Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

#71: The World of DevOps with Carlos Nunez

In this episode, Brian dives into the world of DevOps with guest Carlos Nunez. Listen in as they explore the origins, debunk myths, and unlock the potential of DevOps in optimizing software delivery on the Agile Mentors Podcast.
Overview
On this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, join Brian as he welcomes guest Carlos Nunez, to explore the origins, debunk myths, and unlock the potential of DevOps in optimizing software delivery.
Listen in to explore DevOps, its tools, and its profound impact on fostering effective communication and collaboration between development and operations teams.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:18] - Brian welcomes his special guest Carlos Nunez, a DevOps consultant at VMWare, to discuss DevOps and its relationship with Agile.
[02:40] - Carlos introduces the concept of DevOps and the need for collaboration between development and operations and the importance of both sides understanding each other's work to improve communication and efficiency in software delivery.
[03:36] - What DevOps is not. Brian and Carlos discuss the various aspects of development, testing, and deployment in software development.
[04:25] – Carlos shares a common misapplication of DevOps.
[05:35] - Fostering a culture of communication and collaboration rather than using technical knowledge to obstruct progress and create bottlenecks.
[05:48] - Brian shares the core concept of DevOps with the agile mindset.
[06:20] - Brian asks Carlos why DevOps was developed and what can be gained when teams advance their DevOps practices.
[06:30] - Carlos discusses the origin of DevOps, (hint: it started at an Agile conference).
[07:05] - How DevOps can enhance team operations by fostering better communication and collaboration between developers and operators.
[08:35] - The importance of looking at software and operating systems holistically.
[09:54] - Brian expands on the importance of breaking down rigid skill boundaries to work more efficiently to enhance teamwork and results.
[10:40] - Carlos discusses the common issue of Scrum Masters who only focus on facilitating ceremonies without understanding the product aspect.
[11:57] - Are Scrum Masters still effective?
[12:49] - Brian delves into the relationship between DevOps and Agile, addressing occasional pushback from DevOps practitioners who claim that DevOps and Agile don't work well together.
[13:16] - Carlos shares insights from his talk, where he explored criticisms of Agile from DevOps practitioners, where some of the criticism originates from and his thoughts on the negative perception.
[15:15] - Are you thinking about getting certified as a Scrub Master? If so, you will want to check out the resources and training options with our sponsor, Mountain Goat Software. They run certification classes every week. Each course comes with 4 hours of training videos from Mike Cohn and includes twelve months of membership in the Agile Mentors Community. You can find the schedule here.
[16:34] - Brian asks about the categories of software that people use in DevOps.
[16:41] - Carlos discusses DevOps tools and approaches, categorizing them into two ways: traditional Agile tooling and pragmatic programmer-type tools.
[18:19] - Carlos highlights the significance of behavior-driven development (BDD) as the second bridge between DevOps and the broader business while noting that BDD tools are generally user-friendly and can help enhance collaboration between different roles in the software development process.
[19:20] - How test-driven development (TDD) forms a bridge between developers and operators, allowing both to understand how to write tests, get them to pass, and refactor—like the developer's "red, green, refactor" process.
[20:25] - Carlos discusses Jira, a widely recognized (and polarizing) Agile tool, and the two reasons he prefers it.
[22:19] - Carlos discusses how the concept of story points can sometimes turn into person-hours. He emphasizes that the key is to focus on addressing the process to make it more effective and user-friendly.
[23:12] - Why story trackers are crucial for operations teams.
[23:55] - Brian offers his take on Jira.
[24:35] - Carlos highlights the importance of CI/CD build systems and value stream mapping to understand the path from inception to production.
[26:31] - Carlos highlights that having DevOps tools is important but not sufficient.
[27:37] - How people with DevOps skills add value.
[28:12] - You can find Carlos’ teaching on LinkedIn Learning, including DevOps Foundations, Kubernetes fundamentals, his Docker Essential Training Online Class, and more.
[31:07] - Brian offers a big shout-out to Carlos for coming on the show. If you want to connect with Carlos, you can email him here.
[32:33] - If you like this more technical episode, email us and let us know. As always we’d like to 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.
[33:49] - Brian sends a special thank you to all Agile Mentors Podcast listeners.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Email Carlos Nunez
LinkedIn Learning Courses By Carlos Nunez
Carlos’ DevOps and Agile Slides From the Agile 2023 Conference
Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software
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
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.
Carlos Nunez is a DevOps consultant at VMWare, who enjoys making engineering and product development in complex environments fun, fast, and profitable through DevOps, everything-as-code, and clean software. You can find his training courses on LinkedIn Learning.

