Agile and Project Management - DrunkenPM Radio

In this conversation, David Marquet shares his transformative leadership journey from commanding the Santa Fe submarine, one of the worst performers in the fleet, to implementing a culture of empowerment and accountability. He discusses the importance of shifting from a language of permission to a language of intent, encouraging leaders to empower their teams to think critically and make decisions. Marquet emphasizes the significance of mindset, distance, and self-coaching in effective decision-making, and how visualizing problems can lead to better solutions. The discussion culminates in practical advice for creating a culture of accountability and fostering a proactive mindset within teams. Takeaways Leadership is about inspiring teams, not just giving orders. The language of permission can stifle innovation and accountability. Empower your team to think critically and make decisions. Mindset and distance are crucial for effective decision-making. Coaching yourself can lead to better outcomes. Visualizing problems helps in understanding and solving them. Creating a culture of accountability is essential for success. Encourage a language of intent over a language of permission. Fresh perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Transformational leadership requires a shift in mindset and language. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb You can check out the interview with David’s co-author, Michael Gillespie, here: https://on.soundcloud.com/zb166tQR3Ce8gp0tHd Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9 Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/

In this episode, Dave interviews Dr. Michael Gillespie about his book 'Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions', which explores psychological distancing as a tool for better decision-making. They discuss the importance of stepping outside one's own perspective to gain clarity, the different types of distancing (self, time, and space), and practical applications of these techniques. The conversation also touches on the role of journaling, the significance of construal level theory, and how mindfulness can complement these strategies. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to pause and reflect in order to make more informed decisions. Takeaways • Psychological distancing helps individuals see situations more clearly. • Mindfulness is beneficial, but not always sufficient for immediate decision-making. • There are three primary types of distancing: self, time, and space. • Journaling in the third person can enhance self-awareness and clarity. • Construal level theory explains the difference between high-level abstract thinking and low-level concrete thinking. • Taking a pause is crucial in emotionally charged situations. • Practicing distancing techniques can lead to better emotional regulation. • Being a 'fly on the wall' can provide valuable perspective in difficult moments. • It's important to normalize the practice of pausing in group settings. • The ultimate goal is to make better decisions and improve overall well-being. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/ Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9

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