The (mis)adventures of an agile coach
In the fast-paced world of Agile, whether you’re a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, certain traits are crucial to cultivating a high-performing, adaptable team. It’s about being proactive, staying alert, and constantly expanding your knowledge. But here’s the kicker! Don’t overlook the importance of balance in your own life. Carving out time for yourself, … Read more
Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes‘ has always been one of my favourite fairytales. Even now, as a grown-up, it continues to capture my imagination and resonates within my professional life. The most striking scene from the fairytale involves a deceived emperor strutting around in ‘invisible’ clothing, with his subjects nodding and … Read more
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Or, as the Dutch say: tall trees tend to catch a lot of wind. Scrum, being widely embraced, often faces scrutiny and satire. One such humorous critique is the video “SCRUM: An Honest Ad” by Null Labs. This blog post I will dissect the video’s exaggerated claims … Read more
Agile coaching is more than wielding methodologies or driving change. It is a role steeped in layers of skill, responsibility, and ethical mindfulness. Agile environments, with their inherent twists and turns, demand more than just technical knowhow. They call for a strong ethical compass, a ‘true north’ to keep decisions in line with both the … Read more
In order to communicate effectively, it is sometimes necessary to adapt to your audience. Memes are always the go-to message for members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. Do you want to see some of my favourite memes related to Scrum? Let us take a look in my ‘Scrum memes’ folder! First up, the … Read more
I really love my role as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, though it sometimes packs a punch of surprises. Somehow, I’ve become the go-to virtuoso on Scrum among friends and colleagues. While it might sound grand, it is a mixed blessing. Picture me at a friend’s birthday party, devouring a slice of carrot cake. … Read more
Remember that time you tried to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions? Chaos, right? Managing a complex project without a clear visual guide feels the same. Enter Obeya, your new agile and Scrum best friend. Let’s explore how this concept can revolutionize your work. What is Obeya? Obeya, a Japanese term meaning “big room”, comes from … Read more
In a recent meeting, I found myself struggling to recall all the Scrum values. It was a moment of blankness, which was particularly frustrating as I pride myself on my expertise. Noooooo! Remembering lists has never been my strong suit. Previously, I had managed to remember the pillars of Empiricism—Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation—as TIA, using … Read more
Have you ever cooked dinner for a date without knowing their culinary preferences? Imagine cooking an exquisite roast… only to find out your date is vegan. Traditional project management frequently feels like this: focused on finishing tasks rather than knowing what actually satisfies the end user. This is where product thinking comes in. It’s like … Read more
The third and final day of the Online Scrum Master Summit 2024 built on the momentum of the preceding (day one, day two) days, presenting thought-provoking sessions and insightful discussions. Each workshop provided a deep exploration into the evolving Agile landscape. By attending Thursday’s eight (!) sessions, I gained novel insights on Agile autonomy challenges, … Read more
Building on the success of the first day, the second day of the Online Scrum Master Summit 2024 featured thought-provoking sessions and insights. Attending the day’s eight (!) sessions immersed me in topics ranging from mental health and team dynamics to the use of AI in Agile practices. So join me again as I recount … Read more
While scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across the Online Scrum Master Summit, which instantly piqued my interest. The summit has a broad roster of speakers from across the world, each providing unique views and practical guidance. The large number of interesting subjects and speakers prompted me to cover each day of the summit. This blog post … Read more
Since the last version of the Evidence-Based Management (EBM) Guide was published in 2020, significant updates have been made to enhance the clarity and applicability of EBM. The updates in the new 2024 version are based on new insights and learnings since the 2020 version. The fundamental concepts of EBM remain unchanged, focusing on using … Read more
Last week, I took a course on using User Experience (UX) practices in Agile, and I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the early days of my career. The course provided a meaningful reflection on the principles I first discovered during my university years, when I began to understand the interaction of technology and user … Read more
As a Scrum Master, I’ve always been devoted to encouraging teamwork and positive interactions among team members. Over the years it’s become clear to me that mastering facilitation skills is essential for improving team dynamics and problem solving. Personally, I considered my facilitation skills to be “okay-ish.” I’ve often looked up to other professionals and … Read more