#70: The Role of a Leader in Agile with Mike Cohn

Today, Brian sits down with Mike Cohn, the CEO of Mountain Goat Software to talk about how leaders can use agile concepts in order to keep their team operating at its best.
Overview
Today, on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Mike Cohn, the CEO of Mountain Goat Software to discuss the role of a leader role in Agile.
Listen in as Mike and Brian share their combined years of knowledge to help leaders use agile concepts to avoid the pitfalls of becoming a manager “behaving badly.”
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:08] - Brian introduces the show and his special guest Mike Cohn here to talk about the role of a leader in the Agile space.
[01:53] - "Don't command, create a culture." Mike shares the difference between Agile leaders and traditional leadership.
[02:59] - The concern about a resurgence of ‘old-school’ leadership and the concerns that brings.
[04:48] - Mike shares how leaders can use agile concepts like self-organization, setting goals, choosing team members, and defining constraints in order to keep the team operating at its best. (Resource: Wicked Problems, Righteous Solutions: A Catologue of Modern Engineering Paradigms).
[06:26] - Brian shares options for management to allow teams to figure out how to address problems as a team.
[08:23] - Trust but verify isn't ideal—Mike shares why it’s better to manage by exception, i.e. giving trust upfront and asking questions later.
[11:18] - Did you know the Agile Mentors Podcast is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software? Whether you're looking to get Certified Scrum Master Training or would like ​​Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® training, Mountain Goat has plenty of options. To see everything Mountain Goat has to offer visit Mountain Goat Software.
[12:01] - Delving into the complexity of the relationship between leadership and employees, especially when it comes to trust, self-organization, and planning.
[12:48] - Mike introduces the “Cone of Uncertainty” concept, sharing that having a plan is not a problem over any horizon, (over three days, three months, or three years) but managers need to accept that the level of precision in the plan should match the timeframe.
[14:23] - Mike refers to an article from Harvard Business Review that highlights the difference in scrutiny between product development deadlines and sales projections, and the need for a more balanced and flexible approach in evaluating both areas.
[16:05] - Language and terminology shape our perception—how the shift from "estimating" to "forecasting" helps facilitate the recognition of uncertainty in future predictions.
[19:12] - Mike shares an anecdote about a client in Kansas City, who wanted him to use the word "forecast" instead of "estimate."
[20:31] - The importance of assessing metric application in a leadership context.
[21:06] - Mike highlights the danger of using "velocity" as a metric for team performance, explaining how subtle pressure on teams can lead to estimate inflation, rendering velocity less reliable for forecasting and more as a tool to pressure (and demotivate) teams.
[24:12] - Brian encourages leaders to reflect on the motivation behind using things like velocity as a metric to measure teams and how this relates to the principles of self-organization in Agile.
[25:22] - How a lack of proper training during role transitions can lead to managers ‘behaving badly,’ despite well-intentioned actions.
[26:45] - A special thank you to Mike Cohn for joining us and sharing his knowledge. If you're interested in further discussions on this topic join us in the Agile Mentors Community where you can access exclusive content, participate in discussions, and attend Q&A calls with Mike and me.
[27:50] - As always we’d like to 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:
Wicked Problems, Righteous Solutions: A Catologue of Modern Engineering Paradigms
Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software
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
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.
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.

#69: Should Scrum Masters Be Technical with Allison Pollard

Today, Brian sits down with Allison Pollard on the Agile Mentors Podcast to discuss the age-old question: Should Scrum Masters be technical? Tune in for Allison’s insights during this thought-provoking episode. Overview Today, on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Allison Pollard to tackle the age-old question: "Should Scrum Masters be technical?" Allison shares her extensive experience with this topic and the importance of a clear definition of “technical” within the Scrum Master role.
Allison candidly discusses the biases and assumptions associated with the expectation of Scrum Masters being technical and the potential impact in the workplace. Plus, she shares her advice for a more open and inclusive approach to accommodate diversity within the Agile community.
Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion that uncovers new perspectives and insights on Scrum Masters' technical expertise to help you find the right fit for your team.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:22] - Brian welcomes Allison Pollard to the Agile Mentors podcast.
[03:31] - Alison introduces the topic of the show, which is whether Scrum Masters should be technical, her experience with the question of Scrum Masters' technical expertise, and the need for a clear definition of what "technical" means in this context.
[06:12] - What’s more important, technical skills or soft skills?
[07:55] - Alison shares an interview experience where a Scrum Master candidate underestimated the importance of technical debt, highlighting the need for Scrum Masters to be familiar with these concepts.
[11:41] - The importance of a willingness to adapt and grow.
[11:56] - The biases and assumptions associated with the expectation of Scrum Masters being technical and how that can create a division in the workplace.
[13:12] - The importance of acknowledging the limitations of personal experience.
[14:46] - The history of Scrum Masters as servant leaders and the impact this had on the role.
[20:49] - Brian shares the importance of understanding the business value of Agile practices.
[21:50] - Allison shares the importance of asking questions to gauge the comfort level of potential Scrum Masters in discussing various topics to determine how they will work with your team.
[22:32] - How biases and implicit assumptions related to Scrum Masters can affect hiring and promotions.
[22:51] - Today's episode is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Certified Product Owner course, a two-day training course that teaches you how to use the product backlog as a tool for project success. For more information, check out the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule.
[24:04] - Allison shares the importance of balancing servant leadership and focusing on tasks that help the team achieve results, rather than performing non-value-added tasks that hinder effectiveness.
[26:28] - The value of building personal relationships during off times.
[27:45] - They discuss biases and the importance of recognizing implicit biases when evaluating Scrum Masters' performance and effectiveness.
[29:39] - Helping diverse individuals succeed in Agile roles. The challenges people face due to biases and the need for systemic changes to better accommodate diversity in the Agile community.
[30:58] - Did you know recognizing impostor syndrome may be a sign that you are not an impostor? Plus, advice for overcoming imposter syndrome.
[32:37] - You can connect with Allison on LinkedIn or at Helping Improve LLC to find out more about the training and coaching she offers.
[33:05] - A huge thank you to Allison for being on the show. Did you know you can find all of the show notes and resources for all of the Agile Mentor Podcast on the Mountain Goat Software website? We had a question about the information shared on the recent show with Lance Dacy, you can find the show notes and resources from that show here.
[34:29] - If you enjoyed this episode share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Did you know we discuss every episode of the podcast in the Agile Mentors Community? Join us (a 12-month membership is included with any training class from Mountain Goat Software) and post your questions there. As always, if you have feedback or ideas for the show, just send us an email.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Allison Pollard on LinkedIn
Helping Improve LLC
Helping Improve on LinkedIn
Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software
“#54: Unlocking Agile's Power in the World of Data Science with Lance Dacy”
Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
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.
Allison Pollard, the co-owner of Helping Improve LLC, is a coach, consultant, and trainer who brings the power of relationship systems intelligence to go beyond tasks, roles, and frameworks to create energy for change. As Program Director for Women in Agile's mentorship program, she champions diversity and amplifies women's voices, contributing to the agile community's growth. Allison is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a seasoned speaker at global conferences, including Scrum Gatherings and the Agile Alliance Agile20xx conferences.

