The Agile Within

What if you could transform your understanding of Agile by simply listening to real-life stories? Join me, Mark Metze, as I unravel the rich tapestry of The Agile Within podcast's journey, starting from its genesis and influence under the expert guidance of Greg Miller to my first solo venture with insightful coaching from Allison Pollard. This episode is a reflective narrative on the evolution of a podcast that thrives on community support and the sharing of genuine experiences. With a special spotlight on our most popular episode featuring Kat Buckwalter, I share how these stories not only capture the essence of Agile but also serve as a catalyst for continuous learning.

Beyond the technicalities, this episode is also a heartfelt exploration of my passion for connection and relationship-building within the Agile community. My journey as a solo host is driven by the joy of meeting new people and learning from their unique perspectives. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, not as a mere networking task, but as a sincere interaction to enrich our collective Agile journeys. This is more than just a podcast episode—it's a call to build a vibrant, supportive community where we all grow together.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmetze/

Get your FREE ticket to the Agile Online Summit:
https://agileonlinesummit.com/

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Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Can self-management revolutionize your workplace? In this episode of The Agile Within, we promise to unlock the secrets of self-management with our distinguished guest, Frank Eggink from Arnhem, Netherlands. Frank offers his deep expertise from working with 14 diverse companies, shedding light on how moving from a command-and-control leadership style to self-organizing teams can ignite innovation and agility. From a charming chat about his favorite local spot, Loca, to unraveling the English and Dutch nuances of self-management, Frank reveals the strategies that can transform your team’s dynamics and drive unparalleled success.

We also guide you through the intricacies of the Holacracy framework, likening it to an operating system that replaces rigid hierarchies with role-based clarity. With practical advice on maintaining a balance between structure and autonomy, we explore how frameworks like Holacracy can enhance decision-making and leverage individual strengths. Whether you’re part of a startup or a traditional organization, discover actionable tips to foster self-management and grant your teams the autonomy they need to thrive. Don’t miss this compelling episode packed with real-life examples and strategies that can help your organization embrace the future of work.

You may notice lower audio quality during several portions of this episode. The transcript on the Buzzsprout episode site might be helpful.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1449787/episodes/15804511

Connect with Frank on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/freggink/

Learn more about Frank's visits to self-organising and bossless organisations:
https://frankeggink.substack.com/

Learn more about holacracy:
https://www.holacracy.org/
https://www.holacracy.org/how-it-works/

While in Arnhem, Netherlands, grab a bite to eat at Loca:
https://restaurant-loca.nl/

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how doing the right thing can transform your leadership style? Join us on "The Agile Within" as we sit down with Nicole Durr, an Agile coach turned strategic business advisor from Cleveland, Ohio, who illuminates the concept of leading with moral authority. From the vibrant melodies of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nicole not only highlights the best of Cleveland but also delves into the essence of moral versus positional authority. Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas by modeling ethical behavior and standing firm in your values, regardless of your position within an organization.

Nicole expands on broader societal issues like unfair compensation and profit-driven layoffs, offering strategies to address these challenges. Whether it's educating leaders, building alliances, or taking the "Paul Simon approach" of exiting a misaligned system, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a healthier, more equitable work environment. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to empower you to uphold ethical standards in your professional journey.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolederr/

Visit Nicole's website:
https://nicolederr.com/

Check out the following events involving Nicole:
Oct 12: Columbus Women in Agile - In-person workshop
Oct 28: DC Women in Agile - Virtual presentation
Nov. 6-7: Pitt Agile - In-person closing keynote
Feb 18: Buffalo Women in Agile - Virtual presentation

When in Cleveland, visit Nicole's favorite sites:
Severance Music Center
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Playhouse Square
Pier W

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to building a high-performing agile team with evolutionary agilist Jeremy Berriault. Jeremy offers a wealth of knowledge on the fundamentals of creating an agile environment, starting with why it's essential to lay a solid foundation before diving into frameworks. We discuss Jeremy's ten-step approach to agile transformation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value chain, aligning agile values with organizational goals, and marking the starting point of any transformation. Jeremy’s insights into servant leadership and the application of Simon Sinek's golden circle will revolutionize your approach to agile initiatives.

Discover the keys to evolving agile teams, with a special focus on financial institutions. Jeremy shares how breaking down cognitive biases and logical fallacies can lead to significant productivity improvements. Learn about the shift from managing large tasks to executing multiple smaller tasks within sprints and the importance of adaptability in response to changing tax laws and technology. We also explore how fostering a self-organizing, trust-based environment allows leaders to guide without stifling team autonomy, ultimately cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and maturity.

