero or a villain is subjective and depends on the perspective of others. • Leaders should be aware of their actions and the impact they have on their team. • Empathy and self-reflection are important in avoiding villainous behavior. • True communication and understanding can help build stronger relationships within a team. Difficult conversations and honest feedback are crucial for effective leadership. • Fear and pressure can lead to toxic leadership, and it's important to find healthy ways to manage negative energy. • Having a coach and seeking unfiltered feedback can help improve self-awareness. • Decommoditization is a strategy to differentiate oneself in a competitive market. • The Bureau community is a supportive and inspiring network for professionals. Chapters 03:23 This dude is like Batman...I'm somebody's Joker 07:50 When you think you're a hero, but maybe you're a villain 10:40 The 3 brains in side every organization 11:05 Being conscious of an advanced perspective 13:53 Knowing when you've slipped into villain mode 20:36 Ways to increase your level of self-awareness 26:35 Decommoditization: Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Market 31:24 The Supportive and Inspiring Nature of the Bureau Community Jesse's book Web: https://marketingforsupervillains.com Amazon: Marketing for Supervillains https://tinyurl.com/59tkjs39 Contacting Jesse Web: https://decommoditized.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-wroblewski/ Contacting Carl Web: https://bureauofdigital.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-w-smith/

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior interviews Chris Hadnagy and Dr. Abbie Maroño about social engineering and human hacking. They discuss the definition of social engineering and how it differs from human hacking. They emphasize the importance of intent in social engineering, with the goal being to influence someone's actions for their benefit rather than to cause harm. They also explore the concept of imposter syndrome and how it affects different generations and genders. The conversation concludes with a discussion on how self-awareness can be used to be a better servant leader and understand others. In this conversation, Dr. Abbie and Chris Hadnagy discuss the importance of understanding human behavior and communication in various contexts. They emphasize the need to look beneath the surface when someone behaves badly and to consider their underlying needs. They also discuss the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own communication style. They highlight the value of seeking credible information and avoiding misinformation, especially in the field of psychology. They provide insights into their courses and books that can help individuals improve their communication skills and become more effective in their personal and professional lives. This podcast was originally recorded in video format. You can find the video here: https://youtu.be/71cZz-ac-zc Takeaways Social engineering is the act of influencing someone to take an action that may or may not be in their best interest. Intent plays a crucial role in determining whether social engineering is positive or negative. Imposter syndrome is a universal human experience, but the way it is expressed can differ between generations and genders. Self-awareness is key to understanding and managing imposter syndrome and can be used to be a better servant leader. Understanding the emotions and motivations of others can help build empathy and improve relationships. Look beneath the surface when someone behaves badly and consider their underlying needs. Understand your own communication style and be aware of how it may impact others. Seek credible information and be cautious of misinformation, especially in the field of psychology. Take courses and read books to improve your communication skills and personal development. Chapters 00:18 Introduction and Background 10:26 Exploring Imposter Syndrome Across Generations 24:11 Understanding Others: Building Empathy 31:50 Seeking Credible Information 39:57 Challenging Simplistic Explanations Links from the podcast: Foundational Application of Social Engineering https://www.social-engineer.com/product/foundational-application-of-social-engineering/ Chris’s books on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/mrx6umcb Dr. Abbie’s Book Work in Progress: The Road to Empowerment, The Journey Through Shame https://tinyurl.com/jzbsu2ev Social-Engineer YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Social-Engineer Dr. Abbie’s TEDX Manchester talk https://www.tedxmanchester.com/abbie-marono/ Contacting Chris Hadnagy Web: https://www.social-engineer.org/ Blog: https://www.social-engineer.org/blog/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy Contacting Dr. Abbie Maroño Web: https://www.abbiemarono.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd-35ab2611a