#68: The Pros and Cons and Real World Applications of SAFe with Mike Hall

Join Brian on the Agile Mentors Podcast as he sits down with Mike Hall for a refreshing perspective on SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), its real-world applications, and the hidden costs of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Overview
Today, on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian delves into the intricacies of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) with guest Mike Hall of Agile Authority.
Listen in as Mike shares the four essential steps for effective SAFe implementation, the hidden costs of a one-size-fits-all method, and why it's crucial to listen, understand, and honor the dynamics within your unique organization.
Tune in to gain a profound understanding of SAFe and how to make it work for your team.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:21]- Brian Milner introduces his guest, Mike Hall, Founder and chief evangelist of Agile Authority to discuss the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
[02:41] - Mike shares his background and perspective on SAFe and clarifies this is not a SAFe bashing session.
[05:07] - The importance of lean thinking and continuous improvement.
[06:13] - Mike shares the definition of SAFe and its core components, and popularity in Agile transformations.
[09:08] - The pros and cons of SAFe: Mike explains why SAFe appeals to executives and its popularity in addressing agile scaling needs.
[13:06] - Brian and Mike acknowledge the criticism of SAFe but discuss the appeal of its "connective tissue" concept.
[14:04] - Mike highlights some of the pros of SAFe, including the accessible resources and low risk. But also shares some potential issues like the importance of value alignment and the comprehensive yet generic nature of SAFe.
[16:53] - Improving SAFe: Brian asks Mike which aspects of SAFe he believes could be enhanced.
[17:19] - Mike discusses the issue of considerable overhead and complexity, especially in the full configuration mode. [18:35] - In SAFe there are six new team roles that require training investments along with the addition of 17 new recurring meetings (events) in SAFe and 31 new artifacts.
[20:51] - Mike discusses the extensive elements of SAFe, underlining new roles, meetings, and artifacts while emphasizing the need to evaluate their relevance for specific organizations.
[23:51] - Customizing SAFe to reduce waste and overhead, Mike raises the question of a more efficient way to leverage lean and agile concepts in a fit-for-purpose approach.
[28:45] - A word from our sponsor: Mountain Goat Software's Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner® class teaches you the skills you need to increase your confidence, credibility, and value as a product owner with interactive software that makes the breakout exercises both valuable and fun. You’ll also receive 12 months of membership in the Agile Mentors Community.
[29:31] - Mike introduces the concept of simple scaling, and its focus on four common-sense steps to consider—with the flexibility to discard steps that don't apply.
[30:53] - Brian mentions #17: Getting There From Here: Agile Transformations with David Hawks.
[31:10] - Step 1: Start with a Clear Business Objective: Mike shares the importance of beginning with a well-defined objective.
[32:19] - Step 2: Observe, Understand, and Honor the Past: The most overlooked step, Mike shares why skipping it can be counterproductive.
[33:28] - Step 3: Align to the Flow of Value.
[34:28] - Step 4: Apply Targeted Agile Principles and Practices: Mike shares how specific Agile practices can be chosen to align with the business objective, like improving product quality.
[34:38] - Mike highlights Agile practices that enhance product quality, (such as working at a sustainable pace, shift-left testing, test-driven development, code reviews, and sprint reviews) and help reduce errors.
[35:09] - Mike discusses the concepts that can be used to align with the business objective of faster time-to-market.
[36:41] - Brian and Mike discuss the debate on targeted vs. mass deployment, the key factors driving this debate, and how Agile principles and practices can help.
[38:07] - Brian shares the significance of choosing the right guide for Agile transformations, emphasizing the importance of philosophy alignment.
[39:00] - Why every framework should come with a big red asterisk in the fine print.
[40:36] - Brian shares an analogy related to taking medicine, highlighting the importance of a targeted approach for organizations.
[43:01] - You can connect with Mike Hall, on the Agile Authority website.
[43:59] - Did you know we discuss every episode of the podcast in the Agile Mentors Community? Join us (a 12-month membership is included with any training class from Mountain Goat Software) and post your questions there. Additionally, if you enjoyed this episode share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. As always, if you have feedback or ideas for the show, just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Agile Authority
#17: Getting There From Here: Agile Transformations with David Hawks
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner
Training Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
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.
Mike Hall, of Agile Authority is a seasoned Agile Coach/Trainer, who brings 20+ years of Agile experience, specializing in software development and technology leadership. With a rich repertoire of Agile and Scaled Agile certifications, including CSP, CSM, CSPO, and SPC6, he's a key player in Agile transformations.

