Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches cover image

Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

Latest episodes

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Nov 6, 2024 • 45min

Agile Transformation in a Hardware Organization, Wärtsilä Case Study | Henna Torkkola nd Maarit Laanti

Agile in Hardware: Agile Transformation in a Hardware Organization, Wärtsilä Case Study with Henna Torkkola nd Maarit Laanti In this Agile in Hardware episode, Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti share the pioneering journey of integrating Agile practices into Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, particularly within the ambitious New Product Development (NPD) program for advanced engine technology. From fostering collaboration across the value stream to embracing simulation and hybrid Agile approaches, they offer insights into how Agile has reshaped R&D processes. Henna and Maarit explain how bringing Agile to hardware isn’t about imposing frameworks but adopting a collaborative, flexible mindset that inspires productivity and innovation across teams. Starting with a Vision for Agile in Product Development Henna and Maarit delve into the origins of Wärtsilä’s Agile journey, recounting how the NPD program, initiated in 2018, was envisioned to deliver faster releases, co-create with stakeholders, and establish a more satisfying work culture for program teams. Moving beyond traditional project stages, the company embraced Agile methods to accommodate real-time adjustments and maintain a competitive edge. “Agile success in hardware starts when you focus on the values behind the practices—not just calling it Agile.” Expanding the Agile Mindset Across the Value Stream Originally designed as an R&D initiative, the program expanded to engage the entire value stream, including sourcing and manufacturing. Henna explains how cross-departmental collaboration was achieved through inclusive events and ceremonies, bringing in diverse stakeholders from the start. This broad integration marked a shift from isolated R&D to a holistic approach involving the entire value chain, creating a product developed with inputs from every angle. “Cross-functional collaboration is crucial; bring everyone to the table early and celebrate wins together.” Integrating Manufacturing for a Smooth NPD Transition To bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing, the team included design-for-manufacturing experts from the outset, ensuring seamless transitions and early feedback. The addition of quick real-world testing strategies like using a single-cylinder prototype and rolling-wave planning enabled the NPD program to adapt plans incrementally while collecting feedback earlier in the process compared to previous programs. “Invite manufacturing to R&D’s early stages—you’ll tackle issues before they escalate.” Blending Traditional and Agile Models for Hardware Innovation The team adopted a hybrid model that merges Agile's flexibility with traditional gate-check models, evolving over time as teams moved away from rigid milestones. By focusing on early feedback and iterative adjustments, they avoided process bottlenecks and fostered a product-centric mindset. “Don’t get stuck on milestones; prioritize feedback loops to keep product goals aligned with real-world needs.” Simulation and Small-Scale Testing: Essential Tools for Fast Feedback Both simulation and small-scale testing proved essential to the program's agility, facilitating rapid feedback and enabling team alignment. With testing and simulation experts working alongside designers, the process quickly highlighted practical improvements, creating a more effective pathway from R&D concepts to production-ready components. “Invest in simulations—they give you insights much faster, aligning design with manufacturing realities.” Synchronization and Common Planning: Enabling Transparency and Efficiency Henna and Maarit underscore the benefits of synchronization and common planning cadences across the R&D teams, enhancing transparency and team spirit. These synchronizations empowered teams to independently manage priorities while aligning with organizational goals, creating an ecosystem where collaboration and autonomy coexist. “A synchronized cadence empowers teams, letting them take charge of plans within a unified vision.” Pivoting to Sustainable Fuel: Adapting Agile to Changing Requirements As the market focus shifted towards sustainability, the NPD program swiftly integrated sustainable fuels like ammonia into development. Thanks to the Agile-inspired adaptability, the program adjusted its trajectory, positioning Wärtsilä to lead in environmentally conscious engine development with a product-first mindset that welcomed change. “With Agile, your process adapts to change—making room for innovations like sustainable fuel in real-time.” Resources for Agile Enthusiasts in Hardware and Product Development For listeners eager to dive deeper, Henna and Maarit recommend: Flexible Product Development: Agile Hardware Development to Liberate Innovation by Preston Smith White papers on Agile in hardware, particularly those available on WikiAgile About Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti Henna Torkkola is an Agile coach at Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, focusing on Future Fuels and New Product Development. With expertise in banking and Agile transformations, she holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management and is passionate about the cultural impact of Agile. You can link with Henna Torkkola on LinkedIn. Maarit Laanti, a pioneering Agile coach and co-founder of WikiAgile, is the author of the first PhD on Agile in a scaled environment. She has led transformative Agile initiatives at Nokia and contributed to the SAFe framework. A global authority on Lean and Agile, she is recognized for advancing Agile scaling in hardware. You can link with Maarit Laanti on LinkedIn.
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Nov 5, 2024 • 48min

