
The Mob Mentality Show
Chris Lucian and Austin Chadwick discuss all things agile and product development from a mob programming perspective.
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2024 • 50min
Mobbing, Retrospectives, and Just-In-Time Team Learning with Diana Larsen
In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we are thrilled to have Diana Larsen, a leader in agility and team dynamics, join us for an in-depth conversation. Together, we explore the transformative power of mobbing, micro-retrospectives, and just-in-time learning for agile teams.
**Micro-Retros:**
- Discover how mobbing enhances the effectiveness of retrospectives.
- Address common complaints about retrospectives, such as time consumption.
- Learn how to integrate retrospectives seamlessly into the workflow.
- Understand the benefits of starting small, learning frequently, and continuously improving.
- Find the right cadence for short retrospectives, like using Pomodoro techniques or end-of-session reviews.
- Debate the necessity of including all five steps of a retrospective in a mini-retro.
- Explore the compound benefits of consistently "turning up the good" and building team confidence.
- Compare immediate actions in mini-retros to the traditional retrospective action items.
- See how natural, on-the-fly mini-retros can respond effectively to events.
- Discuss the role and timing of scheduled umbrella retrospectives.
- Examine system-level umbrella retrospectives, such as using Wardley Mapping for IT teams.
- Explore the dynamics of inter-team umbrella retrospectives.
**Just-in-Time Learning:**
- Harness the power of just-in-time learning through mini-retros.
- Learn how to embed learning into the work process rather than treating it as a separate activity.
- Understand the importance of not delaying learning when it’s most needed.
- Build co-intelligence within your team.
- Discover the immediate value of applying new knowledge.
- Learn strategies for quickly scanning books to set the stage for later just-in-time application.
- Discuss the value of knowledge that always applies and different types of knowledge.
- Navigate known unknowns and unknown unknowns in learning.
- Embrace a growth mindset and turn "I don't know" into a starting point rather than a barrier.
- Contrast the roles of software journalists versus software engineers in team learning.
**New Ways of Working and the Future of Work:**
- Debate whether Agile is becoming fragile and outdated.
- Explore the diffusion of Agile innovation with its pioneers.
- Learn creative approaches to high-collaboration, creative work.
- Looking ahead to new methodologies like Beyond Budgeting, Systems Thinking, and Wardley Mapping.
- Discover the continuous improvement efforts of leading Agile practitioners.
- Revisit Agile principles and values to compare and contrast with new movements.
- Respond effectively to emerging movements in the Agile space.
- Accept the limits of learning everything and seek insights from thought leaders.
- Witness the birth of new movements and predict the next thought leaders in Agile.
**Diana's New Books:**
- Dive into the 2nd Edition of "The Agile Retrospectives Book" which has just been released.
- Understand how this book serves as a catalyst for team learning and improvements.
- Discover the significant changes and updates since the first edition, including a section on remote retrospectives.
- Explore the meticulous re-analysis and updates made to every sentence and word in the book.
- Learn about Diana’s personal epiphany in her book "Lead Without Blame" and its focus on leadership, environments, and team responsiveness.
**Diana's Upcoming Talks and Work:**
- Get a preview of Diana’s upcoming talks at the Agile World Conference and the XP Conference.
- Learn about her participation in LinkedIn Live Events and the Agile Coaching Network as a panelist.
- Gain insights into her ongoing efforts in coaching leaders and influencing the Agile community.
Join us for this insightful episode filled with practical tips, expert advice, and forward-thinking strategies to enhance your team’s Agile practices and continuous improvement journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay updated with the latest from the Mob Mentality Show!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/ONrfef1nkwc

May 28, 2024 • 22min
The 7th Habit of a Highly Effective Mobber: Sharpen the Saw (7 Habits)
Welcome to another episode of the Mob Mentality Show! In this episode, we dig into the essential 7th Habit of Highly Effective People: "Sharpen the Saw." Join us as we explore the concept's vital role in Mob Programming.
**In This Episode, We Discuss:**
- The significance of "Sharpen the Saw" in the Genesis of Mob Programming with Woody Zuill.
- The repercussions of neglecting to "Sharpen the Saw" and its impact on team efficiency and personal growth.
- Strategies for integrating "Sharpen the Saw" into your workday versus outside of work hours.
- The importance of dedicated learning time for continuous improvement.
- Comparing ad-hoc and scheduled approaches to sharpening the saw.
- Using learning sessions to enhance team skill diversity and foster a culture of growth.
- When to use kanban cards for "sharpen the saw" activities
- Creating a well-ordered life with scheduled habits for consistent personal and professional development.
- Insights from "The Power of Habit" and "Atomic Habits" on stacking habits for maximum impact.
- Transforming real knowledge and belief into action through proper identity and motivations.
Tune in to discover practical tips and strategies to keep your team sharp, focused, and continuously improving. Whether you're a seasoned mobber or new to the practice, this episode offers valuable takeaways to enhance your team's productivity and collaboration.
**Don't miss this dive into the 7th Habit!**
**Join the Conversation:**
Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments! How do you incorporate "Sharpen the Saw" in your daily routine? Let’s learn and grow together!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/_Uu0EXhV8oY

May 21, 2024 • 19min
The 6th Habit of a Highly Effective Mobber: Synergize (7 Habits)
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Mob Mentality Show! 🚀 In this episode, we dive deep into the 6th Habit of Highly Effective Mobbers: Synergize. Join us as we unravel the true essence of synergy and dispel common misconceptions portrayed in pop culture.
📚 **What We Discuss:**
- **Synergy Defined**: We explore the book definition of synergize and clear up misunderstandings surrounding the concept.
- **Power of Collaboration**: Discover how collaboration amplifies outcomes and why valuing people’s differences is crucial.
- **Combining Strengths**: Learn the art of leveraging diverse strengths to create powerful results.
- **Mathematical Analogies**: Understand when 1 + 1 equals 2.5, and why sometimes 1 + 1 can equal 1 or even -5.
- **Third Alternative Creation**: Find out how to create innovative solutions that go beyond compromise.
- **Listening to Understand**: Master the skill of active listening to foster better communication.
- **Openness to Feedback**: Embrace feedback with an open mind to enhance personal and team growth.
- **Trust and Respect**: See how a self-reinforcing feedback loop of trust and respect can elevate team dynamics.
- **Improv Techniques**: Utilize "yes, and" and perfect comedic timing to boost creativity and problem-solving.
- **Safe Experimentation**: Learn to make each person's experiment fast, safe, and a valuable learning experience.
- **Embracing Failure**: Cultivate an environment where being wrong and failing is part of the journey to success.
🔍 **Why Listen?**
- Enhance your teamwork skills by learning how to synergize effectively.
- Transform your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.
- Gain practical tips for building a culture of trust and continuous improvement.
Join us for a transformative discussion that will elevate your mobbing practices and help you become a more effective team player.
🔔 **Don't forget to subscribe** to The Mob Mentality Show for more episodes on mastering the habits of highly effective mobbers!
Tune in now and start synergizing like never before! 🎧
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/UmtHqZ7U-B8

May 14, 2024 • 21min
Cultivating Trust and Influential Relationships with Leadership
Welcome to another episode of the Mob Mentality Show, where we jump into the dynamics of teamwork, leadership, and trust in the ever-evolving landscape of software development. In this episode, titled "Cultivating Trust and Influential Relationships with Leadership," we embark on a journey to decode the intricate nuances of fostering trust and building influential relationships with leadership.
Join us as we explore a myriad of topics, including techniques for influencing leadership within mobbing environments and navigating the complexities of both positive and challenged relationships with leadership figures.
We delve into the importance of inviting criticism and feedback, advocating for self-organizing teams, and navigating instances where leaders' actions diverge from their words. Is the "Good cop, bad cop" relationship dynamic a pattern or an anti-pattern?
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the significance of relentless transparency, genuine curiosity, and vulnerability in fostering natural trust and rapport. From leveraging the natural side effects of Mob TDD/CD to addressing chasms in relationship maps, come join our quest to unravel the secrets of effective trust-building interactions with leadership.
Tune in now to discover with us how to navigate the delicate balance between being at peace with your efforts and continuously striving for improvement while embarking on a journey towards unlocking the true potential of influential relationships in leadership.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/PQpp7S82TLc

