Agile and Project Management - DrunkenPM Radio

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity. Takeaways - The importance of context in team coordination cannot be overstated. - Intentions should be prioritized over commitments in project management. - Writing down intentions serves as a forcing function for clarity. - The pandemic has highlighted the need for better cross-team coordination. - Steady aims to unburden teams from coordination challenges. - The concept of a shared brain can enhance teamwork and communication. - Echoes are a new way to provide contextual insights to team members. - Nudges can help optimize workflows and improve productivity. - Celebrating individual contributions is essential for team morale. Chapters 04:22 Introduction to Steady and Henry's Background 07:25 The Evolution of Engineering and Design in Tech 10:17 The Importance of Context in Team Coordination 13:05 Intentions vs. Commitments in Project Management 16:08 The Role of Writing in Clarifying Intentions 18:55 The Impact of the Pandemic on Team Dynamics 22:07 Cross-Team Coordination Challenges 25:04 The Cost of Poor Coordination in Knowledge Work 27:54 Steady's Approach to Reducing Coordination Burden 30:58 Creating a Shared Brain for Teams 38:26 Contextualizing Team Dynamics 34:04 Empowering Autonomy in Project Management 39:50 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Collaboration 43:27 The Importance of Personal Recognition 46:00 Tailored Insights for Effective Decision Making 50:28 Vision for a Meaningful Work Environment Contacting Henry: - Steady: https://runsteady.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrypoydar/ Other Links from the Podcast: - Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You”
www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 - AI Readiness for Professionals Course
tinyurl.com/y79kassb - Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes
www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events…=14153&cnty=US

Join Dave Prior as he sits down with Ross Beurmann, author of "From Theater to Flow: Rebuilding the System Behind Agility." In this episode, they delve into the challenges of agile transformations, the concept of "Agile Theater," and the importance of focusing on the middle management to drive meaningful change. Ross shares insights from his book and discusses the need for organizations to rethink their approach to agility. Key Topics: The pitfalls of "Agile Theater" and how to avoid them The role of middle management in successful transformations Ross's unique approach to integrating governance and agility Real-world examples and lessons learned from Ross's consulting experience Links: Ross's Book on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/37neasdm Ross's Website https://rossbeurmann.com Connect with Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossbeurmann/ Links from the intro: The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/ Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Dave and Stuarts Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change https://tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos

Building Resiliance with Agile2025 Keynote Speaker Tricia Broderick Dave Prior interviews Tricia Broderick for the Agile 2025 pre-conference, focusing on her keynote on building resilience. Tricia discusses the challenges of the current job market, including high unemployment and overworked employees. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and community support. Tricia also highlights the upcoming AI Readiness for Professionals course, starting August 6, which aims to help professionals stay competitive in an AI-driven world. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of supporting others and the need for empathy and practical support. Tricia looks forward to the Agile 2025 conference, particularly the opportunity to honor past community members. Key Takeaways - Resilience is essential in our current world of work due to a challenging job market and overwhelming workloads. - Empathetic people struggle with the emotional toll of trying to support numerous friends and colleagues who are out of work or struggling. - Community and in-person connections, like at the Agile conference, provide a vital source of restoration and support. - Building personal resilience can be achieved by focusing on what you can control, such as limiting news consumption and performing small acts of kindness. - Tricia will use her keynote to honor four mentors who are no longer with us but had a significant generational impact on her career. To register for Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/pricing/ Tricia's Links Details on Tricia's Keynote at Agile 2025 https://tinyurl.com/nuwyk629 Lead Without Blame by Tricia Broderick and Diana Larsen https://tinyurl.com/bddcxhhd Tricia's Website https://igniteii.com/ Tricia on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-broderick Links from the Intro The Agile Network - Live from Agile2025 Lineup https://tinyurl.com/bdf4n92m Dave and Stuart's Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 AI Readiness for Professionals Course tinyurl.com/y79kassb Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events…=14153&cnty=US

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Reece Schmidt discuss the upcoming Agile 2025 conference, focusing on its structure, keynotes, and unique features like the Hackathon for Good. They emphasize the importance of preparation for attendees, including tips for maximizing the conference experience, networking, and engaging with speakers. The conversation also addresses resources for introverts and those who may feel overwhelmed, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants. Takeaways • Agile 2025 is a condensed three-day event with a focus on keynotes and hands-on learning. • The Hackathon for Good will allow participants to work on real-world problems for a nonprofit. • Attendees should prepare by reading the program and identifying key speakers and topics of interest. • Networking is crucial; attendees should engage with speakers and other participants. • Book signings will provide opportunities for attendees to connect with authors directly. • Self-care is important; attendees should prioritize sleep, hydration, and breaks. • Introverts can find quiet spaces and should not hesitate to take breaks when needed. • The conference will feature a variety of new voices and perspectives in the Agile community. • Participants should have backup session choices in case their first choice is full. • Visual cues will be provided to help attendees navigate social interactions. Links: Agile 2025: https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Interview with Jurgen Appelo on The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/content/8f025d5e-e8d5-454b-97a3-18e47619b397 Contacting Reese: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeseschmit/ Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Dave and Stuart's Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change https://tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 AI Readiness for Professionals Course https://tinyurl.com/y79kassb Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes https://www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events/search?tr=14153&cnty=US Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Agile 2025 01:56 Conference Structure and Keynotes 04:13 Hackathon for Good 07:55 Hands-On Learning Opportunities 10:38 Book Signing and Author Engagement 12:54 Preparation Tips for Attendees 17:26 Survival Tips During the Conference 21:48 Resources for Introverts 25:56 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