#67: The Role Personality Plays in Team Dynamics with Dr. Ryne Sherman

Join Brian on the Agile Mentors Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Ryne Sherman from Hogan Assessments to delve into the world of personality assessments. Tune in to discover how understanding individual strengths and motivations can help organizations make better hiring and team-building decisions.
Overview
What role does personality play in creating successful team dynamics?
Today, on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Ryne Sherman, of Hogan Assessments, and the co-host of The Science of Personality Podcast for an in-depth discussion on how personality assessments can be used to revolutionize the way organizations make informed choices in hiring and assembling teams.
Dr. Sherman walks us through the diverse landscape of personality assessments, shedding light on their strengths and limitations. Then, he shares the unique approach embraced by Hogan Assessments to unveil profound insights into the members of your team and how they will work together.
Listen in to discover how gaining insight into the unique strengths and motivations of individuals within a team can cultivate greater unity, boost productivity, and create a more positive work environment.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:15] - Brian introduces his guest, Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, and co-host of The Science of Personality Podcast to discuss the role of personality in team dynamics.
[03:19] - How Hogan Assessments helps organizations make better hiring and team-building decisions
[06:00] - The risk of hiring based on “likeability.”
[08:28] - How scientific assessments help ensure fair and objective hiring.
[10:03] - The historical evolution of personality assessments.
[14:31] - Dr. Sherman shares how the personality assessment process works.
[15:38] - There are many different types of personality assessments, and each serves a specific purpose. Dr. Sherman shares how those provided by Hogan Assessments are designed to offer more nuanced insights.
[19:27] - A word from our sponsor: Mountain Goat Software has designed our Certified Scrum Master Class as a two-day class that covers the fundamental principles of Scrum and more. Visit the Mountain Goat Software training schedule to learn more and schedule your training.
[20:08] - What personality tests actually measure.
[23:05] - Are you faking it? The biggest concern with most personality tests is they focus on the impressions individuals aim to make rather than the actual behavior. Dr. Sherman explains.
[26:37] - How assessments provide valuable insights into behavior, possible triggers, and suitability for specific roles.
[27:45] - How assessments aim to accommodate neurodiversity and cultural differences.
[32:34] - Why understanding individual strengths and motivations is essential for team cohesion and productivity.
[34:05] - Dr. Sherman shares the importance of transparency, and why you shouldn’t shy away from both positive and negative feedback to drive personal and team development.
[38:47] - You can connect with Dr. Ryne Sherman at Hogan Assessments, or tune into their podcast, The Science of Personality Podcast
[40:00] - If you enjoyed this fascinating episode share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. For further discussion on personality assessments join the Agile Mentors Community and post your questions there. As always, if you have feedback or ideas for the show, just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Hogan Assessments
The Science of Personality Podcast
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
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.
Ryne Sherman is a Doctor of Psychology and the Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments and also the co-host of The Science of Personality Podcast. Dr. Sherman has devoted his career to researching the interplay between situational factors and personality traits. His work at Hogan Assessments aims to assist organizations in comprehending the role of personality in the workplace.

