This book, written by Jeff Sutherland, one of the co-creators of Scrum, provides insights into the Scrum framework and its application in enhancing productivity. Sutherland draws from his diverse experiences as a fighter pilot, biometrics expert, and executive in technology companies to illustrate how Scrum can be used to achieve remarkable productivity gains. The book includes real-life examples, such as the FBI's use of Scrum to prevent another 9/11 and a friend using Scrum to organize a wedding, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of the Scrum method.
Management 3.0, by Jurgen Appelo, is a comprehensive guide to agile management, focusing on the role of managers in fostering collaboration, self-organization, and continuous improvement within agile teams. The book emphasizes empowering team members, promoting a culture of learning and experimentation, and using data-driven approaches to enhance team performance. It provides practical tools and techniques for managers to adopt an agile mindset and effectively lead their teams in a dynamic environment. Management 3.0 challenges traditional management styles and promotes a more human-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement and well-being. The book's practical advice and engaging style have made it a popular resource for agile practitioners and managers alike.
Chris Sims: Middle Management, The Forgotten Layer in Agile Transformations
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.
Chris Sims recounts his experience with a rapidly growing startup that decided to adopt Scrum to address slowing delivery. When a VP championed the initiative, Chris provided training that generated excitement at the team level. However, they overlooked a critical component: the middle management layer. As teams embraced Scrum, they found themselves caught between multiple sources of direction—their direct managers, project managers, and newly established Product Owners with backlogs. This created confusion as middle managers, who weren't included in the transformation discussions, continued operating in their traditional ways. The result was teams appearing busy yet delivering slowly. Chris emphasizes the importance of considering how management roles evolve during agile transformations, deliberately redefining job descriptions, and helping managers find ways to bring value in the new structure rather than undermining it unintentionally.
Self-reflection Question: In your organization's agile transformation, how are you addressing the needs and concerns of middle managers whose roles might be significantly impacted?
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About Chris Sims Chris Sims is a scrum trainer, agile coach, and recovering C++ developer who helps organizations improve their productivity and happiness. Chris is the founder of Agile Learning Labs and the co-author of two best-selling scrum books: The Elements of Scrum and Scrum: a Breathtakingly Brief and Agile Introduction.
You can link with Chris Sims on LinkedIn, visit Chris Sims’ Agile Learning Labs website.
Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches 
