Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software
Mountain Goat Software's Agile Mentors Podcast is for agilists of all levels. Whether you’re new to agile and Scrum or have years of experience, listen in to find answers to your questions and new ways to succeed with agile.
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Episodes
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
In this episode of Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian, and Scott Dunn delve into the biggest question challenging teams right now: Should they return to the office or continue to embrace remote work? Join us as we navigate the complex factors in the office vs. remote debate.
Overview
Across industries, the call to return to the office is gaining momentum among management circles. In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian sits down with Scott Dunn, to unravel the layers of the working in the office versus remote settings debate.
Listen in as they discuss various perspectives and considerations such as productivity, work-life balance, leadership styles, personality types, and even economic factors that influence the decision to have your team in the office or at home and what truly defines an effective workspace.
Tune in as Scott and Brian share valuable insights into the ongoing debate that's reshaping the modern work landscape
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:31] - Brian welcomes guest Scott Dunn to the show to discuss their feelings toward management saying it’s time to return to the office post-Covid.
[02:48] - Everyone’s affected in one way or another by the return to the office vs the prevailing “squishy” remote work policy.
[04:01] - Where are you really the most productive?
[04:16] - The basic needs of a generation: why “fully remote” is so appealing to Gen Z.
[05:55] - Words straight from the Agile manifesto that supports in-person work and face-to-face communication.
[06:44] - Quantifying what’s been lost from being face-to-face to being fully remote.
[07:13] - How open working sessions and working side by side but independently boosts productivity.
[07:41] - The tools that elevate remote collaboration and help facilitate small group dynamics when working remotely.
[09:31] - Remote work and the allure of opening the talent pool combined with less turnover is a game-changer.
[10:26] - How to run a focused remote work trial to assess applicants and gather insights.
[10:58] - It's about more than just the comfort or preference of the leadership team.
[11:23] - The most critical factor in determining if you have a hiring problem.
[12:03] - How to deal with the issue of unequal contribution and improve team dynamics.
[12:39] - Why managers have concerns about remote and how to alleviate them.
[13:27] - How to enhance team accountability and empower team members by implementing measurable tracking to ensure everyone's pulling their weight.
[14:48] - Drive positive change by experimenting and then taking action.
[19:41] - The Agile Mentors Podcast is proudly sponsored by Mountain Goat Software with a range of training options, from Scrum certifications to skill enhancement, visit www.mountaingoatsoftware.com.
[15:25] - How to balance support for employees with managerial accountability.
[16:00] -The correlation between happy employees and productivity. Simon Sinek's insights highlight the connection between employee happiness and success.
[17:07] - The vital (and challenging) responsibility of leaders to not only guide teams but define the expectations of the company culture.
[19:00] - Open dialog and constructive conflict: Patrick Lencioni’s approach to vulnerable leadership for trust and psychological safety.
[19:35] - How to spark healthy conflict and promote results.
[20:00] - The importance of acknowledging personality differences, diverse working styles, and ideal working conditions.
[20:37] - How to encourage open dialogue to address concerns and foster employee ownership.
[21:14] - Leading the conversations about remote work to the right approach.
[21:40] - Embracing personal user manuals for improved teamwork.
[22:14] - How to embrace a balanced approach that values different work styles.
[23:35] - How introverted and extroverted differences can impact experiences: How constructive feedback promotes awareness and inclusive adjustments.
[26:16] - Why remote work decisions should be rooted in culture and individual fit rather than an across-the-board, fixed policy.
[27:09] - How a hybrid approach accommodates diverse work styles.
[27:29] - Remote teams, as shown by a Harvard Business Review study, can be more productive, especially when employees overwork to prove their worth from home.
[28:11] - How to help employees align with teams that suit their work styles.
[28:45] - Consider implementing a system where teams choose to be fully remote or not, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of factors like productivity, team happiness, and innovation.
[29:02] - How to help fully remote teams take ownership of their success.
[29:32] - Weighing all the factors in the remote vs. in-person debate is essential, for aligning goals, ensuring meaningful decision-making, and opening the door to change.
[30:33] - How the critically important remote work decision will impact future Scrum teams', economic considerations, and overall work-life balance.
[31:10] - We don’t claim to have definitive answers but hope you enjoyed our conversation on navigating complex workplace challenges.
[32:09] - Your feedback is valuable. We'd love your thoughts about today's show or any suggestions for future topics for the show. Email us by clicking here.