#66: Successful Strategies for Navigating Team Conflicts

Join us on the Agile Mentors Podcast as Brian unveils the secrets to resolving conflicts to achieve win-win outcomes in your Agile teams.
Overview
Whether you're a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or an Agile coach, conflicts are inevitable and can become messy if not navigated successfully.
Today, on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian guides us through various conflict types and shares techniques for effectively managing and resolving team conflicts. These methods encompass the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) framework, facilitative listening, and the use of team agreements to validate differences, ensuring that everyone feels safe and acknowledged, creating win-win solutions for all involved.
Listen Now to Discover:
[02:29] - How we handle conflict on our teams.
[02:55] - Conflict is necessary for teams to challenge each other and make better decisions (Chernobyl disaster example).
[04:38] - Conflict is inevitable and can take various forms, including messy and sticky situations that are not always desirable.
[04:56] - Brian shares a past conflict management failure when as a Scrum Master, he inadequately handled a conflict between two team members, leading to a breakdown in communication and a loss of mutual respect.
[09:15] - The need for Scrum Masters to develop corporate counselor skills, such as emotional intelligence and empathy, to effectively counsel and navigate conflicts within teams.
[10:44] - Rational vs. Emotional conflict and the importance of shifting the focus back to the rational side for productive conflict resolution.
[12:15] - Brian shares the difference between constructive and destructive conflict and the signs of each.
[13:34] - The three types of conflicts in a team: task, relationship, and process conflicts and why it’s vital to understand the differences between these types of conflicts in order to navigate them effectively.
[16:20] - Mountain Goat Software has designed our Scrum Certification classes to combine the best learning with the best engagement. If you want to see it in action, check out our training pages at Mountain Goat Software today.
[17:22] - Each person has a default way of responding to conflict. You can identify your own response style using the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) framework which divides responses into five categories: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating.
[18:32] - Competing involves prioritizing one's own position but it can be justifiable in certain situations.
[19:55] - Collaborating aims for win-win solutions through creative problem-solving, especially in scenarios with conflicting preferences.
[21:01] - The third C offers an acceptable solution that satisfies both individual's concerns.
[21:34] - Avoiding, marked by its unassertive and uncooperative nature, ultimately striving to sweep the conflict under the rug.
[22;42] - Accommodating prioritizes the relationship above all else, willingly setting aside one's own stance to adopt the opposing point of view.
[23:40] - Your default conflict resolution approach isn't necessarily bad; it can be effective in certain situations. Brian offers tips for recognizing and responding to these approaches in conflict situations.
[25:08] - Psychological safety in a team is vital for healthy conflict resolution. Brian explains what that means and how to build it within your team.
[28:10] - How team agreements can help prevent conflicts from turning destructive.
[28:40] - Putting ground rules in place on your team so that when conflict occurs, you can navigate it successfully.
[30:42] - Facilitative listening helps address problems without attacking personalities. Brian shares his techniques to assist others in hearing. Legitimizing differences by acknowledging and validating opposing viewpoints can help resolve conflicts within a team.
[32:29] - Overlooking human dynamics can lead to team failure but legitimizing differences helps everyone feel safe and heard.
[35:11] - If you enjoyed the episode, the best way to support us is to share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you have feedback or ideas for the show, just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. For further discussion join the Agile Mentors Community where we discuss each podcast episode.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI)
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
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 presenter is:
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.

#65: Unlocking Lean Portfolio Management with Randy Hale

Join Brian and his guest Randy Hale as they delve into the world of Lean Portfolio Management to drive Agile transformations and make informed decisions for greater business success.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Agile Transformation Coach Randy Hale to discuss Lean Portfolio Management.
Listen in as they explore strategies for navigating organizational culture, redefining metrics, and addressing uncertainty to make informed business decisions and drive successful Agile transformations.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:18] - Brian Milner welcomes Randy Hale of Agile Velocity to the Agile Mentors podcast to discuss Lean Portfolio Management.
[02:40] - Randy shares the definition of Lean Portfolio Management.
[04:07] - The first steps to implement Lean Portfolio Management.
[06:41] - How to engage finance and accounting teams in the conversations and emphasize optimizing value delivery.
[09:35] - What's broken with traditional budgeting?
[10:15] - How Lean Portfolio Management helps organizations more easily align with customer needs and adapt to swiftly changing market conditions.
[11:56] - Why traditional budgeting processes often lead to delays in responding to unexpected changes.
[14:15] - How cultural factors can hinder an organization's adaptation to changing circumstances.
[14:30] - Mountain Goat Software has designed the best training to help you stand out in the market. With live interactive courses and a mixture of lecture time and frequent breakout rooms to keep you engaged every second you're learning. All their courses are designed to give you the skills that agile teams and organizations value. For more information and the class schedule visit Mountain Goat Software today.
[16:19] - The key components in Lean Portfolio Management.
[18:34] - The value of early detection for proactive responses.
[19:31] - Randy discusses the impact of organizational culture on transformation efforts and the importance of adapting processes within a compliance-based culture.
[21:26] - Brian and Randy discuss the challenge of selecting meaningful metrics for effective decision-making.
[24:48] - Randy highlights the importance of addressing uncertainty and focusing on critical factors using a scenario where a projected $5 million in revenue failed to meet expectations due to unvalidated assumptions.
[25:21] - Brian discusses the common-sense principle that the further you are from a future event, the less precise your predictions can be.
[26:29] - The million-dollar point of the conversation.
[27:01] - The default way of tracking things that is disconnected from reality and the real value of what you deliver.
[28:57] - You can connect with Randy at Agile Velocity or via LinkedIn.
[30:32] - Don’t forget to subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you have feedback or ideas for the show, just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com.
[31:04] - For further discussion about Lean Portfolio Management or any other topic on the Agile Mentors Podcast join the Agile Mentors Community.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule
Join the Agile Mentors Community
Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts
#17: Getting There From Here: Agile Transformations with David Hawks
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.
Randy Hale is an Agile Transformation Coach with over a decade of experience guiding companies through Agile transformations. Randy's hands-on knowledge and training have helped businesses of all sizes embrace Agile and Lean thinking for greater success including Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Petco, and Charter Communications.