I’m testing out the AI Generated Summary… In this conversation, Dave Prior and Scott Sehlhorst discuss the importance of improving the product plan while executing it. They explore the common problem of companies jumping straight into execution without considering what they should build and why. Scott emphasizes the need to shift from a mindset of control to one of influence, where product managers focus on solving problems and creating value for customers and the business. They also discuss the concept of uncertainty and sensitivity and how to navigate it using impact mapping to identify needs and changes. In this conversation, Scott Sehlhorst discusses the importance of shifting into a business model and the need to create changes and hypotheses. He emphasizes the process of narrowing down the target population and quantifying the impact of changes. Scott also highlights the significance of determining sensitivity and making connections between cause and effect. He introduces the confidence rubric and explains how to prioritize experiments. The conversation concludes with the idea of constantly improving the plan and focusing on the next most important thing to learn. Takeaways Companies often jump straight into execution without considering what they should build and why. Product managers should shift from a mindset of control to one of influence, focusing on solving problems and creating value for customers and the business. Uncertainty and sensitivity are inherent in product development, and it is impossible to know everything before building a product. Using impact mapping can help identify needs and changes, allowing for experimentation and learning in an uncertain environment. Shifting into a business model involves creating changes and hypotheses. Narrowing down the target population is crucial for effective experimentation. Quantifying the impact of changes helps determine the potential outcomes. Using a confidence rubric can aid in decision-making and prioritization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 The Fear of Being Late vs. the Fear of Being Wrong 05:58 Backlog Rationalization Workshop 10:00 Moving from Control to Influence 13:07 Building the Right Things 20:00 Navigating Uncertainty and Sensitivity 29:11 Using Impact Mapping to Identify Needs and Changes 31:56 Shifting into Business Model 33:05 Creating Changes and Hypotheses 34:32 Narrowing Down the Target Population 35:15 Quantifying the Impact 36:34 Determining Sensitivity 38:21 Making Connections and Causal Relationships 39:36 Confidence and Uncertainty 43:00 The Confidence Rubric 44:23 Prioritizing Experiments 49:29 What's the Next Most Important Thing to Learn 53:28 Improving the Plan Links from the Podcast The Empathy Map Podcast where Scott and I discuss Impact Mapping https://on.soundcloud.com/szLXeqe5Q6t2Tf9b8 Scott’s blog post about using a Confidence Rubric https://uxpressia.com/blog/make-decisions-about-business-experiments Contacting Scott: Scott’s Blog at Tyner Blain: tynerblain.com/blog/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sehlhorst/ Twitter: twitter.com/sehlhorst Email: scott@tynerblain.com

Alan Dayley is back to help me continue the quest of figuring out why so many companies are struggling with PI Planning or quarterly planning. During the interview, we discuss some of the reasons organizations struggle with this type of planning. We address the topic from the perspective of senior leadership, why they want it, how they often approach it, and the challenges that creates. We also explore the way the request is often interpreted by the Development Teams, how they often respond, and how critical it is that they have the time needed to understand the request and the freedom to respond in a way that is responsible to the organization. Alan is a SAFe Program Consultant, so during the conversation he also explains how PI planning is supposed to work if you are truly following SAFe. … and, Developers are not batteries Contacting Alan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandd/ Email: alandd@DayleyAgile.com

You’ve decided to take a Scrum certification class. Now the question is, which one? If you are looking for something like Certified Scrum Master or Certified Scrum Product Owner, there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming. All of them should result in certification and price is certainly a concern. But there are a number of other factors to consider when trying to find the Scrum training that is right for you. When you take a certification class, whether its focus is on Scrum, Lean, Kanban, Project Management, whatever… you are investing in yourself and your future. In this podcast, Vic Bonacci and I talk through some of the key things you should consider when selecting a certification course. You are spending your time and money to obtain knowledge and validation (through certification) that you have a certain degree of expertise. Choose wisely… it’s your future. Contacting Vic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vbonacci/ AgileCoffee Podcast: https://agilecoffee.com Online Scrum Class: https://onlinescrumclass.com Contacting Dave Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo Dave’s Classes listed on Scrum Alliance site: https://tinyurl.com/35pzsk5j

Keeping up with what is happening in AI is no small task. You probably know some folks who spend a lot of free time learning how to bend (insert AI flavor of the week) to their will, there are folks who are preaching to anyone who will listen about all the amazing things that are right around the corner, and then there are the folks who just periodically peek over their shoulder and say “Yeah, um… let me know when you’ve got this bit actually working.” And then there are people like Snehal Talati. I met Snehal last year at the Scrum Gathering and we did a podcast about http://aiagile.org, the community he started to bring Agilists together to ensure that the intersection between the Agile space and AI happens in an intentional and thoughtful way. It’s been 8 months since that podcast was posted and that’s like 20 years in the AI space. So Snehal is back to share what’s been happening in AI and Agile. and to talk about the free course he built for the Scrum Alliance to help folks get started. During our conversation, Snehal gives an update on some of the newer changes and challenges in AI and he also offers real-life examples of how AI is becoming a powerful part of his personal productivity. If you’d like to check out the Scrum Alliance’s AI course, that is here: • AI & Agility: A Comprehensive Introduction: https://resources.scrumalliance.org/Course/ai-agility-comprehensive-introduction AI Links to get you started: • AI Agile: https://www.aiagile.org/ • Agile GPT: https://www.agilegpt.com/ • ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt CONTACTING SNEHAL • Web: https://www.boostaro.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehal-talati-124a38b6/

