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The Mob Mentality Show

Latest episodes

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Sep 4, 2023 • 41min

The Intern Mob Chronicles: Eduardo Lopez and Jeric Baga’s Journey

Join us on an enlightening journey into the world of software development internships in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show titled "The Intern Mob Chronicles." We sit down with Eduardo Lopez and Jeric Baga, who share their notable experiences and insights from their unique mob programming internship journey. Episode Highlights: 🚀 Mob Programming Internship: Eduardo and Jeric take us through their adventurous journey as interns in a dynamic mob programming environment. 🔍 The Application Process: Discover how they learned about the internship opportunity and successfully applied to be part of this rare experience. 🤝 Mob-Style Interviews: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be interviewed in a mob programming style, alongside 20 other candidates, all at the same time. 🌄 The Beginning: Explore the initial stages of their internship and how they embarked on this adventure. 🏢 Hybrid Work: Understand the challenges and advantages of working in a hybrid setting, combining remote and in-person collaboration. 💻 First Katas: Dive into their first coding challenges, working alongside fellow intern co-workers. 🤔 Code Project Selection: Discover how they chose a code project to work on as part of their mob programming journey. 🌐 Mob Tour: Join them on a tour of various full-time engineer mobs and gain insights into their diverse experiences. ⏳ The Midpoint: Navigate through the middle phase of their internship, including how they handled disagreements among interns. 🚀 Innovation and Discovery: Explore the innovative and collective discoveries made during their time in the intern ensemble. 🧠 Learning from Experts: Understand what it's like to mob with and learn from full-time software engineers, including mastering different Test-Driven Development (TDD) styles. 🎉 End of Internship: Hear about the exciting events that marked the conclusion of their internship, including mob demos and presentations. 😄 Humor as a Tool: Learn how humor played a role in their intern mob experience. 🏆 Biggest Wins and Struggles: Eduardo and Jeric share their most significant achievements and challenges while ensemble programming in an intern mob. 🔄 Role Reversal: Explore the unique perspective of Eduardo and Jeric as they transitioned from interns to coaches, guiding the most recent intern mob. 🎥 Behind the Scenes: Get an insider's view of the inner workings of the internship program as seen from the perspective of coaches. 📈 Program Improvements: Discover the recent improvements made to the mob internship program, ensuring an even better experience for future interns. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with firsthand stories, lessons learned, and valuable insights from Eduardo Lopez and Jeric Baga's remarkable journey as mob programming interns. Subscribe now to the Mob Mentality Show and embark on an exciting exploration of the world of software development internships! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/Rf2thKoUbpo  
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Aug 28, 2023 • 51min

Turning the Tables: A Special Episode with Dustin Interviewing Chris and Austin

Experience a unique twist in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show! Instead of Chris and Austin interviewing a special guest, the very special guest Dustin Thostenson takes up the mantle of hosting and interviews Chris and Austin. Dustin leads a discussion that delves into the unique journey of the Mob Mentality Show. Explore the evolution of the podcast through its inception, guiding principles, and the impactful connections to the world of software development. Episode Highlights: 🎙️ Journey back to the origins with the inception story of the Mob Mentality Show. 🏆 Uncover the bedrock principles that propel the podcast and the synergy with software development. 🚀 Gain insights into the inspirations and hurdles that marked the monumental release of the first episode. 🔍 Reflect alongside Chris and Austin on the lessons learned after 205+ episodes. 🔑 Dive into Chris and Austin's go-to product development principles and practices 🤝 Navigate the art of constructive discourse as we uncover the strategies for handling disagreements. 🌟 Explore aspirations for future Mob Mentality Show guests 💡 Look ahead at exciting ideas for upcoming Mob Mentality Show episodes Join us for an engaging episode where the creators become the subjects. This special episode unveils the essence of the Mob Mentality Show and its deep connection to the world of software development. Tune in now and embark on this journey with Dustin, Chris, and Austin. Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/kQKxn4jhsi0 
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Aug 21, 2023 • 21min