[33:24] - We'd love to see you in one of Mountain Goat Software's classes, you can find the schedule here. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with others and subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Miro
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
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.
Scott Dunn is a Certified Enterprise Coach and Scrum Trainer with over 20 years of experience coaching and training companies like NASA, EMC/Dell Technologies, Yahoo!, Technicolor, and eBay to transition to an agile approach using Scrum.
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes Agile coach Reese Schmit who shares her tips for breaking recurring anti-patterns in teams and organizations through the power of the why.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian is joined by Agile Coach Reese Schmit to discuss identifying and tackling recurring Agile anti-patterns in teams and organizations. Reese shares her valuable insights on the significance of understanding the "why" behind Agile practice and avoiding the trap of "cargo cult Scrum." Listen in as she shares her tips for fostering transparency, collaboration, and trust among team members and how rediscovering the purpose behind Agile practices can lead to a world where people are excited and happy about their work.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:10] - Brian sits down with guest Reese Schmit, a coach, trainer, and mom, from the Agile 2023 Conference in Orlando, to discuss identifying and tackling recurring Agile anti-patterns in teams and organizations.
[03:10] - Reese talks about her revelation during an open jam session at the Agile 2023 Conference, where she realized the prevalence of the same anti-patterns across different teams and organizations over the past 15 years.
[05:04] - Brian and Reese discuss the frustratingly common situation of organizations claiming uniqueness but facing the same Agile challenges.
[06:19] - Reese highlights the misguided approach of blindly adhering to Agile frameworks like Scrum without understanding the principles.
[06:38] - Overplanning and white-knuckling the backlog = irrelevant user stories and wasted efforts.
[07:25] - Reese shares her journey as a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and her initial motivation to uncover the reasons behind the persistent issues in Agile implementations.
[08:54] - Brian uses the analogy of a road trip to bring home the concept of why teams need a clear goal to keep them engaged and aligned with the Agile transformation rather than just imposing Agile practices on them. [09:35] - Organizations driving without a clear destination end up with confusion, disengagement, and a sense of going through the motions.
[10:32] - Reese emphasizes the importance of a clear "why" at all levels - from product features to team goals.
[11:16] - Reese shares her early experiences as a Scrum Master, where she lacked a clear understanding of a "cargo cult" mentality in your organization.
[12:24] - The critical role of understanding the "why" behind Agile practices.
[12:28] - Brian references Dan Pink's ideas on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, about the importance of understanding the "why" and measuring progress.
[13:07] - Lack of autonomy results in disengagement, ineffective retrospectives, and helplessness to fix issues.
[13:56] - Reese emphasizes the significance of recognizing the capabilities of team members and trusting them to build better products, teams, and organizations.
[14:38] - Brian mentions a talk by Dr. Anne-Marie Charrett, a psychologist, that discussed the issue of trust within teams and what that entails.
[15:40] - Reese shares her approach to building product teams based on expertise and interest rather than imposed structures.
[16:46] - Brian emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the team's preferences when organizing them around products.
[17:37] - Reese highlights the challenges faced in true Agile transformations, and why merely renaming roles or events does not lead to a shift in mindset or a genuine transformation.
[18:15] - What true Agile adoption requires.
[19:16] - Missing Opportunities: Organizations that fail to embrace Agile's inspect-and-adapt principle miss out on the chance to improve products based on real user feedback, optimize ROI, and focus on delivering the highest value to customers.
[19:41] - Today’s show is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's Advanced Certified Product Owner® Course, a two-day training course led by a certified Scrum trainer.
[20:16] -Understanding the "why" allows for better adaptation and problem-solving.
[21:26] - Reese emphasizes that Agile issues are often complex and not solved by one-size-fits-all solutions.
[23:37] - Brian shares how presumptive fixes can lead to misunderstandings and reduced trust.
[25:46] - Recognize that team members are capable and intelligent professionals to foster trust and collaboration.
[26:58] - Reese emphasizes the need to help organizations acknowledge when their information or assumptions are wrong.
[27:30] - The importance of having a clear sprint goal (hint: it transforms ceremonies into meaningful events where collaboration happens).
[30:35] - Clear communication about the purpose of events enhances effectiveness.
[31:48] - Avoid pointless meetings.
[32:12] - Overcoming inertia is essential to make meaningful progress.
[32:58] - Reese humorously references a book on becoming healthy, which boils things down to the simplest terms, (eating veggies, sleeping enough, drinking water). Agile success can also be obtained simply, too by focusing on the fundamental principles.
