Troubleshooting Agile

A fascinating metaphor likens effective product alignment to cooking and nutrition, highlighting strategic planning versus reactive project management. The podcast contrasts product-mindedness with project-mindedness, underscoring the need for genuine user understanding. It dives into the distinct roles of UX and UI designers, emphasizing aesthetics versus usability. Collaborative dynamics among engineers, product managers, and clients are explored, showcasing the importance of empathy and communication. The difference between a cook and a nutritionist reflects the necessity of emotional intelligence in professional interactions.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey, an expert on product-led organizations, and Squirrel, a champion for a product-minded culture, dive into the nuances of organizational strategies. They explore the stark differences between product-led and commercially-led models. Squirrel questions the term 'led', suggesting 'product-aligned' might better capture inclusivity. The pair tackles challenges in fostering innovation within rigid hierarchies and highlights the vital role of team collaboration in achieving a unified product vision.

Discover the concept of 'Psychological Ownership' and how it fosters trust with stakeholders. Learn about the importance of clear communication and preparation in earning executive trust, drawing insightful parallels from the tech world. Dive into a fascinating M&M metaphor that illustrates attention to detail in professional settings using a heavy metal band's quirky backstage request. Enjoy some light-hearted banter about Microsoft Excel date formats and candy preferences, showcasing a blend of serious insights and fun anecdotes.

Claims of strong relationships often mask a lack of real collaboration. The hosts explore the fine line between being friendly and being effective in the workplace. They highlight how productive conflict is essential for team success, introducing a matrix that balances trust with constructive disagreement. The conversation also addresses the challenges of technical debt and how fostering open communication can enhance innovation, showing that likability doesn’t always equate to effectiveness.

A client lost sight of their goals, refining their MVP to the point of diminishing returns. The hosts dive into the true essence of what it means for a product to be 'viable', debating the importance of real customer value over internal timelines. They examine how technical upgrades can enhance performance but may divert focus from immediate client needs. Concepts like Elephant Carpaccio and Walking Skeleton are introduced, urging innovators to prioritize user excitement and feedback in their development processes.

Squirrel and Jeffrey meditate on Brian Marick's announcement that he will no longer accept talk invitations on agile development, and the (different) reasons that both of them still use term "agile". Topics include joy at work, how it leads to profit, and the "near enemy" of that joy, which can lead to disillusionment. SHOW LINKS: - Listener Poll Results: https://twitter.com/TShootingAgile/status/1478640273991294983 - Brian's tweet: https://twitter.com/marick/status/1499905649970397189 - Brian's article on things left out of the Agile Manifesto: http://www.exampler.com/blog/2007/05/16/six-years-later-what-the-agile-manifesto-left-out/ - Joy at Work: http://dennisbakke.com - Joy Inc: https://menloinnovations.com : Joy, Inc. - Near Enemies: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/07/change-your-life-near-enemies-buddhism - Alistair Cockburn on the "death" of agile development: https://heartofagile.com/agile-is-not-dead-quite-the-opposite/ --- Our book, Agile Conversations, is out now! See https://agileconversations.com where you can order your copy and get a free video when you join our mailing list! We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show. Email us at info@agileconversations.com

Dragan Stepanović, an expert in agile methodologies and psychological safety, returns to discuss the value of small batches in team dynamics. He explains how smaller batch sizes can enhance trust and collaboration and reduce anxiety within teams. Dragan explores innovative practices like pairing and mob programming, emphasizing the benefits of role-switching. He also highlights how small batches improve feedback loops and team collaboration, and how they help manage complex adaptive systems more effectively.

Dragan Stepanović, an expert in socio-emotional technical systems, shares valuable insights into improving team dynamics. He discusses the critical role of emotions in workplace systems, arguing that emotional engagement often trumps rational behavior. Dragan emphasizes the need for organizations to address emotional dynamics for meaningful interventions. He also highlights how mob programming fosters psychological safety and collaboration, encouraging vulnerability among team members to boost productivity.

Jim Euchner, author of Lean Startup in Large Organizations, shares his expertise on integrating lean startup principles in big corporations. He explains the Pioneers/Settlers/Town Planners model, emphasizing the need for collaboration among these roles. Euchner discusses balancing innovation with established practices and the importance of 'graduated engagement' for smooth transitions. He also highlights how leveraging core assets and promoting open dialogue can foster innovation while maintaining existing business stability. It's a deep dive into strategic relationships that drive corporate growth.

Join Jim Euchner, author and innovation expert, as he dives into the challenges of fostering innovation in large organizations. He unveils the concept of 'antibodies'—the resistance to experimentation—and explains why they can be beneficial. Jim discusses how lean startup principles can be effectively adapted to corporate settings, emphasizing the balance between control and innovation. He also examines the hurdles faced during iterative development and the importance of understanding organizational dynamics to achieve sustainable growth.