From Control to Collaboration: How Project Managers Can Embrace Agility and Thrive
In my experience, the term “project manager” often feels like an oxymoron when we talk about agility. It’s a bit of a paradox, isn’t it? While we can certainly sprinkle some agile principles into project management, the reality is that unless a project manager is willing to let go of their traditional mindset—specifically the belief that they have all the answers and can control every aspect of a project—they will continue to face the same challenges that have plagued project management for years.
What is a product owner? Why are they essential?
Decoding the Role of the Product Owner A common question I often encounter is, “What exactly is a product owner?” While I understand this question may seem straightforward, there’s more to it than meets the eye. 🤔
Why does project management not work in complex environments?
Project Management in Intricate Environments As Agile Consultants, we know that Project Management can falter in complex environments, so I wanted to spend a little time discussing why traditional Project Management might not be the best fit for complex environments.
What is a scrum master? Why are they essential?
Unlocking the Secrets of the Scrum Master: A Guide to Agile Leadership Unlock the full potential of your team with the insights from a Scrum Master expert. Learn the crucial role they play in guiding teams towards high efficiency and value delivery in Agile environments.
What is Project Management?
Unpacking Project Management Ever found yourself wondering, “What exactly is project management?” 🎯 Well, simply put, Project Management is a set of tools and techniques developed in the Industrial Revolution to help manage factory workers and to create and deliver goods from factories to customers." 🏭
What is Scrum?
What is Scrum? Interpreting Scrum Many people know that Scrum is related to organising around a common purpose, a sort of social technology for shared goals. But have you ever gone deeper into the mechanics of “What is Scrum?”
What is a product backlog?
What is a product backlog? Demystifying the Product Backlog 📝 I’m often asked straightforward questions about being an Agile Consultant, but this one tops the list! Let’s start off with a pretty official explanation of a product backlog.
What is a product vision, and why does it matter?
The essence of a Product is ‘The Vision’ “What is a product vision and why does it matter?” 🌟 This is a question I’ve been asked countless times. And as with many important questions, the answer is both simple and intricate.
#1 tip for a new Scrum Master
#1 tip for a new Scrum Master It’s Back to Basics Greetings, Scrum enthusiasts! 🙌 Let’s dive straight into my #1 tip for a new Scrum Master - start with the basics and READ the Scrum Guide. 📌
Unlocking Startup Success: Why Every Entrepreneur Needs to Master Product Management Value
As an entrepreneur, I often find myself reflecting on the pivotal role that product management plays in the success of a startup. Having navigated the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship, I can confidently say that understanding value is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. This is why I wholeheartedly recommend the Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) course, particularly for those of us who are at the helm of small organisations.
Momentum
Momentum Driving Force Behind Every Successful Team 🚀 Have you ever wondered about ‘momentum’? When we hear the word ‘momentum,’ what comes to mind? For me, it’s simple - momentum equals movement. 🚀
What is the one thing a PSPO course forces you to focus on?
The Core of PSPO: Unearthing the Essence of Value Recently, I pondered a vital question, “What’s the one thing that a PSPO course compels you to zone in on?” The answer is unambiguously clear - value. 🎯
Discipline versus motivation?
Discipline versus motivation? A Crucial Agile Debate Today, I will share my perspective on a topic that’s always been close to my heart, and I want to talk a little about the differences between a popular topic of debate: Discipline vs Motivation.
Redefining the Scrum Master: From Misconceptions to Empowering Leadership
As I reflect on my journey through the world of Scrum, one of the most profound challenges I’ve encountered is the way we perceive the role of the Scrum Master. This was particularly highlighted during my experience with the Professional Scrum Master II (PSM-2) class. It’s a transformative experience that forces us to confront and reassess our assumptions about what it means to be a Scrum Master.
What do people love most about the 4-day training format?
The Magic of the 4-Day Training Format! Ever wondered what makes the 4-day training format stand out? 📅 Let me share a little secret. This is a course attendees’ dream because whenever I discuss training structures, I’m frequently asked: “What do people love most about the four-day training format?”