[35:31] - Rediscovering the purpose behind Agile practices can lead to a world where people are excited and happy about their work.
[36:56] - Making a pact for improvement: Brian encourages listeners to take the lessons from the discussion and make a pact to focus on the core principles and purpose behind Agile practices.
[37:09] - Your feedback is valuable, so email us by clicking here. We'd love your thoughts about today's show and suggestions for future topics for the show.
[37:47] - 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:
Daniel Pink
Drive
Anne-Marie Charrett
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
Join the Agile Mentors Community
Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule
Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Agile 2023 Conference in Orlando
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.
Reese Schmit is an Agile coach, trainer, and mom with nearly two decades of experience in the software industry, she wears multiple hats. With a deep understanding of Scrum, Kanban, and Agile methodologies, she fosters change through empathy, driving customer value, and continuous improvement. An avid volunteer for Agile organizations and conferences, she balances her time between coaching and enjoying life with her family and pets.
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes Don McGreal to discuss the revision of the Scrum Guide and the delicate balance between staying true to the core principles of Scrum while allowing for necessary flexibility.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian is joined by Don McGreal, to delve into the topic of revising the Scrum Guide.
Don shares some of the behind-the-scenes of the decision-making process, and the rationale behind the crucial revisions that have shaped the latest version of the Scrum Guide.
Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the principles that guide Scrum and how they continue to evolve and the delicate balance between staying true to the core principles while allowing for necessary flexibility.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:11] - Brian welcomes us to the show and introduces his guest, Don McGreal, the Founder and Vice President of Learning Solutions for Improving, author of “The Professional Product Owner” and a big name in the Scrum.org community to talk about revising the Scrum Guide.
[04:27] - Don shares how he got involved in revising the Scrum Guide.
[05:21] - One team, one group focused on the product.
[06:57] - What a scrum team consists of now and why they made the change.
[08:11]- We don't expect you to have a title on your business card.
[08:53] -The switch from role to accountability.
[10:51] - Ten people on a team, one Scrum master, one product owner: It's not illegal in Scrum to take on more than one set of accountabilities or have a bigger team but there are risks involved.
[12:51] - Three people using Scrum to work through treatments for a child with autism.
[13:34] - Why the team decided to stick with the term "developer."
[16:22] - Other terms, including "sprint" and 'backlog" that caused debates and why they stuck.
[17:39] - Scrum sounds different because it IS.
[18:20] - True Leader: the hot-button topic in the scrum guide that people are still debating, and how they landed on their decision.
[19:52] - Clarifying the term "serve" and the need for true leaders who empower the team and make things happen beyond just serving.
[21:21] - Today’s show is brought to you by Mountain Goat Software's, Advanced Certified Product Owner® Course, which aims to enhance product owners' skills, confidence, and credibility. The course offers lifetime access to materials and interactive software for valuable and enjoyable breakout exercises. Additionally, participants gain access to Mike Cohn's Agile Mentors Community, with 12 months of ongoing coaching and support.
[22:00] - The decision to drop the three questions from the Daily and the new approach.
[22:47] - A significant addition to the Scrum framework – the concept of a product goal representing the journey towards a vision.
[23:40] - The (results-driven) power of the product goal as inspired by “The 4 Disciplines of Execution." and how it’s changed how backlogs are managed and success is measured.
[25:00] - Changing the measure of success: measuring success by value rather than checking things off a backlog list.
[25:26] - The vision is the big idea-the product goal is the milestone. It's a step towards the vision.
[26:21] - In the revised Scrum Guide, the product goal is now part of the product backlog, emphasizing a commitment to achieving objectives with sprint and product goals focusing on the overall goal, not every task, while the Definition of Done ensures the increment's success.
[29:28] - Before the new Scrum Guide, teams working on multiple products had debates on having one prioritized backlog or multiple lists.
[30:12] - How the introduction of the product goal in the Scrum Guide directed teams towards having one focused direction, (preventing everything from being equally important).
[31:06] - How emphasizing one strategic focus helped teams with multiple products alleviate challenges with prioritizing and improved their approach and alignment.
[31:43] - Product backlog with mixed products lacks direction. Product goal provides focus without excluding other items.
[33:15] - Some of the controversial changes, like making refinement an event and concerns about terminology like "master" in Scrum roles.
[34:49] - The term "immutable" in the Scrum Guide means unchanging, which some find bothersome, but it serves to maintain consistency and distinguish genuine Scrum from modified versions.