If you are on one of those teams that has made a habit of dragging unfinished work from one Sprint to the next... YOU NEED TO STOP!   When you get to the end of a Sprint and have work that isn't done, you can't show it to the stakeholders in the Sprint Review. If you don't show it to Stakeholders in the Sprint Review, you can't get feedback. And if you can't get feedback, you can't inspect and adapt, and you negate the entire point of working in a Sprint. This podcast offers five things that you and your team can do right now to stop carrying over unfinished work and start enabling Scrum to provide you with the results you and your organization were hoping for when you headed down the path to agility. This podcast was originally recorded in video. You can find that version here: https://youtu.be/df8Ig_KYPUg If you liked this podcast, please click subscribe and let me know so I keep adding more. If you are interested in attending one of my upcoming CSM or CSPO classes, just follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/yc5k84z5 And if you'd like to contact me, you can find all my links right here: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

At the Modus Institute, Jim Benson and Mark Kilby have created a new offering called Successful Distributed Teams. This new course focuses on how to build strong remote teams, how to create a humane, healthy balance of productivity and accountability, and what tools you can use to make it all work. In this interview, Jim and Mark join me to discuss what happened when they combined the many years of experience they each have in shaping remote teams that work. We cover how the idea of remote work has changed over the past few years, what makes it so challenging, and things you can start doing to foster a thriving collaborative remote team.  This podcast was originally recorded in video. You can find that version here: https://youtu.be/TnFzQr80tBg To learn more about Successful Distributed Teams https://modusinstitute.com/course/successful-remote-work-teams To check out Mark Kilby and Johanna Rothman’s book From Chaos to Successful Distributed Agile Teams https://tinyurl.com/5fbnynxe Contacting Jim Web: https://modusinstitute.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimbenson Email: jim@moduscooperandi.com Contacting Mark Web: MarkKilby.com Mastodon: https://hachyderm.io/@mkilby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkilby/ Email: mark@markkilby.com

A few weeks ago I interviewed Gil Broza about his new book, “Deliver Better Results: How to Unlock Your Organization's Potential". The book was designed to quickly provide actionable practices that organizations can utilize to improve their value delivery system. It focuses on understanding the fitness for purpose of your system of delivery, and how to employ his ten strategies to improve your level of maturity. During my prep for the interview and during our conversation, there was one thing that was stuck in my head. None of this works without trust. How can a traditional, potentially toxic organization pivot into an approach that is mostly dependent on a certain level of trust? So, during our first interview, I asked Gil if he’d be open to a second conversation where we focus on the question “How do you build trust in an organizational system that does not have it? Gil was kind enough to agree and that is where this podcast began. If you’d like to check out our initial conversation you can find it here: https://on.soundcloud.com/Ed2C4 Deliver Better Results: How to Unlock Your Organization's Potential
 You can purchase the book here: http://DeliverBetterResultsBook.com Gil has made the first chapter of the book available for download. It provides an executive-level summary of the 10 strategies and how they work as well as an assessment that readers can complete to determine the maturity level of their organization and select strategies to help them improve. You can download it for free here: http://HeardOnPodcast.DeliverBetterResultsBook.com Contacting Gil
 * Work: http://3pvantage.com/
 * LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbroza/ Dave's Upcoming Classes 
In the introduction to the podcast I mentioned a few of my upcoming classes: * A-CSPO February 29-March 1 http://tinyurl.com/bde5acnv * CSM Atlanta - March 4-5 - http://tinyurl.com/yhwzr3bs
 * CSPO Atlanta - March 6-7 - http://tinyurl.com/24be92zy
 And you can find links to all of my upcoming classes here: http://tinyurl.com/4wbkkhra