The Future of Agile Hardware Development, A Case Study From High Power Semiconductor Industry | Milad Maleki and Markus Thut

Agile in Hardware: The Future of Agile Hardware Development, A Case Study From High Power Semiconductor Industry With Milad Maleki and Markus Thut In this Agile in Hardware episode, Milad Maleki and Markus Thut of Hitachi Energy Ltd. describe the pioneering methods and challenges of Agile hardware development in high-power semiconductor manufacturing. From introducing cutting-edge RoadPak technology for Formula E racing to optimizing consumer EV solutions, they share a fresh perspective on agile practices beyond the traditional software domain. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of an iterative approach to hardware design, production integration, and actionable insights for advancing Agile principles in complex hardware manufacturing. The RoadPak Project: Pioneering eMobility Innovation Milad and Markus kick off the discussion with the story behind the RoadPak project, a powerful technology supporting electric mobility and racing industries, including Formula E and Formula 1. Developed initially as a small-scale prototype, RoadPak has since evolved into a versatile solution with wide-reaching applications in consumer electric vehicles and fast-charging stations. “From racing to consumer EVs, RoadPak's journey showcases the transformative potential of scaling innovation from concept to consumer solutions.” Redefining Agile in Hardware: An Iterative Revolution Unlike traditional hardware development’s linear approach, the team adopted an Agile model to adapt and evolve both the product and its manufacturing processes at the same time. By designing the production line in tandem with the product, they created a collaborative environment where feedback directly informed product design and production line adjustments. “In Agile hardware, the manufacturing process becomes part of the product itself—a continual feedback loop between design, production, and customer needs.” Iterative Sample Development: The A, B, C, and D Samples Milad and Markus discuss the use of progressive sample iterations (A, B, C, and D) to refine RoadPak’s development. But, within each of the sample phases, they iterated quickly, for example having samples from A1, A2, A2b, etc. This approach provided invaluable insights, allowing for cost-effective tools and small-scale prototypes that rapidly incorporated feedback from customers and the production line. “Every iteration helped us with fast and impactful learning cycles which refined both product design and manufacturing. Proving that fast feedback is crucial—even in hardware.” Customer Feedback and Early Prototyping: Shortening the Feedback Loop To ensure RoadPak met real-world requirements, the team engaged customers early and often. They relied on simulation, rapid prototyping, and laser-cut parts to accelerate the feedback process. A specialized “evaluation kit” enabled customers to test the component in their own environments, exemplifying how quick delivery - even in hardware projects - can significantly speed up product development. “Early customer feedback is critical; our evaluation kit bridged the gap, turning theoretical design into practical functionality for real-world testing.” Integrated Development: Product and Manufacturing as Partners This episode emphasizes the unique challenges of developing the product and manufacturing process concurrently. By focusing on early quality control and optimizing the process on-site, they achieved higher yield and product reliability, setting the foundation for scalable, high-quality production. “For any new product, designing the manufacturing process alongside the product itself isn’t optional—it’s essential for quick feedback, and long-term success and quality.” Key Success Factors in Agile Hardware Development Markus and Milad highlight the importance of cross-functional teams, communication, and focus on dedicated resources. By streamlining their team’s goals and processes, they maintained agility and clarity in the development cycle. This episode wraps up with tips and resources for those looking to apply Agile principles to hardware, emphasizing the value of flexible, collaborative workflows. “Focus and communication drive success in Agile hardware; with the right team alignment, you’re equipped to adapt quickly and effectively.” Recommended Resources Milad and Markus suggest practical resources to deepen listeners’ understanding of Agile in hardware. The book Scrum Essentials: Agile Software Development and Agile Project Management for Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Stakeholders by Troy Dimes serves as an adaptable foundation. “Books and frameworks are starting points, but adapting Agile to hardware means integrating experimentation as a core part of the process.” About Markus Thut and Milad Maleki Markus Thut is a lead engineer at Hitachi Energy Ltd.’s semiconductor production in Lenzburg, Switzerland, specializing in high-power semiconductors and eMobility innovations. Markus is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to automation and industrial innovation, rooted in Swiss precision and a dedication to bringing visionary ideas to life. You can link with Markus Thut on LinkedIn and connect with Markus Thut on Twitter. Milad Maleki is the Head of R&D for high-power semiconductors at Hitachi Energy. With a PhD from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Milad has led groundbreaking research and development initiatives in the semiconductor field, championing collaboration and innovation to power a sustainable energy future. You can link with Milad Maleki on LinkedIn and connect with Milad Maleki on Twitter.
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Nov 4, 2024 • 47min

