Mike Bowler: Reviving Dysfunctional Teams with Trust and Collaboration

Mike recounts his experience with an extremely dysfunctional team he joined six months into a three-month project. Despite having code, there were no meaningful deliverables due to internal conflicts and fractured dynamics. Mike shares the practical techniques he employed to build trust, including individual conversations, pairing exercises, and ensemble programming to break down silos. He highlights the importance of fostering trust through collaborative activities such as team lunches, which create a foundation for improved teamwork and communication.

Self-reflection Question: What activities can you initiate to build trust and collaboration in a team?

Featured Book of the Week: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Mike recommends Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman as a pivotal introduction to human behavior and decision-making. The book's explanation of the two systems of thinking—fast, intuitive thought and slower, more deliberative reasoning—provides insight into why individuals behave the way they do. Mike finds it essential for understanding team dynamics and behavior changes, making it a powerful tool for any Agile practitioner.

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

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About Mike Bowler 

Mike Bowler is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with 25 years of experience. He specializes in technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and the neuroscience of human behavior. Mike's expertise includes guiding teams in technical execution and fostering psychological safety. 

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.