The (mis)adventures of an agile coach
As a Scrum Master, you can use the Agile Manifesto’s four values as a compass to guide your team through the complex landscape of software development. Prioritising individuals and interactions, valuing working software, collaborating closely with customers, and embracing change can help ensure that processes are more than just delivering software; they are also about … Read more
A new work day begins. I get out of bed and get ready for work. As The Hague is waking up, I find comfort in the ritual of my morning brew. A cappuccino, extra strong, becomes my companion as I await the train that takes me to Rotterdam. My wireless earbuds play the day’s anthems. … Read more
Sometimes it just clicks in your mind. When you read about a specific topic and think, “Hey! That’s me!“. A few days ago, while falling through another late-night Scrum rabbit hole, I came across the term ‘hostmanship’. After reading about it, I realized how much it reminded me of values I hold dear in both … Read more
The Scrum Master has an pivotal role in the Scrum framework, but their role is frequently misunderstood. Let me be clear: Scrum Masters are no ‘rule enforcers’. They are facilitators and coaches who guide their teams through project complexities with finesse and understanding. The stance of the “Scrum Police” highlights a misunderstanding of the Scrum … Read more
The “Five Whys” technique has emerged as a crucial tool for problem-solving and continuous improvement. This technique is based on asking “Why?” five times to dive deep into the root cause of a problem. It is a method that turns a challenge into an opportunity for growth and learning. Harnessing the power of the Five … Read more
As I look back to 2023, one word captures the essence of my journey. ‘Growth’. It’s been a year brimming with learning, from the plethora of courses completed, to the myriad of texts devoured. Yet, I feel like I have just begun an incredible adventure. The more I learn, the more I realize there is … Read more
In this dynamic world, continuous growth is paramount. The Scrum Master, often perceived as a mere facilitator, has a more profound role. Not only do they guide the Scrum process, but they can also help team members flourish – both technically and in soft skills. In this article, I will highlight the essential function of … Read more
As a Scrum Master, you might wonder about self-management. Why is it important? It revolves around the simple concept of ownership. When teams take ownership, they feel responsible for the results. This sense of responsibility inspires higher levels of engagement, creativity, and productivity. Furthermore, self-management boosts the team’s morale and builds resilience. It eliminates the … Read more
As a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, I have embarked on a personal quest to deepen my understanding of effective Product Backlog management. My organization faces the challenge of a massive Product Backlog which, thankfully, has seen notable improvements in quality over the past year. However, there’s always room for growth and refinement. That’s why … Read more
In Scrum Teams, the Scrum Master plays a exciting role. But even a Scrum Master can experience moments of stagnation or boredom. So, how do you keep your profession fresh and fun? Let’s delve into my very own tried and true methods of staying sane in the Scrum realm. The Scrum Guide: an old friend … Read more
We’ve all been there. Uncomfortable silences, glaring issues that everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about, the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. As humans, we naturally avoid conflicts. We would rather ignore the issue or get lost behind our screens, coding away, or jump into another meeting. The problem, however, continues to … Read more
Kanban, a term borrowed from Japanese, means ‘visual sign’ or ‘card’. At its core, it is a visual management tool. It aids teams in managing and optimizing workflow. Kanban focuses on continuous improvement, flexibility, and flow. Let’s delve deeper into understanding its essence, how teams can leverage it, and how it stands apart from Scrum. … Read more
The Scrum Guide is a unique resource! Crafted by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, it’s a document that never ceases to amaze. I see it as a generous gift, always offering something new. Like delving into a rich Hieronymus Bosch painting, it’s multi-layered. (And yes, perhaps less unsettling than Bosch’s work.) The Scrum Guide is … Read more
Avid readers of my blog (and attendants of my Scrum lectures) may recognize this topic, which is very close to my heart. Scrum and Taylorism represent two distinct paradigms. While Scrum is an emblematic representation of Agile, emphasizing team collaboration, flexibility, and a relentless focus on delivering genuine value, Taylorism stands as a methodology deeply … Read more
Imagine this. You’re at a company eager to enhance its processes. But despite countless brainstorming sessions and team meetings, there are still no new transformative ideas. How can this be solved? By applying Liberating Structures! Liberating Structures introduces a suite of multiple methods. These methods invigorate conventional thinking, sparking novel ideas and answers to intricate … Read more