The Inverse Conway Maneuver: Balancing Communication for Lean Flow

Join us as we seek to unlock the secrets of optimizing communication for lean flow in this illuminating episode of the Mob Mentality Show: "The Inverse Conway Maneuver." Come along with us as we navigate the intricate landscape of software development dynamics, exploring the deep connection between effective communication and software architecture. Episode Highlights: 🔑 Gain an understanding of Conway's Law, a cornerstone of software development dynamics. 🏢 Delve into the intriguing interplay between organizational structure, communication effectiveness, and software boundary design. 🌐 Explore the Bonker's World's org charts for tech giants like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle. 💡 Discover the hidden implications of Conway's Law on mob programming and collaborative software development. 🚀 Unveil the power of building significant software achievements through the synergy of small, autonomous, agile teams. ⚙️ Introducing the Inverse Conway Maneuver: A strategic approach to balancing communication for lean flow. 📈 Dive into the thought-provoking debate: When does increasing or decreasing communication enhance lean flow? ⏰ Address the pain points of stand-up meetings and uncover effective strategies for streamlining them. 👥 Navigate the challenges posed by expansive teams and explore the dynamics of full-stack teams versus specialized ones. 🔁 Responses to Conway's Law: The crucial choice between ignoring, accepting, or employing the Inverse Conway Maneuver. Join us in this episode as we unravel the intricate threads of communication, collaboration, and organizational dynamics in the realm of software development. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the Inverse Conway Maneuver and its potential to revolutionize your approach to lean flow. Watch now to embark on this journey with us! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/kELmcC-vOgs  
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Aug 14, 2023 • 20min

Top Gun Leadership Styles: Lessons from Maverick, Iceman, and Warlock

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Mob Mentality Show! In this installment, we jump into the enthralling world of leadership as inspired by the iconic movie "Top Gun: Maverick." Get ready to soar as we explore the distinct leadership styles of Maverick, Iceman, and Warlock, and reveal how these styles can be harnessed to elevate your team dynamics, product development, and coding endeavors. Join us as we dissect the multifaceted leadership approaches showcased in the film, and unlock the secrets to their applicability in the fast-paced realms of software development, mobbing, and code collaboration. From conflict resolution to prioritization, we'll unveil the pearls of wisdom you can integrate into your own professional toolkit. First, we delve into Iceman's leadership ethos, a journey marked by the support and guidance he offers from high up in the org. Discover how "stacking the deck" can strategically shape your team's path to triumph, and learn the art of standing up for your team's principles even when faced with daunting pressures. Then, we shift our focus to Warlock's method, exploring his penchant for leading through classroom training and deliberate practice. Tune in to understand the power of teaching from the back of the room, and gain insights into leading with impactful feedback that spans before, during, and after work sessions. Last but not least, we unravel Maverick's captivating leadership style, defined by his immersive presence within his team's trenches. Witness the magic of guiding from the frontline, seamlessly blending work and coaching. Learn how to exemplify excellence through demonstrations of quality code practices and superior teaming virtues. Plus, discover the transformative potential of proving what's achievable by rolling up your sleeves and accomplishing goals alongside your team, while distinguishing the difference between learning theft and the strategic "I do, we do, you do" approach. Tune in to this riveting episode of Mob Mentality and glean insights that transcend cinematic narratives. Uncover leadership approaches that could revolutionize your team's dynamics, and gain a fresh perspective on how to harness the remarkable qualities of Maverick, Iceman, and Warlock in your leadership journey. Don't miss out—hit that play button now and let's embark on this exhilarating leadership expedition together! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/nmq7iNdHNsM  
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Aug 7, 2023 • 46min