#64: How Agile Methodologies are Reshaping Legal Practices with John Grant

Join Brian and his guest John Grant as they unveil how Agile methodologies are revolutionizing legal practices for improved client experiences and smarter workflow efficiency.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with John Grant to discuss using Agile methodologies and client-focused strategies in the legal profession. Listen in as John shares his unique perspective and innovative approach for reshaping legal workflows and enhancing client communication at the intersection of law and Agile practices.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:00] - Brian introduces the podcast and guest, John Grant, a lawyer using Agile in the legal space.
[01:19] - How legal use of Agile differs from other fields.
[02:06] - John shares how clarity in communication is a challenge in legal work, similar to other fields.
[03:00] - Brian compares legal work to building websites.
[03:43] - John differentiates between "sheet music" (standardized work) and "jazz solos" (unique cases) in legal practice.
[05:16] - The challenges of a high demand for legal services and a shortage of lawyers and how to ensure quality.
[08:23] - John explains why the Kanban method is well-suited for legal practices.
[09:27] - How to avoid overloading capacity and prioritize effectively.
[11:39] - How the principles of Agile, Lean, and other methodologies, along with a focus on client value, are crucial even outside software development.
[12:09] - The tendency to devalue the client's role in legal matters and the challenge of balancing technical work and customer care.
[12:31] - The role of lawyers and discerning what clients genuinely want from legal services.
[12:49] - The law is fundamentally a caregiving profession: John emphasizes the importance of caregiving and customer support in the legal profession.
[13:31] - The need for effective communication and collaboration.
[15:00] - John shares a case study involving a law firm specializing in estate planning and trust administration.
[15:47] - John explains the creation of a multi-step client journey roadmap in the introduction letter, setting the tone for the client journey.
[17:30] - The unique role of clients in legal work and how they contribute vital information to the legal team.
[18:48] - This podcast is sponsored by Mountain Goat Software’s Certified Scrum Training classes. All certified classes include a twelve-month membership in the Agile Mentors Community.
[19:36] - Brian draws parallels between capturing customer attitudes and feelings in personas in Certified Scrum Product Owner® classes and the importance of understanding clients' emotions in legal work.
[20:21] - Daniel Katz's breakdown of clients seeking legal help to either mitigate risk or navigate complexity, and how this helps tailor the client journey.
[21:35] - The frequent client complaint in the legal field.
[23:09] - John explains how mapping workflows to the client journey introduces the concept of classes of service and enables smarter prioritization of work based on its urgency and importance.
[23:32] - The key Agile concepts applied in the legal context: focusing on the customer, limiting work in progress, understanding customer journeys, and making work visible.
[23:53] - Humans are naturally inclined to process information visually and the significance of visualizing work in knowledge work environments.
[25:00] - The scalability of Kanban in law firms.
[28:31] - John introduces the concept of the "help desk theory of lawyering," comparing lawyers' support roles to IT help desks and how Kanban systems can aid communication with clients.
[31:22] - For more information on John’s Kanban training visit Agile Attorney.
[32:00] - If you enjoyed the episode, the best way to support us is to share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you have feedback or ideas for the show, just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com.
[33:24] - For further discussion join the Agile Mentors Community where we discuss each podcast episode.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Agile Attorney
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
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.
John Grant is a fourth-generation lawyer with a background spanning both technology and law. Drawing from his experience in the tech industry and legal sector, he offers a unique perspective on legal practice. He's passionate about facilitating positive change in legal practices and using the Kanban methodology to help legal teams unlock their full potential.

