Troubleshooting Agile We're The Aliens - Three Ways to Seek Safety
Jan 27, 2021
Uncover the surprising ways agile teams navigate uncertainty. Explore the quest for safety, from relying on a single truth to following rigid processes. Discover why true psychological safety—through open conversations—is the most daunting yet crucial approach. Delve into real-life challenges faced by startup leaders and the dynamics of team collaboration. Plus, learn valuable lessons from Apollo 13 about adaptability under pressure and fostering trust in high-stakes environments.
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Founder Tries Self-Organization
- A startup CEO tried self-organization by stepping back and letting the team decide, but nothing happened.
- The founder misunderstood team dynamics and failed to empathize with the team's discomfort with uncertainty.
Safety in Following Orders
- People dislike uncertainty and prefer being told what to do to remove ambiguity.
- Following instructions offers psychological cover by deflecting blame and criticism.
Psychological Cover vs Safety
- Confusing psychological cover with true psychological safety is common.
- Psychological cover protects from blame, while true safety enables openness and trust despite disagreements.