May 7, 2024 • 45min
Agile Tales From Down Under ft Victor Agung and Jordan Ocokoljic
Join us for a riveting episode of Mob Mentality Show as we delve into the dynamic world of cross-discipline "Aussie Agile" with Victor Agung and Jordan Ocokoljic. From their diverse experiences in Agile/XP, predominantly through pair programming, to insightful stories of mobbing, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey for Agile enthusiasts and novices alike.
In our conversation, Jordan shares his journey through various XP/pair shops, while Victor recounts his initiation into pairing and XP methodologies during his time at Pivotal. They discuss the transformative power of pairing, making mistakes a comfortable part of the learning process, and the shift from traditional code reviews to more efficient collaboration models.
Delving deeper, we explore the nuances of true collaboration as co-creation versus post-creation review, the benefits of pairing with cross-functional teams, and the paradigm shift towards continuous PR. Victor and Jordan share anecdotes of pairing with designers, business stakeholders, and PMs, highlighting the synergy achieved through collective intelligence.
Transitioning to stories of mobbing, our guests unravel the impact of collaborative mob sessions on team dynamics, skill development, and product outcomes. From UI/UX designers joining pairs to create a collaborative ensemble, to the invaluable lessons learned from seeking diverse opinions within a mob, every narrative underscores the power of collective problem-solving and empathy-driven collaboration.
Throughout the episode, Victor and Jordan emphasize the importance of promoting outcomes over practices, seeking the minimum viable number of useful opinions, orienting collaboration towards customer delight, and fostering a culture of humility and courage within teams. Their insights into unlocking the full potential of every team member's brain, and the role of mob/pairing as a supportive sounding board, offer actionable strategies for building resilient and high-performing Agile teams.
Tune in to "Agile Tales From Down Under" for an excursion in agile collaboration, filled with practical wisdom, heartfelt anecdotes, and transformative insights from two passionate practitioners.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/8jdps1V9vZY

Apr 30, 2024 • 13min
Navigating a Developer's Aversions to Learning, Change, and Influence
In this engaging episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we delve into the intricate world of developer psychology and strategies for fostering a collaborative, innovative environment. Join us as we explore the challenges of influencing developers, from overcoming aversions to learning and change to embracing the skeptic within the team.
We address the pressing questions surrounding mobbing, including whether some changes, like transitioning to mobbing, are too monumental to tackle all at once. Join the conversation on whether starting with pair or mob programming is the easier path for your team's transformation.
Learn about the power of code reading clubs as a tool for continuous learning and improvement, and uncover techniques for fostering incremental learning to achieve the precise but powerful "fluent edge" in your development practices.
Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of cultivating kind, warm discussions where objections are welcomed as opportunities for growth. We provide practical advice for creating a safe space for no-pressure experimentation, allowing your team to thrive and innovate without fear of failure.
Drawing from principles such as the 7 Habits and the pursuit of classical virtues of goodness, truth, and beauty, we offer some actionable strategies for focusing on what you can control and harnessing the full improvement potential of your developer team.
Tune in to gain invaluable insights and actionable tips for navigating the complex landscape of developer aversions and fostering a culture of learning, change, and influence within your organization.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/S1aAob44AzU

Apr 23, 2024 • 11min
Building Bridges: The Art of Influencing Through Real Relationships and Excellent Environments
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Mob Mentality Show! Join us as we delve into the nuanced art of influence in our dynamic discussion titled "Building Bridges: The Art of Influencing Through Real Relationships and Excellent Environments."
In this episode, we confront the age-old question: Does persuasion via logic lead to backfire? We dissect this notion while exploring the effectiveness of environment strategies in the realm of influence. But hold on, is influencing via environment inherently sneaky or malicious?
We uncover the peril of the status quo and interrogate whether any room exists in a system for any incremental change. Reflecting on impactful literature like "Switch," "Made to Change," and "Power of Habit," we draw parallels to real-world scenarios and discuss their implications.
Navigating the landscape of relationships, our conversation explores the essence of connection and team building. Drawing from the metaphor of building bridges, we dissect the concept of natural influence versus calculated scheming, revealing the power of authentic connections.
Lastly, is there any danger of "successful influence" for bad reasons or from bad causes? Our candid discussion sheds light on the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Tune in to discover actionable insights, thought-provoking perspectives, and strategies for leveraging influence ethically and effectively. Don't miss out on this episode of the Mob Mentality Show!
Subscribe now to stay updated on our latest episodes and join the conversation on our social media platforms. Let's embark on this journey together as we unlock the insights to real and lasting influence and impact.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/J9h7mEUBRZU