Accidentally FaST: Dynamic Reteaming and Self-Selection with Paige Watson

Dive into the realm of dynamic reteaming and self-selection with the insightful Paige Watson in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show. Join us as we explore the exciting evolutions of becoming accidentally FaST and discover how to harness its power for enhanced team collaboration and innovation. Episode Highlights: 🚀 Explore a quick intro to FaST (Fluid Scaling Technology) and its transformative impact. 🌟 Gain insights from Paige's personal experiences with FaST. 🌀 Uncover the gradual transition to FAST methodology through a series of small, impactful decisions. 🔬 Delve into the advantages of discovering together through experimentation over traditional top-down directives. 🏘️ Discover how FaST enhances team ownership and fosters a sense of collective responsibility. ⏱️ Is FaST truly faster? 💡 Choose work based on passion and expertise, aligning with the core principles of FaST. 🤝 Unleash the potential of FaST mobs, revolutionizing collaborative productivity. 🏢 Explore the leadership and system-level needs for successful FaST experimentation. 📊 Examine metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of FaST teams, focusing on both individual and collective success. 📈 Measuring individuals vs. measuring teams: How FaST redefines performance evaluation. 🌐 Is FaST universally for all? 🔥 Navigate healthy conflict within teams. 📜 Dive into Agile Manifesto principles "self-organizing teams" and "motivated individuals" in the context of FaST. 👥 Should the deck be stacked for healthy team composition? 🔍 Experiment with the dynamic reteaming and self-selection. ❓ Address the question: Can self-selected teams ever lead to ineffective outcomes within the FaST framework? 📛 Tackle the challenge: What happens when self-selection leads to tasks nobody wants to undertake? 🛠 Explore the viability of a self-selected FaST team without prior XP skills and its potential for success. 🤹‍♀️ Dive into the potential repercussions of excessive team switching within a FaST team and the loss of context. 🤼 Reflect on the significance of interpersonal and facilitation skills in a self-selected FaST team. 🛡️ Uncover the mechanisms of team self-regulation within the FaST framework and its implications. Embark on this enlightening journey of Accidentally FaST, dynamic reteaming and self-selection. Tune in now and gain valuable insights from Paige Watson on harnessing the power of FaST for team agility! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/9mJzLofKMKo  
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Jul 31, 2023 • 43min

Leadership Wayfinding: The Organic Art of Pathmaking in the Unknown with Kevin Callahan

In this exciting episode of Mob Mentality, we are joined by the excellent Kevin Callahan, a master in Leadership Wayfinding. Join us as we explore the organic art of pathmaking in uncharted territories, and discover how to lead with confidence and adaptability in the face of unpredictability. Episode Highlights: 🧭 Learn the art of guiding your team through unfamiliar landscapes with skill and finesse. 🔍 Uncover the fascinating history and metaphor behind the term "Wayfinding" and its relevance in leadership. 📈 Why Wayfinding vs. Taylorist Style Big Upfront Plans: Delve into the contrast between and how the former thrives in complexity. 🌌 Explore the interplay between complexity theory and the challenge of predictability in leadership. 🔧 Equip yourself with strategies to navigate and adapt to unexpected changes with confidence. ✅ Discover the power of checklists as tools for managing uncertainty and ambiguity in leadership. ⚙️ Learn from real-world examples when managing changes that were too big and their consequences. 📋 Utilize Kanban visualization and batch size experimentation for enhanced efficiency. 💡 When Enterprise Coaching Goes Well and Goes Wrong  🔄 Learn how to embrace and recover from failed experiments, fostering a culture of growth and learning. 🤝 Understand the importance of humility and radical candor in building strong leadership and consultant connections. 🏢 Team vs. Enterprise Level Complexity 🛣️ Master the art of making a rapid series of small decisions to maintain safety and stability. 🎯 Enterprise Kanban and Visualization 🔎 Leverage the Cynefin framework for informed decision-making in complex environments. 🗣️ Enhance your coaching skills with effective probing, sensing, and responsive techniques. 📏 Gain insights from queuing theory for optimizing workflow and productivity. 🏭 Unravel the applicability of successful team-level practices at the enterprise level. 🧪 Learn how to align with natural laws governing industries and systems for sustainable success. 💼 Define and recognize value within the broader context of enterprise operations. ⌛ Identify and minimize organizational wastes for streamlined efficiency. 🤝 Examine enterprise collaboration practices between departments, groups, and workflows. 🎼 Enterprise Ensembles? 🏢 Embrace holistic perspectives by bringing the entire system together for meaningful dialogue and decision-making. Join us for this insightful episode filled with strategies and practical wisdom on Leadership Wayfinding in an ever-changing world. Watch now and embark on your journey towards becoming a more agile and adaptable leader with Kevin Callahan as your guide.  Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/qhbmDFpZ9Bk 
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Jul 24, 2023 • 46min

Crafting Agility: How to Assemble a Lightweight XP Team with Jim Speaker

Are you eager to assemble a lean and effective XP team? In this action-packed episode of Mob Mentality, we sit down with Jim Speaker to unravel the secrets of crafting agility within your organization. Join us as we delve into the art of creating a small XP team that's agile, proficient, and ready to craft code. Episode Highlights: 📝 Learn about job descriptions crafted to align with the agile XP principles and practices. 🚀 Discover strategies to build a nimble and dynamic XP team, capable of navigating any challenge. 📚 Gain valuable insights into the journey from crafting job descriptions to successfully hiring the right candidates. 🤝 Unlock the potential of pair and mob programming during interviews to bring out the best in candidates. 🎓 Create an environment where both candidates and interviewers can learn from each other. 🛠️ Explore Jim's passion for craftsmanship, XP principles, and the art of dealing with legacy code. 🧩 Unravel the dilemma of choosing between specific tech stacks and XP principles when hiring. 🔥 Learn from Jim's experiences of dealing with challenges when hiring senior developers. 🗣️ Decode the art of discerning authentic candidates from those who merely play buzzword games. 🌟 Explore the advantages of hiring entry-level developers with a thirst for learning and growth. 🧠 Embrace the essence of tacit expert knowledge and its impact on craftsmanship. 🤼 Discover Jim's personal journey of overcoming pairing challenges and reaching new heights. 🔄 Understand the journey of experimentation from Scrum to Kanban to No Estimates, and the insights gained along the way. ⛓️ Grasp the concept of flow in an XP team using the conveyor belt analogy. 🎣 A shoutout to Jim's Hatchpedia App built on the Uno Platform. Tune in to this extraordinary episode filled with practical insights and actionable tips on building a lightweight XP team that thrives in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the passionate XP enthusiast, Jim Speaker. Subscribe now and embark on your journey towards crafting true agility within your team! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/NColnIZjqSs 
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Jul 17, 2023 • 54min

From Illusions to Competence: Insights from Neuroscience on Learning Alone and Together with Barbara Oakley

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Mob Mentality, where we jump into the world of learning, cognition, and neuroscience with the brilliant Barbara Oakley. Join us as we explore the secrets behind learning how to learn, which is essential in product development, tech, agile, engineering, and beyond. In this mind-expanding conversation, Barbara Oakley will share valuable insights from her expertise in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Discover the science of learning as we unravel the illusions of competence that hinder cognitive growth. Learn how dopamine influences our motivation to learn and the role of retrieval in diagnosing intellectual development. For all the tech enthusiasts out there, we'll explore the significance of code katas, computer programming, and practice enrichment in becoming a master of your craft. Understand the importance of mastering habits, learning facts, and utilizing cognitive psychology to enhance your learning process. But that's not all – we'll delve into the world of group learning and mob skill development, where neuroscience plays a pivotal role in optimizing team performance. Uncover the power of interleaving techniques and how they contribute to accelerated learning. Ever wondered about the impact of brain fatigue on learning and working? We've got you covered. With the lens of neuroscience, discover how efficiency is lost via task switching and learn about the fascinating concept of "supertaskers" in comparison to the rest of us. Join us as we explore various methods of acquiring knowledge, including speaking, hearing, and typing, and uncover the science behind spaced repetition and Pomodoro. Not forgetting the significance of sleep in the consolidation of knowledge and the refactoring of grey matter. We'll also discuss the responsible use of AI tools without negatively affecting human learning and problem-solving abilities. Intrigued by why IQ may decline over time? Tune in to find out the reasons behind this phenomenon and how person formation during memorization and learning plays a significant role. Are you ready to explore the "Map Habit" and its impact on knowledge retention? We'll also touch upon the surprising benefits of action video games on the elderly and their brains. Prepare yourself for a knowledge-packed episode that will transform your understanding of learning, cognition, and the human brain. Join us for an unforgettable discussion with Barbara Oakley on Mob Mentality! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support our channel and stay updated on more thought-provoking content. Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/0kLX80LjaPQ 
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Jul 10, 2023 • 51min

The Improvement Paradox: Why Don’t We Improve and How to Overcome It with Eddie Bush

Welcome to the latest Mob Mentality Show episode, where we dive deep into the world of improvement and overcoming obstacles. In this episode we are joined by special guest Eddie Bush to explore "The Improvement Paradox: Why Don't We Improve and How to Overcome It." Join us as we uncover the reasons behind our struggles with improvement, including the delays between cause and effect, the psychology of quality flip flops, and the fear of change. We'll also discuss the false shortcuts to improvement and the chain of pressure cookers that hinder progress.  Delve into the concept of Lean Flow Thinking and the importance of focusing on the whole system rather than what is easy to measure. We'll also explore the diametric opposition between leadership goals and improvement, as well as the empathy required for leadership transformation. Discover the joy of an XP (Extreme Programming) shop and the apparently necessary non-XP experiences to become an XP person. We'll also touch upon the foundation of solid product quality and the correlation between speed, quality, and customer retention. Uncover the benefits of measuring improvement via DORA metrics and unlocking product experimentation. Learn about the prerequisites for transformation and the vital role of coaching in improvement, including the player/coach dynamic and the economy of trust. Explore the challenges of coaching impostor syndrome and setting improvement work-in-progress limits. We'll also tackle the importance of buy-in at the top for successful change and the impact of Westrum culture on improvement efforts. Join us as we discuss the necessity of creating space for improvement, the relationship between safety and improvement, and the role of delivery in enabling improvement. We'll even touch upon Code Craft Saturdays and Sundays, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and practice. Tune in to this enlightening episode filled with valuable insights and strategies to overcome the improvement paradox. Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your own improvement journey! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/oP-v_FwNCFg  
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Jul 3, 2023 • 46min

The Magic of FizzBuzz: Why It Reigns as the King of Code Katas with Steve Kuo

Join Chris and Austin in this episode of The Mob Mentality show as they explore the captivating world of code katas with special guest Steve Kuo. Uncover the secret behind the reigning king of them all: FizzBuzz. Delve into a conversation about deliberate practice, motivation, grit, and feedback. Discover the art of becoming a master in any field and unravel the immense value of repetition and focus. Explore the concept of how much repetition is necessary for mastery and whether it can have a negative impact on team motivation. Brace yourself for tales of katas gone wrong and the common misunderstandings surrounding code katas. Gain insight into the key mindset required for successful katas and learn the importance of starting with the question, "What am I going to practice today?" Dive into the world of pair, mob, and collaborative katas, and understand their significance in honing your skills. But why is FizzBuzz hailed as the best code kata around? Unearth its remarkable versatility as a tool not only for learning programming languages but also for grasping design patterns and daily warmups. Discover how FizzBuzz can even teach you the art of ensemble and serve as a psychological safety tool. Explore the connection between grit and craftsmanship, and contemplate the question: "Are you what you do when no one is watching?" Uncover the intriguing phenomenon of semantic diffusion within the world of craftsmanship and how it influences our perception of skill. Lastly, Steve ends with a teaser on the six-minute interview. Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in the magic of FizzBuzz and the transformative power of deliberate practice. Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/tCXwUJTvo6I 

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