Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

When Hierarchy Hinders Team Growth: A Lesson in Listening | Hassan Butt

Oct 29, 2024

Hassan Butt, a Scrum Master and Agile Coach for a UK FTSE100 Telco, shares his expertise on navigating team dynamics in hierarchical organizations. He recounts early experiences where seniority stifled communication, demonstrating how it harmed team cohesion. Hassan emphasizes the importance of listening to all voices, especially newcomers, to foster inclusivity and creativity. He recommends Lyssa Adkins' 'Coaching Agile Teams' for its insights on personal growth, which helped him combat imposter syndrome and improve team dynamics.

09:35

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Episode guests

Hassan Butt

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Listening to all team members, particularly newcomers, fosters a culture of inclusivity that enhances creativity and collaboration.

Overcoming hierarchical dominance in conversations encourages diverse ideas and prevents team members from feeling silenced or disengaged.

Deep dives

The Importance of Active Listening

Mastering active listening is crucial for personal growth and effective communication as a Scrum Master. The discussion highlights how cultivating this skill can alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome and enhance team dynamics. By taking the time to listen, rather than dominating conversations, Scrum Masters can foster an environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to contribute their ideas. This shift not only empowers individuals but also enriches the team's overall creativity and collaboration.

Intro

2min

The Impact of Hierarchy on Team Dynamics

2min

Navigating Team Dynamics: The Importance of Listening

3min

Empowering Team Creativity Beyond Hierarchy

3min

Hassan Butt: Fostering Growth Mindsets in Hierarchy Driven Organizations

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

In this episode, Hassan talks about one of his early experiences with a team struggling with ingrained hierarchy. Senior team members dominated conversations, creating a culture where only the most authoritative voices were heard. However, new team members with a growth mindset challenged this dynamic, leading to conflict. Hassan highlights the importance of listening to all voices, especially newcomers, and encourages leaders to avoid stifling ideas. "Good ideas can come from anywhere," he shares, reminding us to foster an environment of openness and collaboration.

Self-reflection Question: How do you create space for all voices to be heard in your team?

Featured Book of the Week: Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins

Hassan recommends Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins as a foundational book for Agile practitioners. The book, especially the chapter on "mastering yourself," helped Hassan overcome impostor syndrome and grow more confident in his role. He often recommends this book to others as it provides valuable insights into personal growth and self-awareness, critical for building effective teams.

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About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community.

You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn.