Scrum is a framework for developing and sustaining complex products. Watch this short video to get a quick introduction to Scrum. https://youtu.be/L_sAo93ASTU For more details, watch the Scrum Foundations Video series or read the below blog series about Scrum. The series are excerpt from the Scrum Guide by the co-creators of Scrum, Ken Schwaber and Jeff…
At the 2017 Global Scrum Gathering in San Diego, CA, I presented on Fostering Self-Organizing Team. Below is the abstract of the talk, along with links to the Fostering Self-Organizing Team blog series and the presentation slides. 2017 San Diego Global Scrum Gathering Abstract: One of the 12 principles of the Agile manifesto states that “The…
Effective leaders or Scrum Masters are the catalyst that transforms ordinary teams into high-performing, self-organizing powerhouses. But this transformation capability doesn't happen overnight. Just as teams develop through stages, Scrum Masters must evolve their own skills and approaches to match their teams' needs and effectively guide their development. Understanding the ScrumMaster's or Leader's Development Path Earlier…
Check out the video below of Michael Hamman presenting on "The Art and Practice of the Agile Leader" at Washington DC Scrum User Group (DCSUG). Michael presents some perspectives on the role and the path of the transformational Agile Leader. First, he inquires into what is meant by “transformation” (it probably doesn’t mean what you think…
Creating high-performing self-organizing teams doesn't happen by accident. It requires deliberate leadership approaches that evolve with the team's development. One of the most challenging aspects for leaders is determining how much decision-making authority to grant their teams at various stages. Without clarity around authority boundaries, teams either hesitate to make decisions or overstep in ways that…
We know that self-organizing teams can drive innovation and deliver exceptional results. But what exactly makes a team truly "self-organizing" and capable of high performance? Seven critical attributes distinguish truly exceptional teams from ordinary teams. What Makes a Team Self-Organizing? Before we explore the seven attributes, let's clarify what we mean by "self-organizing." A self-organizing team…
Check out the video below of Adam Parker presenting on "Finding Lean in Agile: What They Can Learn From Each Other" at the Washington DC Scrum User Group (DCSUG). Adam explores the connections between Lean and Agile. What is shared? What's similar? What can each learn from the other? And why highly performing teams from both…
In the journey toward team excellence, ScrumMasters and leaders play a pivotal role in developing high-performing teams. They serve as catalysts, coaches, and servant-leaders who create the conditions for teams to reach their full potential. But how exactly does a skilled leader guide a team toward high performance? Understanding the Journey to Team Excellence Effective ScrumMasters…
Manifesto for Agile Software Development Principles Behind the Agile Manifesto Agile 101 Scrum Introduction The Scrum Guide The Scrum Primer The ScrumMaster Checklist Scrum and XP from the Trenches Kanban and Scrum - Making the Most of Both Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)
Scrum Mike Cohn Classics Scrum Master Scrum Development Team Product Owner Team Leadership Agile Engineering Leadership and Culture Lean Scaling
A Strategic Framework for Team Leadership Effective team leadership requires understanding how teams evolve and develop over time. While many leaders are familiar with Tuckman's stages, the Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model offers a more nuanced approach that focuses on the critical questions teams must answer to progress toward high performance. This powerful framework helps leaders identify…
A Leader's Guide to the Tuckman Model of Team Development Understanding how teams develop over time is essential for effective team leadership. Dr. Bruce Tuckman's renowned model of group development provides a framework that has guided team leaders for decades. Previously, we looked at individual development. Now let’s look at team development and the journey a…
Adapting Your Leadership Style for Maximum Team Performance Effective leadership isn't about applying a single approach to every situation and team member. The most successful leaders understand that flexibility is key and adjust their leadership style based on the specific needs, competence, and commitment levels of each individual they're working with. This adaptable approach, known as…
Understanding how team members develop skills is crucial for building high-performing self-organizing teams. While many leaders use intuitive approaches to assess skill levels, having a structured framework can dramatically improve how leaders support skill development. The Dreyfus Model of Skills Acquisition provides exactly this framework, a clear roadmap showing how individuals progress from novice to expert…
What is Shu Ha Ri? Every journey from novice to master follows a natural progression. Whether you're learning a new skill, adopting a methodology, or developing as a leader, understanding the stages of learning can help you navigate your development pathway more effectively. In Shu-Ha-Ri, there are 3 stages to gaining knowledge. Alistair Cockburn popularized these…