No go zone for Agile consultants
No go zone for Agile consultants Being an Agile Consultant Goes Beyond Being a Coach A common mistake Agile Consultants make is to concentrate on the coaching aspect. Sure, coaching is an important aspect, but only assuming that your client knows exactly what they need to change for success is a common pitfall. 🤔
How did you come to be a preferred Scrum training supplier for Microsoft?
Many of you have asked, “How did I become the third Scrum training provider for Microsoft?” One thing is for sure: I can say it’s been a journey deeply rooted in building relationships and continually developing expertise.
Worst agile advice you've ever heard?
Worst agile advice you’ve ever heard? The Worst Scrum Master’s Advice - Ever! 🚫 In my articles, I don’t often talk about negative aspects of Agile and Scrum, but today I want to talk about one of the worst pieces of Agile advice I’ve ever heard, which was, “Everyone MUST stand up during the daily stand-up, or you’re not doing Scrum.” 😱
In WIP, less is more. Why?
Why Less is Always More When It Comes to WIP I’m sure most of you in the Agile world have heard the acronym WIP, which stands for ‘work in progress’. 🤔
One limitation of reading a book vs attending a course
One limitation of reading a book vs attending a course Books vs Interaction Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for reading and it’s no secret that I love books. 📖 For centuries books have offered incredible insights and knowledge to millions of people. However, when it comes to humans, there’s one limitation of reading a book that I want to address today: a book can’t answer your questions.
Why do you think the Advanced PSPO course is a perfect fit for entrepreneurs?
A great #productowner is a game-changer in the organization because they help shape and articulate the product vision, mission, and goals. People like Steve Jobs who create and sustain a standard of #productdevelopment that captures the imagination of an entire generation.
One thing a client can do to ensure a successful Agile consulting engagement
One thing a client can do to ensure a successful Agile consulting engagement So, the first thing that comes to mind when asked this question is a one-word answer: ’ provoke’. 🤔
How can companies derive greater benefits from training by investing in a private training course?
Private Training Courses: A Game Changer for Companies? Navigating the realm of Agile and DevOps can be daunting. When it comes to training, a pressing question often emerges: Can companies reap more from a private training course? 🚀
How did you know you were ready to transition from DevOps practitioner to DevOps Consultant?
From Practitioner to Consultant When asked how I knew I was poised for the leap from DevOps practitioner to consultant, my initial instinct and honest answer was that I didn’t have a definitive ‘Aha!’ moment.
Most Influential Person in Agile - Jerónimo Palacios
#shorts As we progress in our #agile career, we are often privileged to meet people who shape the trajectory of our career and experiences in meaningful, powerful ways. People who take the time to teach, coach, and mentor us in our journey to #agile and #scrum mastery.
Why I love hierarchies of competence
#shorts Traditional #management environments tend to be based on hierarchies of control. X individual is the leader of the organization and everything flows down from there, from the highest rank to the lowest rank.
Why I love heirarchies of competence
Why I love heirarchies of competence Competence-Based Hierarchies Competence-based hierarchies are undeniably compelling and draw my respect and admiration. What makes these hierarchies stand out for me is their foundation, which is built not on control or directives but on recognised competence and the abilities of individuals contributing to the work. 💪
What should have been way more popular in Agile than it currently is?
Unlocking Agile Success: Beyond Tools and Techniques Discover the often-overlooked key to Agile success that goes beyond just tools and techniques. Learn how principles, not tools, drive effective Agile practices.
Agile leader versus traditional manager
Product of Conventional Practices A traditional manager, born out of customary organisational conventions, focuses predominantly on task delegation, creating a controlled environment that can, ironically, limit an organisation’s potential. They erect walls, intending to provide focus but inadvertently ending up restricting communication. Their management style can hinder an organisation’s decision-making ability and agility in responding to market changes. They’re not inherently at fault; they are, after all, merely operating within the framework they’ve been given. 🎯
Unlocking Value in DevOps: My Role as a Consultant in Driving Change and Overcoming Bottlenecks
In my journey as a DevOps consultant, I often find myself reflecting on the core of my role. The question, “What is my primary role in a DevOps consulting gig?” is not as straightforward as it may seem. The answer is deeply intertwined with the context of each unique engagement. It hinges on where the customer currently stands, what they aim to achieve, and the specific challenges they face.
