The Agile Within

In episode 2, we continue our deep dive into labels. This time we uncover the dangers of labeling others. Mark and Greg share stories of how they've labeled others in their own lives and consequences they've had to deal with as a result. We explore labeling others limits us to seeing just one aspect of the individual, and prevents us from seeing the entire person. We also discover how la...

With American football mini-camp just around the corner, Mark and Greg re-group (huddle) to discuss labels. We start off talking about the history of labels in branding and merchandising and jump off into a discussion of how labels can be used on people too. These labels can have lots of value believe it or not. They make us feel safe and have a sense of control in our world. Think of how often yo...

In part 2 of our discussion with Michelle, we learn how to overcome resistance. Now that we understand WHY some people resist change, we will discover HOW to overcome that resistance. Greg steps up to the challenge, and presents Michelle with a real-world scenario that he needs help overcoming. In the process, we learn Michelle's multi-step process that takes us up to and across "The Gol...

In this episode, we welcome Agile Leadership Coach, Michelle Pauk to the mic. Michelle helps us understand why folks are so change resistant by walking us through the SCARF model. This model will help you identify reasons why so many people resist change of any type, not just Agile! By using this model, you can identify the type of resistance you may be dealing with, and hopefully understand why a...

In this episode of The Huddle, Greg and Mark discuss prioritization and focus. We explore how they go hand-in-hand, and how you can avoid some pitfalls when addressing each. We also share some cautionary tales of what not to do and the consequences involved. Greg and Mark also share a few stories from their personal experience that can serve as a wake up call for those who fail to prioritize prope...

Failure. We've all experienced it. Some more than others. And when it happens, how do we handle it. Cry? Run? Get depressed? Life is over? I'm a failure thinking? In this episode, we dive further into the topic of failure, and how we often perceive ourselves when we experience it. We welcome special guest Patty Aluskewicz to share her thoughts on the topic, and provide some advice on how...

Welcome to The Huddle! The Huddle is an every other month episode where Mark and Greg discuss a current topic. These episodes will be published in between episodes that feature a guest. Mark and Greg are big American football fans, and decided to give these episodes this name due to that. In this episode, we discuss the current layoff environment in technology, and talk about ways of dealing with...

Humility! It's not a defined value of Scrum or Agile, but it's an important behavior to exhibit if you want to be successful in Agile. As a matter of fact, if you don't stay humble you may fall into the trap of thinking that you know more than you think you do. This is especially true when planning a piece of development work. In this episode, we talk with none other than Maarten Da...

The show is back in 2023 with a new format, and a co-host. Mark Metze has joined Greg. We will publish every month instead of weekly, and plan to rotate between having a guest and talking amongst ourselves. In this episode, we introduce Mark, and reveal our first guest for the following episode. So, join us for a re-start as we help you be more Agile.   Note: Below is a vision statement for the po...

Focus. Clarity. Collaboration. These are all things many agile teams struggle with when attempting to work with company leaders. Old ways linger, and muddy the waters for lasting change. Fortunately, Steve Pereira, our guest in this episode, stopped by to discuss value stream mapping, and how it can shed some light on these issues. If you want to move out of complicated chaos, and into delivering...

Our guest in this episode is Gil Broza, Gil is founder and principal at 3P Vantage. Close to 100 organizations seeking Agile transformations, makeovers, or improvements have relied on his pragmatic, modern, and respectful support for customizing Agile in their contexts. We chatted with Gil about reasons why companies fail at "going Agile." It is estimated that 70% of transformations fail...

In this episode, we chat with the one and only Gunther Verheyen. Gunther has quickly gained worldwide acclaim as a strong proponent of the Scrum Values. The values, and Agile principles for that matter, are often largely overlooked by organizations that choose to adopt Agile for their software delivery method. He is on a quest to instill a more human approach to software development through his te...

Worldwide appeal! The final episode in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss the appeal and impact of Scrum Lake on so many. It can be dark and murky at the bottom of the lake. But should I be afraid? Maybe. Maybe not. Others are there to see you through it. Oh ... and these guys put me to the test with a challenging example from the workshop. Do I pass it...

Diving into the lake! Episode 2 in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss the foundation of Scrum: the values, and empirical theory. We talk about why having a solid bedrock is so important to be successful in an Agile environment. If you've not heard of Scrum Lake until now, you'll want to catch this series that helps you really grasp Scrum in a...

Just dipping my toe in! Episode 1 in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss why they created it, who it is for, and what all the fuss is about. We discuss how this simple lake metaphor has appealed to many from all over the world, including me. My two UK mates and I have a great time hanging out at the shallow end of the lake. If you've not heard of Sc...

Known as the “Pragmatic Manager," Johanna offers frank advice for tough culture problems. In this episode, we chat a bit about her new book, Modern Management Made Easy, a three volume set. Johanna explains why no one's intentions are enough to create an agile culture. Only our behaviors can create that culture. Which behaviors does the environment encourage? And which behaviors does the...

Doing something one way for a while (or a long, long while) and then changing to another way can be daunting. For some of us, it can feel impossible. Especially if you need to shift your behavior on many levels. In this episode, we talk with my friend, Kevin Williams, who made the successful switch from PM to SM. He'll explain why he made the switch, the challenges he faced, and what he credi...

Are Scrum Masters 'born' or 'made'? There are certain essential skills for a Scrum Master that probably just can't be taught, like empathy, logic, and reason. You are either innately good at them or you are not.  If you are not, can you ever be great? Or are you relegated to being just good at it? You can improve, yes, with practice and hard work. And if you're not bo...

With episode 5, we wrap up our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Michael Wallace, PST, discusses commitment, and ties all 5 values together for us. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of commitment. Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-with...

With episode 4, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Michael Wallace, PST, helps us discover how focus can lead to better quality. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of focus. Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

With episode 3, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover how respect completes the 3-sided triangle of courage, openness, and respect. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of respect. Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so...

With episode 2, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover how openness is tied to the other scrum values. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of openness. Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you B...

With this episode, we begin a 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover why courage is needed in all aspects of Agile. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. We also learn how closely courage ties to openness, and respect, which we will discuss in two following episodes. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into th...

In this episode, we discuss the fine line between selfishness and uplifting inner work with our guest Elena Popretinskaya. When is it ok to be selfish? When is it not? Come along with us as we dive deep into this fascinating topic, and reveal more about the inner you. Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank...

My good friend, Tommy Post, joins us to discuss how he got into Agile as a profession. He'll detail his journey, and the behavior shift needed to be successful in this field. Much personal change is sometimes needed to be the change agent for a company. Come along as we learn how Tommy did it!  Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by...