An interview with Agile Alliance Conference Chair Chris Murman on what’s happening at Agile 2025 and why you want to be there. During the conversation, we discuss ways this year's event is different from the previous ones, focusing on the importance of addressing real problems within the Agile community, the challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the evolving role of AI in Agile practices. We talk about the need for collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of Agile methodologies. Bottom line - come to Agile 2025 to create, not just consume Links from the interview To learn more about Agile 2025 and register: https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ To contact Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismurman/ Email: chrisdmurman@gmail.com Links from the intro: Mile High Agile 2025 https://www.agiledenver.org/mile-high-agile-2025/ Agile Coach Camp Worldwide https://agilealliance.org/event/agile-coach-camp-worldwide-2025/ Reimagining Agile Event https://agilealliance.org/event/reimagining-agility/ To watch the interview with Jurgen Appelo: https://theagilenetwork.com/content/8f025d5e-e8d5-454b-97a3-18e47619b397 To learn more about the session Stuart and Dave are leading at Agile 2025: https://events.agilealliance.org/agile2025/session/2841530/career-power-ups-surviving-through-uncertainty-and-change To learn when Stuart and Dave's book No One Is Coming to Save You is available: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1

Ed Stockwell, an expert in project management and a key player in the Austin AI Alliance, shares insights on navigating today's challenging job market. He emphasizes the value of networking and volunteering as crucial strategies for job seekers. Ed discusses leveraging AI tools to enhance job searching and the importance of mental well-being through activities like running. He also highlights establishing a grounding daily routine and the necessity of clarity in communication to refine personal narratives, ensuring a stronger position in the competitive landscape.

Shift: From Product To People: A Novel About Product Development, and Shifting to People To Achieve a Holistic Agile Transformation is a new book written by Michael Dougherty and Pete Oliver-Krueger that focuses on shifting the Agile mindset away from a product-centric approach and towards a more a people-centric one. This interview centers around the need for collaboration, the impact of AI on Agile practices, and the significance of creating a humane work environment. The authors also highlight the role of mentorship in personal growth and the future of work in an AI-driven landscape. They also share some of the challenges they faced during the four and a half years of writing the book, the narrative style that allows for multiple perspectives, and the importance of real-life experiences in connecting with readers. If you'd prefer the video version of this podcast, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/lf_f_JdTWvM The Book Shift: From Product to People https://www.amazon.com/Shift-Development-Shifting-Holistic-Transformation/dp/B0D89NT9RD Contacting the Authors Michael Dougherty https://www.linkedin.com/in/agilemichaeldougherty/ Pete Oliver-Krueger https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteok/ Chapters 00:18 Introduction to the Authors and Their Journey 03:17 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book 06:15 Exploring the Narrative Style and Structure 09:21 The Importance of Realistic Coaching 12:13 Chapter Highlights and Key Themes 15:11 The Concept of Collaborative Budgeting 18:19 The Three Waves of Agile 21:12 Humanizing Agile Practices 24:12 The Future of Agile and Leadership Perspectives 27:26 Navigating the Agile Doom Loop 30:19 Crisis as an Opportunity for Change 32:38 The Evolution of Agile Frameworks 34:34 AI's Impact on Agile Practices 41:17 The Human Element in Agile Coaching

