In "The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time," Jeff Sutherland, a co-creator of Scrum, provides a practical guide to implementing Scrum principles. The book emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and iterative development. Sutherland shares real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how Scrum can improve productivity and efficiency. He also addresses common challenges and misconceptions surrounding Scrum adoption. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their project management skills and achieve better results. It's a must-read for those seeking to understand the core principles of Scrum and how to apply them effectively.
In 'Drive: The Story of My Life,' Larry Bird shares his personal and professional journey, including his decision to transfer from Indiana University to Indiana State, the heartbreak of his father's suicide and his own failed marriage, and the discipline that turned him into a national superstar. The book covers his time with the Boston Celtics, the Celtic-Laker rivalry, and his interactions with other NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan.
In 'Start with Why', Simon Sinek introduces the concept of 'The Golden Circle', which consists of 'Why', 'How', and 'What'. He argues that successful leaders and organizations start with their purpose or 'Why', which inspires loyalty and trust. Sinek uses examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers to illustrate how this approach can lead to significant influence and success. The book emphasizes the importance of leadership and purpose in inspiring others and achieving long-term success.
Aliona Zapanovici: Overcoming The “bus factor” Problem, Building Resilient Agile Teams Through Knowledge Sharing
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.
A recurring issue Aliona observed in teams was the “bus factor,” where key knowledge was held by only a few members. This led to significant bottlenecks when unforeseen absences, such as during COVID or vacations, occurred. The reluctance of specialists to share knowledge, driven by fear of reduced importance, exacerbated the problem and demotivated the team. Aliona emphasizes the importance of knowledge-sharing and personal growth within teams and highlights the use of tools like a skills matrix to promote development and resilience.
Self-reflection Question: How does your team approach knowledge-sharing and redundancy?
Featured Book of the Week: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland
The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland provided Aliona with the deeper “why” behind the Scrum framework during her early days as a Scrum Master. It shifted her understanding from merely following Scrum practices to grasping their purpose. This book was pivotal in guiding her to explore her own motivations and the true essence of Scrum.
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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
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About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches 