[36:49] - It's immutable, and it isn't suffocating. It's a lightweight framework described in a 13-page document—there's a lot of wiggle room in there—give it a shot and give it its best chance to succeed by following these simple rules.
[37:28] - Change it if you must but then stop calling it Scrum.
[38:05] - The sacred text about Scrum is meant to be easy to take on, helpful…AND flexible.
[39:22] - Learning from the early days: streamlining a 200-300 page document with legal complexities into the current Scrum Guide, while aiming to distill its essence and promote simplicity and accessibility.
[40:48] - You can find out more about Don and Improving by visiting their website. Additionally, Don's book, "The Professional Product Owner," can be found on Amazon.
[41:07] - 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. Your feedback is valuable, so feel free to email us by clicking here.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Scrum Guides
Improving
The Professional Product Owner: Leveraging Scrum as a Competitive Advantage
Scrum.org
The 4 Disciplines of Execution
Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner®
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.
Don McGreal is Vice President of Learning Solutions at Improving, and author of the best-selling book: 'The Professional Product Owner: Leveraging Scrum as a Competitive Advantage', and a Scrum.org Professional Scrum Trainer who has authored and taught classes for thousands of professionals around the globe.
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Are your retrospectives boring? Join us on the latest episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast as Brian shares valuable insights on how to supercharge your retrospectives. Discover the three root causes behind boring or ineffective retrospectives and unlock tips to enhance their effectiveness.
Overview
Today on the Agile Mentors Podcast Brian Milner shares valuable insights on supercharging your retrospectives.
Listen in to discover the three root causes behind boring or ineffective retrospectives, plus Brian shares his tips on ways to enhance their effectiveness.
Tune in as Brian unveils some innovative ways to breathe new life into your retrospective themes while creating more meaningful connections within your team and fostering a deeper understanding of the bigger picture.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:18] - On this last podcast episode for July, Brian offers insight into the three root causes behind uninteresting or ineffective retrospectives and tips to enhance and revitalize your retrospectives.
[01:58] - Are your retrospectives boring? To supercharge your retrospectives: don't just go through the motions; take ownership, connect the dots, and make things happen.
[02:45] - Scrum Guide Tip: to progress towards resolving the biggest issues, put action items from your current sprint into your next sprint's backlog.
[03:25] - You don't have to solve everything in one sprint.
[03:51] - Showing your team their recent successes can help with motivation.
[04:22] - How to make your retrospectives less boring. Boredom buster #1: make them effective—avoid repeating the same issues.
[04:43] - Boredom buster #2: transparency is vital in boosting collaboration and trust—create a safe space for open discussions (use anonymous voting to gauge team comfort).
[06:10] - Equal say for all (including Scrum Masters), how anonymity empowers everyone and leads to collaborative problem-solving.
[07:05] - How setup systems for topic submissions can keep your team from forgetting important issues. [07:36] - Make your retrospectives diverse: different perspectives bring fresh ideas.
[08:32] - This is your chance to be creative and invent your own themes to activate your team's brain in a different way.
[09:42] - Fun takeaway! Brian shares his one-of-a-kind idea for a unique retrospective theme you can use with your team.
[11:49] - Pop culture, the flavor of the day, or non-traditional, Brian shares some more ideas to liven up your retrospective.
[12:33] - Or try something completely different: discuss industry trends, company uniqueness, and personal highlights to connect to the bigger picture and deepen team connections.
[13:39] - How unleashing the human connection can lead to stronger bonds and better teamwork.
[15:40] - Why you should experiment with new ways to revive your retrospectives.
[16:48] - New guest episodes are coming up in August! Do you have an Agile subject you'd like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us here.
[16:51] - A message from our sponsor: Better User Stories, a one-day live online training course with Mike Cohn to improve your user story writing, so your team can do its best work, faster.
[17:22] - New guest episodes are coming up in August! Do you have an Agile subject you'd like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us here.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Scrum Guides
Mountain Goat Software’s Better User Stories
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 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.
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Join Brian Milner in another episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast series on unlocking the secrets of a sustainable pace. Today he’s delving into the power of "No" in Agile. Tune in to discover the truth behind feature usage, prioritize value-driven choices, and tips for mastering the art of saying no without losing your job.
Overview
Today on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sheds light on the power of saying "No" in Agile organizations.
"No" is an integral part of a healthy Agile organization. Learn how prioritizing value-driven choices empowers success in delivering the highest value to customers every time. Listen in as Brian shares valuable insights on establishing shared desired outcomes to ensure alignment and effective decision-making within teams and organizations.
Tune in for practical tips on mastering the art of saying "No" with confidence, navigating challenging conversations, and preserving relationships and job security along the way.
Listen Now to Discover:
[00:53] - In this episode of our summer series on practicing sustainable pace, Brian Milner talks about how important it is to say no, without losing your job.
[01:40] - Challenging the 64% Myth: Unveiling the Truth Behind Feature Usage (famous Standish Group study on feature utilization and Mike Cohn’s research).
[2:15] - The 2019 Feature Adoption Report | Pendo.io White Papers and The Surprising Power of Online Experiments.
[02:49] - Slack's monetization woes - unveiling the reality: 70% of features fail to deliver.
[03:13] - Product development philosophy: switching course to design features people care about.
[04:49] - Unlocking Agile's Key Principle: Product owners must practice saying NO daily in the mirror.
[06:34] - Saying no to unlock actual value - selective deliveries for maximum impact and prioritizing quality over quantity in our deliverables.
[07:17] - Saying no isn't always easy.
[07:32] - Tips for navigating the art of saying no while preserving relationships and job security.
[08:50] - How establishing shared desired outcomes in Agile ensures alignment and effective decision-making and fosters collaboration and value to customers.
[10:11] - For product owners: how prioritizing value-driven choices ensures success for both the product and the organization.
[12:56] - How developers can foster understanding and acknowledge their role while exploring how choices will impact the team and process.
[13:39] - A strategic dialogue on overtime requests' downstream effects and impact.
[14:54] - NO should be a regular occurrence in a healthy agile organization.
[15:08] - A message from our sponsor: Better User Stories, a one-day live online training course with Mike Cohn to improve your user story writing, so your team can do its best work, faster.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Standish Group
Are 64% of Features Really Rarely or Never Used?
#25: Scaling with Henrik Kniberg
Product Ownership in a Nutshell
Manifesto for Agile Software Development
Mountain Goat Software’s Better User Stories
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 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.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
In this week's episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner dives deep into the importance of experimentation in Agile organizations. Tune in to learn valuable tips for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Developers to embrace an experimental mindset.
Overview
Experimentation is at the heart of Agile's DNA, fueling innovation and continuous improvement.
Today on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner explores the fundamental role of experimentation in Agile organizations.
"Agile is a framework that allows teams to find the best ways of working together, and this can only be achieved through continuous experimentation." Brian offers his tips for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Developers to embrace experimentation in their respective roles.
Experimentation is a cultural value. Listen in to gain insights into the power of experimentation to unlock the full potential of Agile within your organization.
Summer is a great time to explore new approaches and experiment with Agile practices. Join Brian as he shares practical tips and real-world examples to help you embrace an experimental mindset on your Agile journey.
Listen Now to Discover:
[00:53] - This is the second of our special July episodes where we're taking a break from interviews and focusing on some quick tips you can use.
[01:21] - Today, we're diving into the topic of experimentation.
[02:53] - What Google says about experimentation
[03:46] - What is Empiricism, and what does it have to do with Agile?
[04:09] - Unlike traditional product development, Agile operates on a research and development paradigm focused on experimentation and inventing new solutions rather than mass production.
[04:35] - Experimentation is really at the heart of what we do in Agile.
[05:03] - Experimentation is a cultural value.
[06:10] - Wipe the word failure out of your vocabulary.
[06:42] - Experiments can go either way, and that's okay. It's just the facts.
[07:09] - Three tips for Scrum Masters to embrace experimentation.
[10:04] - Three tips for Product Owners to embrace experimentation.
[11:44] - How Developers can embrace experimentation.
[14:03] - Finding the right balance for your team.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
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 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.
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian takes listeners on a discovery of what sustainable pace is, what it isn’t, and how embracing a culture that is pro work-life balance can lead to not only enhanced well-being for your team members but also help them be more productive.
Overview
Today on the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner is walking listeners through the hidden drawbacks of pushing teams to their limits in a fast-paced work environment and the benefits for work and employee well-being of maintaining a sustainable pace.
Brian takes a look at the resurgence of the "crack the whip" mentality and the impact of prioritizing excessive work hours over sustainable practices.
Listen in for Brian's tips for creating a culture that embraces sustainability and work-life balance and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, teams, and organizations alike.
Listen Now to Discover:
[00:53] - Join us in July for quick shorter episodes and valuable insights designed to enhance your Agile journey. We'll be back with full episodes in August!