Apr 16, 2024 • 45min
From Thesis to Tool: The Story Behind The Automated Mob Programming Tutor with Yuki Tagawa and Christopher Martin
Embark on a journey into the world of collaborative learning with Yuki Tagawa and Christopher Martin as they unveil the "Mob Programming Tutor." In this episode, we explore the genesis of this cutting-edge tool, born from their university master's thesis work. Discover how it integrates a Mob Pomodoro Timer with an intelligent tutoring system driven by machine learning, to help improve the way students collaborate.
Join us as we dissect the intricacies of the tool's development, its unique features like auto-shifting break times and feedback on mob roles, and its potential to transform both learning and teaching paradigms. Learn firsthand from the creators about the tool's impact on student collaboration and its future trajectory.
But that's not all – we delve into the broader landscape of Mob Programming in education. Uncover the challenges of teaching collaboration, strategies to enhance educational philosophy, and the technical nuances that make this tool a transformative educational experience.
Tune in for insights, actionable tips, and a glimpse into the future of collaborative learning. Whether you're a student, educator, or industry professional, this episode aims to leave you enlightened and inspired.
Don't miss out – join the conversation today!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/3Rhnj7jZWl0

Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
What Mob Programming is NOT
Dive deep into the realm of collaborative programming with a unique twist in this episode of Mob Mentality Show where in the spirit of "just sharing" Austin Chadwick unravels 20+ misconceptions and anti-patterns surrounding Mob Programming.
From debunking the myth of Mobbing as merely 3+ individuals watching one person type to exploring the misconception of Mobbing being inherently slow and tedious, we dissect various preconceived notions about this innovative approach to coding. At this recorded Agile Lunch and Learn event, explore with us as we challenge the belief that Mobbing is monotonous and that every session involves wooden inflexible navigation and team composition.
Moreover, we shed light on the diverse roles within a Mob, addressing the anti-patterns that can hinder effective collaboration. Meet the Anti-Driver, the Anti-Navigator, the Anti-Nose and other personas that disrupt the harmony of Mob Programming. Discover how collaboration can falter under the influence of Fight Club dynamics, lack of prioritization, and lack of pressure protection.
At the end of this episode, we invite you to engage in a thought-provoking Q&A session, where we tackle burning questions about Mob Programming. Don't miss out on this opportunity to redefine your understanding of Mob Programming and revolutionize your approach to collaborative coding.
Tune in now to Mob Mentality Show and embark on a journey towards a deeper comprehension of Mob Programming – what it truly is not.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/Z5x5nYXBpis

Apr 2, 2024 • 48min
From Consultant to Classroom: Unveiling Mob Programming's Impact on CS Education with Kieran Murphy
In this compelling episode of the Mob Mentality Show, prepare to be immersed into the dynamic world of Computer Science (CS) education with none other than Kieran Murphy, who is not only a seasoned tech consultant but also a university CS instructor. This episode offers an exclusive peek into Kieran's journey and the profound implications of mob programming in the undergraduate CS classroom.
Throughout the episode, Kieran shares invaluable insights gleaned from his experiences, including the pros and cons of live coding sessions, the rationale behind integrating mob programming into the curriculum, and the tangible effects witnessed on students and on course structure and assignments. Delve into the nitty-gritty as we explore strategies for kick-starting code projects, navigating the dynamics of class sizes, and fostering effective communication and collaboration within the course.
Moreover, gain firsthand knowledge on facilitating constructive feedback exchanges among students, managing remote participation, and anchoring engaging mob sessions in virtual environments. From mini-retrospectives to timer rotations, no stone is left unturned as Kieran elucidates many intricacies of mob programming implementation in a computer science class.
But that's not all—tune in to discover the candid feedback received from students, as well as the invaluable lessons learned from this innovative approach to teaching. Whether it's embracing diverse learning styles, navigating IDE strategies, or instilling a growth mindset in budding coders, Kieran's expertise offers actionable insights for educators and learners alike.
So, whether you're a seasoned educator, aspiring developer, or simply curious about the future of CS education, this episode promises to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue. Don't miss out on this illuminating exploration of mob programming's role in shaping the next generation of tech talent!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/jtQ-Yeyowg4