Bringing Agile to Hardware Development – Insights from Microsoft, Apple, and More | John Collins

Agile in Hardware: Bringing Agile to Hardware Development – Insights from Microsoft, Apple, and More With John Collins   In this agile in hardware episode, John Collins dives deep into the practicalities, challenges, and rewards of integrating Agile methodologies in hardware engineering, drawing from his extensive experience at companies like Microsoft, Apple, and FlixBus. Collins offers actionable advice on adapting Agile frameworks to hardware environments, covering everything from psychological safety to coordinating across diverse teams with different goals and development cadences. For anyone looking to understand the nuances of Agile in a hardware setting, this episode is full of valuable insights.   Starting Out with Agile in Hardware Engineering   “When you’re in a leadership role, it’s not just about the process – it’s about creating an environment of safety where teams feel empowered to take risks and try new approaches.”   John Collins shares how he first started implementing Agile principles in hardware engineering, despite the challenges posed by larger organizations like Apple and Microsoft. He discusses the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for Agile success and reflects on the training needed to foster an Agile mindset among engineers used to traditional, linear development approaches.   “The Agile journey starts by influencing teams and creating an environment where everyone feels secure and motivated to try new things.”   Crafting an Agile Framework for Hardware   “Aligning software and hardware development isn’t about making them the same; it’s about finding the right synchronization points and respecting each team’s unique process.”   John explains his approach to choosing and adapting Agile frameworks for his teams, describing how he brought software and hardware workflows into alignment through careful planning and OKRs. He shares tips on setting frameworks like SAFe, Scrum, or custom Agile processes, ensuring that hardware and software teams coordinate effectively without stifling autonomy.   “Using shared goals like OKRs helps both hardware and software teams work together without losing their individual strengths.”   Key Differences Between Agile in Software and Hardware   “In hardware, there are fixed constraints and build cycles dictated by suppliers and physical limitations – Agile can adapt, but it takes patience.”   In this segment, John highlights the key differences in Agile application between software and hardware teams. He explains why skepticism can be a healthy part of the process, and how roles like the Agile coach help teams embrace new methodologies. John also emphasizes the importance of matching Agile coaches to team dynamics to ensure effective adoption.   “Every Agile coach and team is unique – finding the right match is essential to making Agile work in hardware.” Overcoming Challenges in Agile Hardware Development   “Hardware requires a structured approach with build schedules and physical constraints, which makes Agile’s flexibility more challenging to implement.”   John dives into the unique challenges of implementing Agile in hardware, especially around the rigidity of build cycles and long testing periods. He shares strategies for mitigating these constraints, like prioritizing issues by risk impact and using statistical models to allocate resources for destructive testing. This practical advice helps listeners understand the importance of adaptability within Agile for hardware.   “Leverage data from past builds to predict impact, prioritize risk, and optimize your testing and build resources.”   Resources for Adopting Agile in Hardware   John refers to the Management 3.0 training as a good foundation to prepare people for adopting Agile, and also combining Agile and Hardware.    About John Collins   John Collins is a former Senior Vice President of Engineering, known for driving strategic growth in large international teams across software and hardware. With a background in Electrical Engineering, he began his career as a hardware engineer at Microsoft, contributing to the development of Xbox consoles and HoloLens. At Apple, John worked as a program manager for battery development, and later advanced to engineering management in sectors such as mobility and sustainability in eCommerce across Europe. Holder of eight patents in AR, battery, and camera design, John is also the author of two influential books on engineering and leadership.   You can link with John Collins on LinkedIn.
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Nov 1, 2024 • 14min