[02:11] - Diving into the topic of sustainable pace: uncover the drawbacks of pushing teams too hard in a fast-paced work environment and why sustainable pace is essential for productivity and employee well-being.
[03:49] - The resurgence of the "crack the whip" mentality and its impact on employee morale and quality of work.
[4:33] -The philosophy of hardcore work, including a specific example involving Elon Musk and the importance of finding a sustainable work-life balance.
[6:04] - Discover the impact of stress on software development through a study by Tsuneo Furuyama to learn how long-term stress factors contribute to 71% of software faults.
[7:25] - Pushing people to work nights and weekends has a negative effect on the quality of work.
[7:43] - The origin of the concept of sustainable pace in XP and the importance of maintaining a sustainable pace for long-term success.
[8:57] - The true meaning of sustainable pace: how to embrace the balance between productivity and personal well-being.
[10:14] - The negative consequences of rushing and time pressure in software development.
[10:49] - How pushing teams beyond their sustainable pace actually results in more errors, bugs, and delays.
[11:14] - A sustainable pace leads to faster and more efficient releases in the long run.
[11:53] - There really is something to work-life balance.
[12:13] - Brian shares three tips to promote a sustainable pace.
[12:56] - A downstream effect of having high stress in your life.
[14:14] - What a sustainable pace is all about.
[15:31] - Coming up on next week’s show.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Tsuneo Furuyama Study
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 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.
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
In this episode of Agile Mentors, Brian sits down with Lance Dacy to discuss integrating Agile and Scrum practices into the world of data science.
Overview
In this episode of the "Agile Mentors" podcast, Brian sits down with Lance Dacy to discuss integrating Agile and Scrum practices in the world of data science.
Tune in to gain insight into the importance of feedback, the stages of the SAS Enterprise Miner initiative, and how frameworks like OSEMN can enhance the data science process.
Listen in to learn how to strike the right balance between technical knowledge and product ownership and why culture is crucial in successful Agile implementation within the data science domain.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:16] - Brian introduces his guest Lance Dacy, referring to him as "our San Diego Zoo guy" and the topic of today's show using Agile or Scrum practices in a data science world.
[02:27] - Lance shares his background in data science and how it fits into the world of Agile.
[05:06] - The big reason so many people are against using Agile for data science and where the big rub is.
[09:02] - Who cares if it’s Agile or not? Lance shares Jeff Salts's poll about data science and introduces CRISP-DM.
[11:05] - The six steps of the cross-industry standard process for data mining.
[14:18] - Adopting a Scrum-like approach and treating data science work as smaller phases makes it possible to classify and organize tasks effectively.
[15:59] - Does anyone remember the Rational Unified Process?
[17:57] - It’s up to you to come up with ideas—once you have them, here's how we get it done.
[18:18] - In the world of data science, implementing frameworks like Scrum can lead to misconceptions and failures—the key lies in understanding the layers of data science, navigating the complexities of the work effectively, and making informed decisions.
[23:06] - The vital importance of feedback.
[23:45] - The stages of the SAS Enterprise Miner initiative.
[27:25] Brian introduces the sponsor for the podcast, Mountain Goat Software, and their two-day Certified ScrumMaster Course that’s perfect for anyone who wants to understand Scrum and add value to any team.
[28:23] - How the product owner fits in when discussing working with big data.
[29:50] Lance introduces the OSEMN process and explains how to solve a problem like a data scientist.
[30:47] - When it comes to the role of a product owner, the technical knowledge required depends on the nature of the product.
[31:42] - While Scrum lacks explicit guidance on backlog construction, the OSEMN framework themes (obtain, scrub, explore, model, interpret) can be incorporated to align sprint goals with specific aspects of the data science process.
[33:47] - The framework or the structure of how you carry it out is less important than the kind of agreement.
[35:07] - It's a cultural rather than a process problem. Lance delves into the debate on applying Agile Scrum to research.
[36:37] - A fundamental misunderstanding about daily scrums.
[37:18] - None of us are smarter than all of us together. Agile and Scrum work well when you know how to solve the problem, and there's a relatively clear path to victory.
[38:49] - Brian shares his biggest piece of advice to people considering this in the data science
[39:28] - “Data science is just the work that we're trying to do, tailor your process for your team and your culture and always inspect and adapt to try to make it better.”