Get to the heart of what makes teams tick with insights into personality dynamics and effective team metrics. Jeremy sheds light on the importance of selecting the right metrics, such as throughput and cycle time, to measure team progress objectively. We delve into tools like team health surveys and DISC personality models to tailor communication strategies and enhance team collaboration. Jeremy's real-life examples and practical advice from his book "Beyond the Framework: Cultivating Agile Growth" will equip you with the knowledge to build thriving, agile environments. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons that will transform your team's dynamics and performance.

When in Toronto, explore the beautiful Terra Cotta:
https://www.visitcaledon.ca/explore/terra-cotta

Simon Sinek's Golden Circle:
https://simonsinek.com/golden-circle/

Discover the DiSC profile:
https://www.discprofile.com/

Get Jeremy's book "Beyond the Framework" on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-framework-Jeremy-Berriault/dp/1965064620

Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-berriault-mba/

Email Jeremy:
[email protected]

Check out Berriault and Associates' offerings:
https://berriaultandassociates.com/

 

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Have you ever wondered how transforming your mindset could unlock your true potential? Join me as I chat with Melissa Boggs, a celebrated keynote speaker, leadership coach, and employee experience designer, who shares her exhilarating journey from cautious to audacious. You'll be captivated by Melissa's unique roller skating metaphor, which illustrates how moving from cautious to curious, then courageous, and finally audacious can help us overcome mental and emotional barriers. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to chase your biggest ideas fearlessly. Plus, Melissa's humorous advocacy for the Oxford comma, influenced by her husband, adds a delightful touch to our conversation.

Together with Melissa, we also delve into the significance of finding supportive spaces that nurture growth, much like the skating rinks and experimental stages of Second City. Hear about a popular rink in Denver and how its community encourages courage and creativity. From realistic risk assessment to maintaining confidence, this episode offers practical strategies for leveraging community support to overcome challenges. Don't miss the chance to transform your cautious steps into audacious strides in both your personal and professional life.

Visit Melissa's website to view her offerings:
https://melissaboggs.com/

Email Melissa:
[email protected]

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-boggs/

Read about the Oxford Comma:
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-the-oxford-comma-and-why-do-people-care-so-much-about-it/

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Experience the transformative power of community on this episode of The Agile Within. Join me and Kellie Tyler, a seasoned Agilist who recently moved to the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. Kellie shares her favorite local spot, Broadway and the historic Acme Feed and Seed, before diving into her incredible journey within the Agile community. Discover how local meetups like Utah Agile, led by Steve Ostermiller and Lee Henson, helped Kellie overcome early challenges, build confidence, and foster trust within her team, proving the immense value of a supportive network in professional growth and Agile practices.

Navigating networking events can be daunting, especially for introverts and ambiverts. Kellie and I unpack the unexpected expansion of the Utah Agile community in 2020 and share practical strategies for engaging in such events. From finding like-minded individuals on the periphery to leveraging the inherently welcoming nature of the Agile community, we provide actionable tips that even seasoned practitioners have used to their advantage. Hear personal stories and insights on how Agile luminaries have successfully navigated their paths, offering encouragement and tactics for those who find traditional networking intimidating.

The heart of this episode lies in the authenticity of relationships within the Agile community. Kellie reveals the importance of genuine interactions and the balance of giving and taking in community engagements. Learn how maintaining regular contact and sharing experiences can lead to not only professional advancement but also personal enrichment. We conclude with practical advice on building Agile communities through platforms like Meetup and LinkedIn, stressing the importance of bringing your unique perspective to the table. Tune in for an enriching conversation that highlights the indispensable role of community in the Agile realm.

Visit Acme Feed and Seed when in Nashville, TN:
https://www.acmefeedandseed.com/

Connect with Kellie on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-m-tyler/

Learn more about Agile Utah:
https://www.utahagile.org/

Learn more about Agile Nashville:
https://www.meetup.com/Agile-Nashville-User-Group/

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered why your Agile metrics might not be delivering the insights you need? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paul Sabral, an experienced Scrum Master from Sheffield, England, to uncover the hidden pitfalls of over-relying on metrics in Agile practices. Mark’s unique perspective, blending his background in illustration with Agile methodologies, sheds light on the importance of visual thinking and the dangers of letting metrics turn into targets. 

Struggling to find the right balance with your project metrics? In this episode, we explore how to effectively combine quantitative and qualitative measures to avoid common traps. With a compelling real-life example from an enterprise-level software project, we illustrate the benefits of balancing velocity with well-defined sprint goals and user journey maps. Learn how pre-mortems can help identify potential issues early, fostering a learning environment within your Agile teams and creating a more holistic view of progress.