How Great Product Owners Encourage Experimentation and Openness | Hassan Butt

Hassan Butt: How Great Product Owners Encourage Experimentation and Openness Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. The Great Product Owner: Balancing Pressure and Transparency Hassan describes a great Product Owner (PO) as someone who can handle the pressures from stakeholders while maintaining transparency with the team. A great PO is open about the challenges but ensures that team members are not overwhelmed. They create space for experimentation, facilitate two-way communication, and know how to protect the team by saying “no” when needed. The Bad Product Owner: Bringing Pressure to the Team On the other hand, Hassan highlights an anti-pattern where a Product Owner brings external pressures into the team, causing stress and blame. A bad PO passes down the pressure they feel, which can create a toxic environment. Hassan advises using 3-amigo sessions to support the PO and suggests promoting open conversations that avoid blame and foster transparency. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community. You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohassagile/
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Oct 31, 2024 • 10min

How to Foster Leadership and Independence in Scrum Teams | Hassan Butt

Hassan Butt: How to Foster Leadership and Independence in Scrum Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Hassan defines success for a Scrum Master as creating a team of leaders who support each other and work collaboratively. His goal is to make himself redundant by helping the team become self-sufficient. Hassan emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with team members, understanding their passions, and continually checking in to ensure personal growth. His ultimate measure of success is when team members grow into leadership roles themselves. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Simple, Contextual Retrospectives Hassan recommends using retrospective formats that suit the team's current context and culture. He highlights the value of keeping things simple when facilitating retrospectives, especially for teams from diverse backgrounds. Early in his career, he realized that fancy formats did not always work, but simple, straightforward retrospectives often led to the most productive conversations. Hassan reminds us that it's not about the format but about what the team needs in the moment. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community. You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohassagile/
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Oct 30, 2024 • 11min

Leading Change with Radical Candor, Building Organizational Openness | Hassan Butt

Hassan Butt: Leading Change with Radical Candor, Building Organizational Openness Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Hassan shares his experience leading a change initiative through Radical Candor workshops. He noticed that people in the organization were hesitant to share ideas with leadership. By using the Radical Candor framework, Hassan encouraged openness and honest feedback. He shares practical tips, such as role-playing, embedding accountability, and using structured formats like Liberating Structures, to create a safe space for feedback and collaboration. Hassan emphasizes the importance of follow-ups and self-accountability to ensure lasting change. Self-reflection Question: How can you foster a culture of Radical Candor in your organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community. You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn.
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Oct 29, 2024 • 10min

When Hierarchy Hinders Team Growth: A Lesson in Listening | Hassan Butt

Hassan Butt, a Scrum Master and Agile Coach for a UK FTSE100 Telco, shares his expertise on navigating team dynamics in hierarchical organizations. He recounts early experiences where seniority stifled communication, demonstrating how it harmed team cohesion. Hassan emphasizes the importance of listening to all voices, especially newcomers, to foster inclusivity and creativity. He recommends Lyssa Adkins' 'Coaching Agile Teams' for its insights on personal growth, which helped him combat imposter syndrome and improve team dynamics.
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Oct 28, 2024 • 12min

What I Learned from Failing My First Scrum Master Interview | Hassan Butt

Hassan Butt: What I Learned from Failing My First Scrum Master Interview Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, Hassan shares his personal story of failure and how it shaped his journey to becoming a successful Scrum Master. After a challenging first interview, where he felt driven by fear and failed to actively listen, Hassan decided to try again six months later. With newfound confidence and determination, he overcame his fears and landed the role that changed his life. Hassan’s story emphasizes the importance of persistence, active listening, and hunger for growth in the Scrum Master role. Self-reflection Question: What steps can you take to turn failure into a learning opportunity in your own career? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community. You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn.
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Oct 26, 2024 • 49min

BONUS: Unlocking the Secrets to Thriving Workplaces and Agile Leadership | Vasco Duarte