[41:08] - If you have feedback for the show or topics for future episodes, email us by clicking here (if you have yet to get a response, send another one as something has gone wrong in the process). And don’t forget to subscribe to the “Agile Mentors” Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. And if you are a data scientist or work in big data and found the information in this valuable, let one of your co-workers know about it.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Data Science Process Alliance
CRISP-DM
OSEMN
Scrum and Data Science
Agile Mentors Blog Topic: Decision Science - What methodology fits best?
Certified ScrumMaster Training and Scrum Certification
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 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.
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.
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Unveiling the truth behind Agile coaching! Brian sits down with Lucy O'Keefe to debunk the misconceptions, share the keys to effective coaching, and share their insight on the one-two punch of training and coaching for sustainable success.
Overview
In this episode of the "Agile Mentors" podcast, Brian sits down with Lucy O'Keefe to debunk the misconceptions and unveil the true role of Agile coaches.
They share their personal stories and revelations and explore the pros and cons of moving from Scrum Master to Agile coach.
They'll walk listeners through the transformative power of external perspectives, navigating conflicts, and the collaborative mindset that fosters meaningful change. Plus, hear Lucy's invaluable advice on finding mentors and embarking on the journey to becoming a certified Team Coach.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:10] - Brian welcomes CTC Agile Coach & Trainer Lucy O'Keefe, to the show for today’s discussion on the true role (and the common misconceptions about) of an Agile coach
[02:17] - Lucy shares her initial misconception about agile coaches and how it shaped her perception of their role.
[03:02] - Brian relates his experience with the term "Agile Coach" and his revelation when delving into the subject.
[04:16] - Lucy and Brian reflect on their transitions from exceptional Scrum Masters to agile coaching roles.
[05:53] - The pros, cons, and trade-offs of transitioning from a Scrum Master to an Agile coach.
[06:32] - The shift in focus that comes with Agile coaching and what to consider to determine if this change aligns with your preferences and career aspirations.
[07:12] - There's nothing wrong with being a kick *** Scrum Master. The world needs lots more like you.
[07:51] -How your role as a coach involves assisting your team and organization in their pursuit of progress (or debunking the myth of perfection in Agile).
[08:11] - An Agile coach is NOT merely an elevated Scrum Master.
[08:33] - The two opposing misconceptions about Agile coaching and the multifaceted aspects of coaching by Bob Galen.
[09:20] - Lucy emphasizes the importance of wearing multiple hats and the diverse skills required as an Agile coach.
[10:26] -Avoid the “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” scenario and ensure effective communication.
[11:16] - Learn to read the signs and strike the right balance to avoid frustrating situations and empower meaningful progress.
[11:54] - Professional coaching requires a willingness to engage deeply and tackle tough issues.
[13:38] - Knowing where to step in and when it's time not to step in.
[14:07] - Brian introduces the sponsor for this podcast episode, Mountain Goat Software, and their exceptional Scrum certification classes that go beyond a traditional online whiteboard for a fun and effective way to achieve learning objectives.
[14:52] - Effectively communicating the value proposition of having a team or enterprise coach.
[15:41] - The dynamics of internal and external coaches within organizations. And the transformative impact that external coaches can have on an organization’s ability to address impediments effectively.
[16:58] - Lucy shares how to approach coaching with a collaborative mindset, helping organizations see the value of change rather than imposing it and the questions. Agile coaches conduct assessments to uncover hidden issues to guide organizations to the areas for improvement.
[19:18] - Resistance to change often stems from fear of the unknown rather than change itself.
[19:57] - The most important thing to understand to help organizations reach the outcome they want and make the changes they need to make to get there.
[20:15] - Brian draws a parallel between the value of a coach and that of a therapist and how an outside viewpoint proves highly beneficial in understanding and addressing systemic issues within teams.
[21:29] - Asking the right questions to resolve the underlying issues through Agile coaching.
[22:42] - What coaches can and can't help with—knowing your limits as a coach and the lines NOT to cross to keep your coaching journey on track.
[23:40] -Don't settle for just training; go for the one-two punch of training and coaching—the winning combination that propels sustainable change.
[25:48] -Why would you need to take a class? Even Bob Galen realizes he always needs to grow and learn in what he’s doing to avoid becoming irrelevant.
[26:37] - Act with curiosity, but not curiosity for our own sake.
[27:30] - Lucy offers her advice for people who want to become a Certified Team Coach (CTC).
[29:02] - How to find the mentors that will offer you the most growth.
[29:55] If you have feedback for the show or topics for future episodes, email us by clicking here (if you have yet to get a response, send another one as something has gone wrong in the process). And don’t forget to subscribe to the “Agile Mentors” Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
[30:49] - Remember that Brian and Mike will speak at this year's Agile 2023 Conference in Orlando in July.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
#42: The Importance of Self-Mastery with Bob Galen
Agile2023!
Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification
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 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.
Lucy O'Keefe has over 28 years of IT experience and has worn multiple hats in the Agile world - developer, Product Owner, and Scrum Master and now, as a Teaching Assistant, where she leverages her diverse background to ensure students have an exceptional training experience.
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Join Brian and Agile pioneer Jim Highsmith as they dive into the riveting saga of 17 tech rebels who defied convention, unleashed their passions, and revolutionized the world of software development.
Overview
In this episode of the "Agile Mentors" podcast, Brian sits down with Agile pioneer Jim Highsmith to share how 17 tech rebels reshaped the software landscape.
Jim shares captivating stories from his time working with NASA and Nike to the collaboration of 17 nonconformists that led to the Agile Manifesto and transformed the software industry.
Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the circumstances that led to the birth of Agile and how camaraderie, collaboration, and a human-centric approach sparked a wildfire of support for the Agile movement. Tune in to this episode for insights, lessons, and a glimpse into the future of Agile from an industry legend.
Listen Now to Discover:
[01:10] - Brian introduces Jim Highsmith, a renowned figure in the Agile community. Jim is an experienced software developer, writer, and storyteller. His latest book, "Wild West to Agile," has become a sensation in the industry, earning the top spot as a new release on Amazon. He also co-authored the Agile Manifesto and the Declaration of Interdependence for Project Leaders, co-founded the Agile Alliance, and served as the first president of the Agile Leadership Network.
[03:57] - Jim recounts his journey working on the NASA Apollo program and how the constant advancements in technology shaped the course of the Apollo project, offering valuable insights into the era's challenges and adaptability.
[08:47] - Jim shares a fascinating story from his time at Nike, where outdated requirements left a project stagnant for 18 months.
[10:34] - How waterfall methodologies left companies trapped and projects taking too long and costing too much.
[11:53] - Setting the stage for the revolutionary Agile movement.
[13:16] - A problem so painful leadership was on board to find a solution.
[14:48] - A message from our sponsor: Mountain Goat Software has courses from Certified Scrum Master Training and Scrum Certification to Certified Scrum Product Owner Training that equips you with the sought-after skills valued by top-notch teams. Visit the Mountain Goat website for all the details.
[15:40] -Jim reveals the connections and common ground that started the manifesto meeting.
[18:21] - An agenda-free meeting with 17 nonconformist experts seeking common ground and how an encounter with Steve Mellor led to an unexpected alignment of intent.
[21:01] - 17 individuals, each with nonconformist perspectives, agree.
[21:17] - Why did 17 audacious techies revolutionize the world? And what lessons can we learn from their experience for the future?
[23:39] - Where Agile's lasting impact lies and what keeps it at the forefront of change.
[24:39] - Putting aside competition for collaboration and cooperation that led to change.
[25:30] - What keeps Agile at the forefront of change? Brian shares a nugget of wisdom from Jim's book about Agilists.
[26:38] - Finally, a language that spoke to us all!—how the Agile movement shattered the notion of interchangeable cogs and embraced our humanity, sparking a wildfire of support.
[27:59] - Jim shares his thoughts on where he thinks the Agile movement is headed and why he thinks the agility of organizations and people will be a definite advantage in the future.
[29:56] - Brian mentions his high recommendation for listeners to pick up Jim’s book, Wild West to Agile: Adventures in Software Development Evolution and Revolution.
[31:38] - There are a ton of podcasts out there; thank you for taking the time to listen to this one. And don’t forget to subscribe to the “Agile Mentors” Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
[32:05] - If you've considered taking a CSM or CSPO class, check us out at Mountain Goat Software. Or join the conversation in our Agile Mentors Community.
[32:32] - If you have feedback for the show or topics for future episodes, email us by clicking here, and I'll get back to you ASAP.
References and resources mentioned in the show:
Jim Highsmith
Jim Highsmith on LinkedIn
Wild West to Agile Agile Manifesto
Agile Alliance Agile Leadership Network
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.
Jim Highsmith is an experienced software developer, writer, storyteller, and industry pioneer recognized for his instrumental role in the birth of the Agile movement. His latest book, "Wild West to Agile," has become a sensation in the industry, earning the top spot as a new release on Amazon. Jim continues to inspire and guide Agile enthusiasts worldwide through his insightful stories and expertise.