#63: The Interplay Between Data Science and Agile with Lance Dacy

Join Brian and his guest Lance Dacy as they address the interplay (and the skepticism) of combining Agile and data science. Tune in as they explore the art of crafting Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to create impactful and efficient solutions.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Lance Dacy to delve into the nuances of aligning data science with the software development mold while dispelling the myths along the way.
Listen in as Lance shares his wealth of experience and insights guiding listeners through the step-by-step process of building MVPs in data science projects and sharing how Agile principles seamlessly apply to both worlds.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:13] - Brian introduces Lance Dacy on the Agile Mentors Podcast. Since listeners appreciated the previous data science and agile episode, Lance is here for Part Two, this time discussing how data science fits into the software development mold.
[02:00] - Addressing the skepticism of combining agile and data science; Lance has both expertise and practical experience.
[02:43] - Lance emphasizes that he understands the “naysayers” concerns but aims to help others comprehend the synergy.
[03:05] - Waterfall might be better: sorting out the different perspectives on Agile development and data science.
[04:45] - The importance of scoping and architecture in software development projects.
[05:15] - Challenging the notion of perfectly defined objectives.
[05:46] - Most software projects lack a completely predefined understanding.
[06:39] - How Agile's empirical process and mindset of experimentation align with data science.
[07:30] - Presenting a real-world MVP example combining business drivers and data science techniques.
[08:04] - Clarifying what Agile is—a philosophy based on values, not a step-by-step process.
[09:03] - The importance of sustainable pace and productivity in Agile.
[10:10] - Introducing the concept of MVP and acknowledging the evolution of data science techniques.
[11:00] - Discussing MVP in the context of data science, and aligning it with empirical approach.
[11:38] - Highlighting the role of MVP in testing assumptions, mitigating risks, and user feedback.
[12:00] - Exploring data science's practical relevance for consumers to forge a relatable discussion.
[12:47] -Acknowledging familiarity with technology, uncertain about tactics.
[13:00] - Highlighting how AI and data science are pervasive in everyday technology use.
[13:29] - Examples of AI data science integration: search engines, online shopping recommendations, social media content, smart homes, and more.
[14:42] - Introducing common uses of data science: customer segmentation and marketing techniques.
[15:19] - Applying clustering techniques like K means for automated segmentation.
[15:34] - Lance shares his paper on supply chain optimization, using an ant colony algorithm.
[15:56] - The techniques and purpose of supply chain optimization.
[16:23] - Exploring data science applications: collaborative filtering, matrix factorization, neural networks.
[16:42] - Clarifying data scientists' approach: not a random process but based on problem-solving with models.
[17:18] - Iterative development as a primary reason for MVP in data science.
[17:57] - Using real-world performance data for model improvement.
[18:21] - Risk mitigation as a critical aspect of MVP: linking risk mitigation to surviving challenges and learning from them.
[19:51] - Starting with an MVP reduces risk by avoiding overly complex models without sufficient feedback.
[20:19] - Setting stakeholder expectations with an MVP: providing tangible insight into data science trade-offs and early deliverables.
[20:39] - Highlighting operational considerations of deploying and maintaining data models, addressing challenges in data pipelines, infrastructure, and monitoring.
[22:17] - An MVP approach aligns with Agile principles for data science.
[22:35] - Brian clarifies the misconception that MVP means sacrificing quality for speed.
[23:30] - Lance agrees, addressing the misconception, and emphasizes MVP's importance in learning and improvement.
[23:32] - Have you thought about training with Mountain Goat Software? With classes such as Mountain Goat Software, Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) developed by Mike Cohn, and team home software for better interactivity during classes you can’t go wrong.
[24:00] - Brian suggests transitioning to walking through a model or example of creating an MVP.
[24:07] -A tangible framework for mapping data science work to MVP steps, acknowledging the contextual nature of the process.
[24:50] - Lance acknowledges the complexity of the steps, so they’ve been posted below under resources.
[25:11] - The importance of problem definition and defining the scope of the MVP.
[26:34] - The challenge of gathering and preprocessing data.
[27:20] - Selecting a simple model that is easy to interpret and implement for faster training times, easier troubleshooting, and adherence to the principle of parsimony.
[29:12] - Using feature engineering to select the most relevant features for the model.
[29:33] - Choosing a manageable number of features for the model, rather than attempting to incorporate all available data and avoid overcomplicating or overfitting the model.
[30:11] - Lance emphasizes the importance of selecting a simple model and conducting feature engineering based on the insights gained from that model.
[30:36] - Training the chosen machine learning model using pre-processed data, typically by splitting the data into training and validation sets.
[31:15] - The challenge of evaluating the model's performance and the importance of using the appropriate metrics.
[31:34] - The goal: create a model that is good enough for gathering feedback that aligns with the concept of MVP.
[31:53] - Lance describes the last step of building an MVP: deploying the MVP by integrating the model into a suitable platform or application.
[32:26] - The importance of making the MVP accessible to end users.
[33:00] - The crucial feedback loop for making improvements to the model and features, and refining, scaling, or reconsidering the approach.
[34:09] - Why you might want to initially deploy a slightly higher-level model.
[34:57] - The parallel between the steps of creating an MVP in data science and the principles of Agile.
[35:18] - Brian adds that in data science, feedback not only comes from customers and users but also involves analyzing results and outcomes as a form of feedback to refine the model.
[35:53] - The importance of relying on scientific expertise to analyze the results of the model and evaluate its accuracy and validity.
[36:10] - In data science, the feedback loop also involves analyzing the outcomes and results, similar to the iterative process of receiving user feedback in software development.
[37:00] - Lance draws parallels between software development and data science by comparing the process of building software features with the steps involved in creating an MVP for data science.
[39:21] - Lance offers some practical examples, beginning with a recommendation system.
[41:06] - The decision tree approach and its benefits for stakeholders.
[43:00] - Lance talks about churn prediction to gradually incorporate more nuanced data.
[43:55] - MVPs for chatbots and the benefits of starting with simple scripted responses in a chatbot MVP.
[45:59] - Managing multiple projects.
[46:24] - The effectiveness of using logistic regression and decision trees for MVPs.
[47:00] - Lance emphasizes the importance of managing stakeholders' expectations.
[47:53] - Lance discusses the need to consider the context when interpreting model performance metrics and involving stakeholders in these discussions.
[49:16] - The importance of collaboration between data scientists and stakeholders for delivering valuable solutions.
[50:11] - Lance draws a comparison between data science and software development in terms of the challenge of coordinating work across different specialized areas.
[51:00] - Lance highlights the importance of feedback and iterative adjustments for success.
[53:24] - Again, you can find Episode #54: Unlocking Agile's Power in the World of Data Science with Lance Dacy, here.
[53:48] - We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and your suggestions for future topics. Just email podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com. If you enjoyed the episode, the best way to support us is to share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
[55:00] - Don’t forget to check out the Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule, including, Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) and Advanced Certified Scrum Master (ACSM) and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (ACSPO) classes. I'd really love to see you in class!
References and resources mentioned in the show:
6 Reasons Why I Think Agile Data Science Does Not Work | by Ilro Lee
Why Data Science Doesn't Respond Well to Agile Methodologies
Lance’s SMU Paper (Ant Colony Algorithm and Traveling Salesman Problem)
#54: Unlocking Agile's Power in the World of Data Science with Lance Dacy
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Certified Scrum Product Owner Training
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule
Join the Agile Mentors Community
Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Reasons for Quick MVP in Data Science are to support:
Iterative Development
Feedback Loop
Risk Mitigation
Setting Expectations
Operational Considerations
Steps of the MVP:
Problem Definition
Gather and Preprocess the Data
Select a simple model
Feature engineering
Train the model
Evaluate the model
Deploy the MVP
Collect Feedback
Iterate
Decision Time
Examples of MVP in Data Science (Logistic regression and decision trees are often used as initial models due to their simplicity, interpretability, and relatively quick development time.)
Recommendation Systems: Instead of building a complex recommendation engine, a company might start with a simple rule-based system (e.g., recommending the most popular items) to gauge user interest and system engagement.
Churn Prediction: An MVP might involve creating a basic model based on a few key features (like usage frequency and customer complaints) to predict which customers might churn. Later versions can incorporate more nuanced data and sophisticated algorithms.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): For a chatbot, the MVP might involve scripted responses or basic keyword matching. Once deployed, user interactions can inform the development of more advanced NLP capabilities
Conclusion
With Rapid MVP, context is crucial with regard to our general benchmarks (F1-Score, ROC-AUC, MAE, RMSE). You should strive to always consider the context of those benchmarks with the problem being solved. In some medical diagnostic tests, even an F1-score of 0.95 might not be good enough due to the severe consequences of false negatives or false positives. We also likely need to compare the model's performance metrics with a simple baseline (e.g., random classifier, mean prediction) to determine how much value the model is adding. Always align the model's performance with business objectives. Even a model with a high ROC-AUC might not be suitable if it doesn't meet the specific precision or recall targets set by the business. Isn’t it better to find ways to know that earlier than later?
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.