Proper documentation can make or break large-scale initiatives. We delve into the critical role of documentation in project success, emphasizing the need for balance between performance and clear, effective documentation. Hear about the causal relationship between documentation creation and usage, and how to avoid the pitfalls of excessive, low-quality documentation. Finally, discover how automating metrics and simplifying data collection can streamline your processes, ensuring that your documentation efforts genuinely contribute to project goals and team efficiency. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights – connect with us on LinkedIn for further discussions!

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpaulsobral/

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Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if your team could work smarter, not harder? Discover the secrets behind this transformation with product coach David Pereira as he shares actionable insights from his book, "Untrapping Product Teams." Learn how to prioritize learning over rigid processes and explore David's unique "adding by subtracting" approach to streamline workflows and foster collaboration. You'll also gain tips on how to empower your Agile team, pushing boundaries while avoiding the pitfalls of control.

Join us as we dive into adapting plans to ever-changing realities, focusing on specific issues rather than falling into analysis paralysis. Through personal anecdotes, David reveals his iterative process for writing a book, emphasizing the importance of gradual risk-taking and continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned Agile practitioner or just starting out, this episode provides practical advice and profound insights into the Agile mindset, humility, and adaptability for both personal and professional growth. Plus, don’t miss David’s top picks for enjoying Munich, no matter the season!

Connect with David on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidavpereira/

Subscribe to David's Newsletter:
https://dpereira.substack.com/

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What exactly is Collaboration 2.0, and how can it transform the way your team works? Join us on "The Agile Within" as I, Mark Metze, chat with Agile coach and content creator Maria Chec from Barcelona, Spain. We kick things off with Maria sharing her insider tips on must-see sights in Barcelona, like Gaudí's masterpieces, and some invaluable travel advice for navigating this beautiful city. But that's just the beginning; Maria then dives into her groundbreaking initiative, Collaboration 2.0, aimed at evolving Agile practices beyond the traditional Scrum framework.

In our conversation, Maria and I explore the evolving role of Agile methodologies and discuss the importance of fostering collaboration within teams. I share my own experiences working across diverse teams and stakeholders to bridge gaps and ensure alignment. We uncover strategies to facilitate open dialogue, tackle cultural differences, and address unspoken issues that often hinder progress. The goal? Creating a safe environment where every team member feels heard and valued, ultimately enhancing team dynamics and driving meaningful project outcomes.

To wrap up, we reflect on the broader crisis of Agile identity and Maria’s motivations for initiating Collaboration 2.0. We also look ahead to her participation in the Agile 2024 conference in Dallas. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice for anyone invested in Agile practices. Don’t forget to stay connected with our community on LinkedIn and spread the word among your friends and colleagues. Tune in and get ready to rethink collaboration within your teams!

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachec/

Find out more about Collaboration 2.0:
https://buymeacoffee.com/agilestateofmind

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how psychological safety can transform your Agile team dynamics? Join me, Mark Metze, as I sit down with Mike Bowler, a seasoned Agile coach with an impressive 20-year journey from developer to expert in human behaviors. We uncover the intricacies of psychological safety from behavioral, psychological, and neuroscience perspectives. Learn how maintaining access to your team's prefrontal cortex is key to unlocking optimal performance and how you can create an environment where everyone feels free to express their ideas and excel.

Unlock the secrets of the S.A.F.E.T.Y.™ Model—Security, Autonomy, Fairness, Esteem, Trust, and You—and understand their evolutionary significance in workplace dynamics. Mike and I put a spotlight on shared experiences and team-building activities as the cornerstone of building trust, especially in a post-COVID remote work landscape. We'll also dive into practical strategies to foster a sense of safety despite individual biases, with actionable experiments like team lunches designed to enhance trust and collaboration.

Imagine using play to resolve team conflicts and boost learning. We explore the power of engaging team members through playful ego states with activities like Lego, which can break habitual patterns and build rapport. You'll hear real-world examples of how these playful approaches have successfully addressed team dysfunctions. We also discuss techniques for building esteem and fairness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each team member’s contributions. Tune in to discover how these strategies can not only elevate social standing but also combat the pitfalls of perverse incentives, creating a more cohesive and equitable workplace.

Learn about the S.A.F.E.T.Y.™ Model:
https://brainleadership.com/solution/safetymodel/

Six Thinking Hats Technique:
https://www.mindtools.com/ajlpp1e/six-thinking-hats

Free Resources Available on Mike's Site:
https://gargoylesoftware.com/resources/

Followup on Mike's Guest Appearance:
https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbowler/

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within