Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

When Architects Push Solutions—Learning to Disagree but Commit in Agile Teams | Lilia Pulova

Jun 23, 2025

Lilia Pulova, a former Business Intelligence Analyst turned Scrum Master, shares her journey of translating complex needs into effective processes. She discusses a challenging scenario where she had to embrace a solution proposed by an architect, even though she had better alternatives for her less-experienced team. This experience led her to practice the Agile principle of 'disagree but commit,' emphasizing the importance of clear communication and allowing teams to learn from both their successes and failures.

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ANECDOTE

Architect Pushes Complex Solution

Lilia shared a story of an architect pushing a complex solution she disagreed with but chose to support.
She prioritized her team's readiness and adapted through ongoing conversations and adjustments.

ADVICE

Let Go and Learn From Failure

Sometimes you must let go and let others try their approach despite reservations.
Coach to convince, but if resistance is strong, support the decision and learn from the outcome.

ADVICE

Guide Teams Through Change

Clearly communicate the chosen solution and its value to the less experienced team.
Provide hands-on support at every step to reduce resistance and confusion.

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Lilia Pulova: When Architects Push Solutions—Learning to Disagree but Commit in Agile Teams

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

Lilia shares a challenging situation where an architect pushed a complex solution that she felt might be too difficult for her less-experienced team. Despite having two alternative solutions that better suited the team's capabilities, she chose to let go of her concerns and try the architect's approach. This decision required significant adaptation and ongoing conversations with her frustrated team members. By informing her manager about the team's frustration level and working closely with the team to adapt the solution to their context, Lilia demonstrates the valuable principle of "disagree but commit" - sometimes you need to let go of your preferred approach and learn from trying something different.

Self-reflection Question: When have you had to set aside your preferred solution to support a team decision, and what did you learn from that experience?

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About Lilia Pulova

Lilia Pulova, a former Business Intelligence Analyst, discovered her passion as a Scrum Master by chance. A natural communicator with a love for languages, she now bridges the gap between business and tech, translating complex needs into streamlined processes that boost productivity and keep teams aligned and focused.

You can link with Lilia Pulova on LinkedIn.