Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

The Role of Trust and Fun in High-Performing Agile Teams | Chrissy Fleming

Feb 6, 2025

Chrissy Fleming, an Associate Principal in Business Agility at Turnberry Solutions, dives into the essentials of building high-performing Agile teams. She discusses the vital roles of trust and fun, asserting that when teams enjoy working together, psychological safety flourishes. Fleming emphasizes simple and engaging retrospective formats, advocating for team-led discussions to promote collaboration. Additionally, she highlights how playful competition can enhance accountability and decision-making, boosting overall team dynamics.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Mastering Agile Retrospectives

02:11 • 8min

The Impact of Trust and Playfulness on Team Performance

09:52 • 3min

Enhancing Team Dynamics Through Fun and Accountability

13:00 • 2min

The Power of Fun and Trust in Agile Team Dynamics

15:25 • 3min

Chrissy Fleming: The Role of Trust and Fun in High-Performing 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.

For Chrissy, success as a Scrum Master means fostering high-performing teams that solve valuable problems. She emphasizes that while this sounds simple, it requires building trust, establishing accountability, and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement. A key indicator of success is when teams naturally have fun together, reflecting their comfort and psychological safety.

Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Simple and Team-Led

Chrissy advocates for simple retrospective formats that encourage team participation, particularly those led by team members rather than the Scrum Master. She recommends using tools like Easy Retro and MURAL for remote sessions, emphasizing the importance of individual reflection time before group discussion and creating a safe space by acknowledging personal mistakes.

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About Chrissy Fleming

Chrissy came to Scrum-Mastering via Product Management and a deep love of seeing teams work together. She spent 15 years in the New York tech scene and is currently an Associate Principal in Business Agility with Turnberry Solutions. She also has her own company where she coaches and helps businesses and technologists with their development.

You can link with Chrissy Fleming on LinkedIn.