#62: Effective Sprint Goals with Maarten Dalmijn

In this new episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes Maarten Dalmijn to discuss the secrets to setting impactful sprint goals, fostering collaboration, and bridging the gap between team objectives and stakeholder expectations for Agile success.
Overview
In this new episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian is joined by Maarten Dalmijn, author of the new book, Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results to share his invaluable insights into the art of crafting effective sprint goals.
Maarten shares his wealth of knowledge including how to navigate the challenges of setting sprint goals while ensuring alignment with stakeholders' expectation, and optimizing team structure while fostering a collaborative environment that ensures success.
Listen in as Maarten and Brian explore the essence of sprint goals, the strategies behind their formulation and the impact they have on Agile projects.
Listen Now to Discover:
[1:06] - Today, Brian is sitting down with Maarten Dalmijn, of Dalmijn Consulting and author the book Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results that’s the number one new release in software design and engineering on on Amazon to discuss sprint goals.
[2:16] - Maarten explains the concept of sprint goals using the analogy of a military commander's intent during missions.
[3:22] - Brian shares how sprint goals serve as a commander's intent for the team's work.
[4:07] - Maarten highlights that a sprint goal is not about completing a list of tasks but rather identifying the most important objective for the sprint.
[5:24] - The challenges of conceptualizing sprint goals.
[5:58] - Unable to set a single spring goal? Maarten addresses the question of setting a sprint goal for teams with multiple purposes or projects.
[7:29] - Scenarios where setting a single sprint goal might not be feasible.
[8:31] -The challenge of staying focused on the sprint goal when encountering obstacles.
[9:44] - Maarten shares an example of the importance of knowing the underlying business objective when setting a spring goal.
[11:08] - The importance of managing stakeholder expectations by communicating and aligning stakeholders with the sprint goal to prevent last minute surprises.
[12:19] - Brian draws a parallel between sprint goals and TV episode titles, highlighting the need to share the sprint goal in the sprint review to prevent surprises and encourage stakeholder engagement.
[15:28] - Are you thinking about getting certified as a Scrum Master? If so, check out the resources and training options with our sponsor, Mountain Goat Software. They run interactive certification classes every week that include 12 months membership in the Agile Mentors Community.
[16:10] - Setting achievable vs. challenging sprint goals and what Maarten advocates for.
[19:46] - Brian shares a teaching example.
[20:12] - Maarten introduces the acronym "FOCUS" to assess the quality of sprint goals: Fun, Outcome-oriented, Collaborative, Ultimate, and Singular and shares each one’s role in creating effective sprint goals.
[22:12] - Maarten discusses the importance of stakeholder management and its connection to clear vision and strategy within organizations.
[22:47] -The role of team structure in setting sprint goals.
[24:17] - Managing stakeholder pushback during sprint reviews. Maarten underscores the importance of working as a team with stakeholders to foster effective communication and alignment.
[26:50] - The impact of planning and road mapping on the ability to set sprint goals.
[28:21] - What stakeholders ultimately want.
[29:18] - You can find Maarten’s book, Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results on Amazon. It’s part of the Mike Cohn book series.
[29:50] - To continue the discussion, Join Us in the Agile Mentors Community, there’s a discussion about every episode of the podcast on there.
[30:30] - Your feedback is valuable, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email us by clicking here. We'd love your thoughts about today's show and suggestions for future episodes.
[31:04] - If you enjoyed the episode, the best way to support us is to share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Dalmijn Consulting
Maarten Dalmijn
Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
Join the Agile Mentors Community
Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule
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 the 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.
Maarten Dalmijn of Dalmijn Consulting is an accomplished speaker at Fortune 500 firms, governmental bodies, and global conferences, who thrives at the nexus of Product Management and Agile. With a decade of versatile experience spanning roles from Marketing Manager to Scrum Master, he empowers teams to transcend the Feature Factory and achieve impactful value delivery. Maarten is the author of the recently released Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results.