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Dennis Stevens explore the evolving definition of project success as outlined in PMI's recent report. They discuss the implications of this new definition, emphasizing the need for continuous transformation in organizations and the role of project managers in delivering value. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing friction in project management, the impact of AI on the profession, and the necessity for project managers to navigate the political landscape of project success. Ultimately, they highlight the need for project managers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and the skills required to thrive in this new landscape. Takeaways • A successful project delivers value worth the effort and expense. • Transformation is continuous, not stepwise. • Project success must include stakeholder perception and value delivery. • Project managers need to focus on reducing friction in processes. • AI will change the role of project managers significantly. • Friction is not the same as constraints; it impedes progress. • Project success should be measured by the ability to adapt and deliver value. • The role of project managers is evolving to include more strategic responsibilities. • Continuous evaluation is essential for project success. • Navigating politics is crucial for achieving project success. Links: PMI Article on Reframing Project Success https://www.pmi.org/blog/reframing-project-success Agile for Project Managers - What is Project Success? w/ Dennis Stevens, Jesse Fewell, Jenny Tarwater, Sally Sloley, Jimi Fearless, and Semira Allen and (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/1d2a0a72-4d33-4145-b80a-3728f45b1947/item/0 Redefining Project Success and How it Impacts Project and Product Leaders with Lenka Pincot, Mike Griffiths and Dave Prior (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/926c08d0-52c7-4444-8f2a-732ac6acea61/item/0 Contacting Dennis Website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=orgwright&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisstevens/ The Agile Network Profile: https://theagilenetwork.com/celebrity/fa0c1ba5-2373-4750-a3a2-86e37bc3ab03 Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Project Success Redefined 03:25 Transformation in Project Management 06:14 The New Definition of Project Success 09:21 Challenges in Project Management 12:08 Reducing Friction in Project Success 15:16 The Role of Project Managers in Value Delivery 18:39 The Politics of Project Management 22:18 Evolving Role of Project Managers 25:08 AI and the Future of Project Management 28:08 The Changing Landscape of Project Management 30:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Preston Hunter discuss the challenges of transitioning to Agile methodologies, particularly focusing on the use of JIRA and visual collaboration tools like Lucid. They explore a case study of a team moving to Kanban, the integration of Lucid with JIRA, and how visual tools can simplify workflows and enhance collaboration. The discussion also covers capacity planning, managing dependencies, and the importance of creating custom views for project management. Preston shares insights on how Lucid can help teams visualize their work, engage stakeholders, and improve overall efficiency. The conversation concludes with resources for learning and support for new users of Lucid. This podcast was recorded in video format because of the demo that was given. You can find the video here: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78177/using-lucid-to-update-jira-with-preston-hunter Takeaways • Visual collaboration tools can ease the transition to Agile. • JIRA can be overwhelming for new users; Lucid simplifies this. • Integrating Lucid with JIRA allows for real-time updates. • Custom views in Lucid can help manage personal and team workflows. • Visualizing dependencies is crucial for effective project management. • Capacity planning features help teams avoid overcommitment. • Engaging teams with visual tools fosters collaboration and creativity. • Lucid offers resources for new users to learn effectively. • Conditional formatting in Lucid enhances reporting capabilities. • Personalization of boards can reflect team culture and identity. Chapters 03:21 Introduction to Agile and Visual Collaboration 05:13 Challenges of Implementing Kanban with JIRA 09:21 Lucid's Integration with JIRA 15:21 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Workflow Visualization 21:28 Managing Dependencies and Capacity Planning 27:21 Customizing Workflows and Agile Practices 30:48 Empowering Teams with Agency 33:58 Capacity Planning and Sprint Management 36:30 Reporting and Visual Collaboration Tools 40:28 The Future of Project Management 42:33 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Engagement 45:32 Personalizing Team Spaces 49:41 Learning and Support Resources To learn more about Lucid go to https://lucid.co/ To contact Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/preston-hunter/

In this conversation, Dave Prior, Brett Harned, and Greg Storey discuss the importance of creating a humane workspace through effective communication and collaboration. They share their backgrounds, the founding of Same Team Partners, and the significance of addressing communication issues within teams. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be trained in facilitating meaningful conversations and the role of Team Angle in diagnosing and improving team dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and creating a safe environment for teams to thrive. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding and communicating company values, the necessity of documentation and effective communication within teams, and the role of visualization in work processes. They emphasize creating safe spaces for team discussions, empowering teams through inclusivity, and the need for transformation at the team level rather than just implementing new processes. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in fostering a healthy team culture and the significance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to improve team dynamics. Takeaways • Creating a humane workspace is essential for team success. • Many problems in teams stem from poor communication. • Positive culture leads to high-performing teams. • Stress and tension can be indicators of team dysfunction. • Empathy is crucial for understanding team dynamics. • Team Angle helps identify misalignments within teams. • Leaders often lack training for meaningful conversations. • Engagement at all levels is necessary for success. • Creating a shared language enhances team collaboration. • Structured conversations can improve team dynamics. Understanding company values is crucial for alignment. • Documentation is essential for effective communication. • Visual representation of work processes aids understanding. • Creating safe spaces encourages open dialogue. • Inclusivity fosters team empowerment and motivation. • Teams should be involved in the solution process. • Transformation should focus on team dynamics, not just processes. • Regular one-on-ones significantly increase team engagement. • Leaders need to be aware of their team's challenges. • Empathy and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles. Chapters 00:18 Introduction to a Humane Workspace 03:29 Foundations of Same Team Partners 06:22 The Importance of Communication in Teams 09:11 Identifying Healthy Team Dynamics 12:12 Cultural Differences in Team Interactions 15:25 Creating Safety in Team Environments 18:19 Understanding Team Angle 21:31 Implementing Team Angle for Improvement 31:26 Understanding Company Values and Principles 34:18 The Importance of Documentation and Communication 36:00 Visualizing Work Processes 40:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Team Conversations 44:13 Empowering Teams Through Inclusivity 46:19 Transforming Teams, Not Just Processes You can find Same Team Partners, their Teamangle Diagnostic and the Teamangle Conversation Cards here: https://sameteampartners.com/ You can also find them on LinkedIn: Brett Harned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettharned/ Greg Storey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brilliantcrank/