In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance[2][3][4].
Jurgen Appelo's "Managing for Happiness" offers a refreshing perspective on workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement and well-being. The book explores practical strategies for creating a positive and productive work environment, focusing on improving employee morale, fostering collaboration, and enhancing overall job satisfaction. It delves into the connection between employee happiness and business success, demonstrating how a happy workforce leads to increased productivity and improved client outcomes. Appelo provides actionable steps for managers to implement, including techniques for effective communication, conflict resolution, and team building. The book's focus on human-centric management makes it a valuable resource for leaders seeking to create a thriving and fulfilling workplace.
Mateusz Komander: When Process Becomes a Prison, Breaking Free from Over-Rigid Agile Team Practices
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.
Working with an airline scheduling tool development team, Mateusz encountered a situation where rigid processes became a self-imposed prison. Instead of adapting to challenges, the team's response to missed deadlines was to add more process layers, particularly around testing.
The daily standups became status reports rather than collaboration opportunities, with team members focused on appearing busy rather than supporting each other. Through careful intervention, Mateusz helped transform their daily meetings to focus on future collaborations and mutual support needs.
Self-reflection Question: How can you identify if your team's processes are serving as protective measures or becoming barriers to effective collaboration?
Featured Book of the Week: Managing for Happiness by Jurgen Appelo
Mateusz recommends "Managing for Happiness" by Jurgen Appelo as an essential read for Scrum Masters. This book stands out for its practical combination of tools and real-life examples, helping create better environments for teams' daily work. Its inspirational approach makes it particularly valuable for Scrum Masters looking to introduce new practices and ideas to their teams.
In this segment, we also refer to Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman.
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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.
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About Mateusz Komander
Mateusz, is a Scrum Master at Heineken, and brings expertise from biotech and airline industries, excelling in Agile delivery and transformations. Skilled in Management 3.0, he fosters self-managed, innovative teams. Mateusz just launched a podcast on organizational transformation, Mateusz highlights how understanding team dynamics beyond the Scrum framework enhances collaboration and effectiveness.
You can link with Mateusz Komander on LinkedIn.
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