Product Agility

The Dumbest Thing I Ever Did in Agile (With Jeff Anderson)

Aug 15, 2024

Jeff Anderson, founder of Agile by Design and a seasoned expert in the agile space, shares his journey through the complexities of agile transformations. He recounts the valuable lessons from his biggest missteps, emphasizing the need for situational empathy and direct communication between developers and users. Jeff discusses how adversity sparked his growth and innovation, and he outlines practical strategies for motivating teams through periods of change, highlighting the importance of co-creation and purpose in agile practices.

41:40

Episode guests

Jeff Anderson

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Developing situational empathy is crucial for successful collaboration in agile environments, enabling better communication and understanding among team members.

Adversity can lead to significant personal and professional growth, encouraging a culture of resilience and innovative problem-solving within teams.

Deep dives

Consulting Practices Versus Internal Operations

Big consulting firms like Deloitte often provide specialized advice that may not align with their internal practices. While they guide clients toward highly structured methods and management styles, they internally operate with a much more adaptable mindset, expecting employees to fluidly handle diverse tasks. This disconnect between external advice and internal execution can create tension for employees who are required to embrace adaptability while the consulting framework suggests a rigid approach. As a result, employees may find themselves navigating a workplace where the ideals of agility clash with the theories presented to clients.

Intro

2min

Lessons from Agile Missteps

21min

Coping with Chronic Pain: A Personal Journey

4min

Navigating Change: A Personal Journey in Agile Transformation

9min

Motivating Change Through Co-Creation and Agency

2min

Real-World Applications of Agile Principles

4min

Send us a text

In this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Anderson, founder of Agile by Design, and a veteran of the agile change space with over 20 years of experience. Jeff shares his unique journey, from navigating the complexities of large consultancies like Deloitte to founding his own agile consultancy that helps organisations thrive through teamwork and innovation.

Jeff’s candid story about "The Dumbest Thing I Ever Did in Agile" offers valuable lessons and insights. This episode highlights the challenges and rewards of working in environments that don’t always fit conventional molds, and how Jeff's experiences have shaped his approach to agile transformations.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of situational empathy in agile practices
Why proximity between developers and users is crucial
How adversity can fuel professional growth and innovation

Whether you're an agile coach, product manager, or someone interested in organisational change, this episode offers practical insights and real-world stories that can inspire you to embrace challenges and drive meaningful change in your own work.

Tune in to gain actionable advice from Jeff's extensive experience and learn how to navigate the often-turbulent waters of agile transformation with confidence.

Links and Resources:

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjeffreyandersontwin/

Get Jeff's Book "Organizing Toward Agility" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fSDNyU

Check out Agile By Design success stories: https://www.agilebydesign.com/case-studies

Book a Free Change Canvas session with Jeff's Team: https://www.agilebydesign.com/free-change-canvas

Host Bio

Ben is a seasoned expert in product agility coaching, unleashing the potential of people and products. With over a decade of experience, his focus now is product-led growth & agility in organisations of all sizes.

Stay up-to-date with us on our social media📱!

Ben Maynard

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmaynard-sheev/

🐦 https://x.com/BenWMaynard

💻 https://sheev.co.uk/

Product Agility Podcast

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/productagilitypod/

💻 https://productagilitypod.co.uk/

🖇️ https://linktr.ee/productagility

Listen & Share On Spotify & iTunes