BONUS: Unlocking the Secrets to Thriving Workplaces and Agile Leadership with Vasco Duarte In this insightful BONUS episode, Vasco Duarte is interviewed by Bill Fox for an episode on the Forward Thinking Workplaces Podcast. Vasco is a visionary leader in agile and lean software development. Vasco shares his revolutionary approach to fostering innovation, creating dynamic workplaces, and leading teams to success. His strategies are designed for leaders looking to elevate their organizations by focusing on people, purpose, and efficient work processes. Tune in for practical advice on how to unlock your team’s full potential and thrive in today’s fast-paced work environment. Creating Environments for Natural Innovation “Innovation is a natural human quality; it flourishes when you don't make an effort to prevent it.” Vasco emphasizes that innovation isn’t something leaders need to force. Instead, it happens organically when the right environment is in place. He encourages leaders to shift away from rigid structures and towards creating motivating spaces where creativity can thrive. By doing this, teams naturally become more innovative and solutions-driven. “The only way innovation does not happen naturally is if we make an effort to prevent it from happening.” Motivated Individuals: The Key to Project Success “Build your projects around motivated individuals and trust them to deliver their best.” Vasco highlights the importance of centering projects around motivated individuals, giving them the trust and support they need to succeed. According to him, leaders should focus on empowering people, unleashing their full potential. When teams feel trusted and valued, they bring more energy and creativity to their work. “If you trust people and give them the space to perform, they will achieve things you didn't expect.” The Power of Community and Purpose “Aligning purpose with autonomy and mastery leads to engaged and high-performing teams.” Drawing from Dan Pink’s model of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, Vasco stresses the role of community and clear purpose in building engaged teams. He explains how people are naturally motivated when they understand the purpose of their work and have the freedom to master their skills. This alignment creates a strong sense of belonging and shared goals within the team. “When people have a sense of community and purpose, they bring their best selves to work.” Defining Boundaries to Foster Innovation “Clear boundaries create a flexible framework where innovation can thrive.” Vasco believes that well-defined boundaries are essential to encouraging innovation. Far from being restrictive, these boundaries offer a structured yet flexible framework that helps teams feel secure while exploring new ideas. When teams know the limits but also have room to experiment, they perform better and innovate faster. “Boundaries are not barriers; they provide the structure that allows innovation to flow freely.” Streamlining Processes with "#NoEstimates" “Focus on delivering value efficiently by reducing waste in your processes.” One of Vasco's most transformative ideas is his “No Estimates” approach to software development, which encourages focusing on value and reducing waste. This method ensures that teams spend their time wisely, enhancing productivity without the guesswork of traditional estimations. It's all about respecting everyone's time and effort while delivering maximum value. “Stop wasting time on estimates and start focusing on delivering real value to your customers.” Leadership Aligned with Employee Purpose “Leaders must understand and align with the purposes of their employees to drive team success.” Vasco shares valuable leadership advice, urging leaders to connect with their team members on a deeper level. By understanding employees' individual purposes and goals, leaders can foster more meaningful and productive collaborations. Open communication is key to building cohesive, high-performing teams that are aligned with the organization's vision. “When leaders align with their team's personal goals, they unlock higher levels of performance and engagement.” Real-World Insights from Industry Practitioners “Learning from practitioners in the field brings fresh, actionable insights.” Through his podcast, Vasco shares real-world insights from a wide range of industry practitioners. These stories highlight different approaches and solutions that have been successfully applied in various sectors, providing listeners with diverse perspectives on innovation and agile leadership. “Every practitioner I speak with offers a unique lens on solving the challenges of modern work environments.” About Vasco Duarte Vasco Duarte is an agile thought leader, podcast host, and one of the pioneers behind the “#NoEstimates” movement. With years of experience in lean and agile software development, Vasco helps teams and organizations improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation through dynamic leadership and strategic processes. He is also the host of the Scrum Master Toolbox podcast, where he shares insights from industry practitioners on agile leadership, team dynamics, and efficient workflows. You can link with Vasco Duarte on LinkedIn.
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Oct 25, 2024 • 19min

How Open Feedback Can Transform a Product Owner's Approach, And Help Agile Teams Succeed | Karla Merza

Karla Merza: How Open Feedback Can Transform a Product Owner's Approach, And Help Agile Teams Succeed The Great Product Owner: The PO As A Facilitator For The Team Karla describes a Product Owner who was open to feedback and continuously sought collaboration with the Scrum Master and the team. This PO’s willingness to engage in discussions and act on feedback fostered a productive and collaborative environment. They consistently asked how they could better support the team, demonstrating empathy and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The Bad Product Owner: When The PO Protects The Team Too Much! In contrast, Karla shares a story of a Product Owner who unintentionally held back the team by poorly writing epics and user stories. This PO tried to shield the developers from unnecessary involvement but ended up creating more confusion. Fortunately, they were open to feedback, and with coaching, they learned the importance of involving the team in discussions to avoid miscommunication. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Karla Merza Karla joins us from Romania. She is an Agile Professional with 10 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in empowering diverse teams and organizations worldwide. From optimizing Agile practices to enhancing tool usage, she is dedicated to expanding knowledge and driving efficiency in multicultural environments. You can link with Karla Merza on LinkedIn: Karla Merza LinkedIn

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