The Humanizing Work Show

Too many team meetings are dominated by the same few voices, leaving others hesitant to speak up. In this episode, we share how small breakout groups create space for everyone to contribute, leading to better outcomes individually and for the team. We'll share the rules we follow for using breakouts effectively, the research on why they work, and a real-world example of using breakouts to help a t...

One hard conversation changed how Peter showed up at work—and improved collaboration and creative output on the team. In this episode, Peter and Richard unpack a moment of honest, uncomfortable feedback and the ripple effects it set in motion. They share the emotional reality of both giving and receiving feedback, how it built deeper trust, and why moments like this can unlock a kind of productivi...

When a team gets stuck—circling the same ideas without progress—the pressure is on the facilitator to do something. In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, we share one of the most effective moves we’ve found to break that cycle: using a wildcard . You’ll hear two real stories of teams that were stuck for weeks—one from Intel’s leadership in the 1980s, and one from Peter’s own experience coac...

Want to be a more effective leader without overhauling your entire approach? Research from the Leadership Circle Profile reveals three specific competencies that are most highly correlated with great leadership: Purposeful Visionary Fosters Team Play Mentoring & Developing In this episode, we break down what each of these means, why they matter most, and how you can start practicing them in ju...

Giving feedback is hard—and most of us get it wrong. In this episode, we share a practical framework for giving feedback that’s more likely to be true, useful, and kind. Learn how to ground feedback in what actually happened, say it clearly and at the right time, and share it in a way that builds trust instead of tension. Whether you're a manager, team member, or coach, this approach will help you...

Delegation Theater: Is your team truly empowered—or just playing the part? In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, Peter and Richard introduce the Team Empowerment Map , a practical technique for clarifying decision-making across teams. Built on Jurgen Appelo’s 7 Levels of Delegation, this tool reveals where decisions are centralized, shared, or fully delegated—and how to shift toward real em...

If your team feels worn out, it's not just you—and it's not because you're doing Agile wrong. In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, we describe two simple, proven techniques to help teams recover from the constant pressure to improve. From refreshing your retrospectives to scheduling strategic "cool downs," we show how small changes can make a big impact. Ready to build a more sustainable p...

Backlog refinement shouldn't be the most painful meeting of the week—but for many teams, it is. Too much detail too early. Vague stories. Half the team checked out. And eventually, no one shows up at all. In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, we’ll show you three practical changes that turn backlog refinement from a dreaded chore into a valuable, collaborative part of your Agile process. Th...

One tip. One meeting. Big impact. In this rapid-fire episode, we show how a small change to each Scrum event can eliminate frustration and create flow. If your Backlog Refinement, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, or Sprint Retrospective has become stale, bureaucratic, or unproductive, we’ve got a simple tweak for each that takes under a minute to explain. Pick one meeting and improve i...

Most organizations invest heavily in strategy to gain alignment—only to see those plans fall apart when complexity enters the picture. In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, Peter Green and Richard Lawrence share a better way to build product strategy—one designed for complexity. They introduce the Strategy Steps Canvas , a lightweight tool that helps teams chart an adaptive, value-driven pa...

In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show , we tackle one of the most-requested topics in Agile and Scrum: how to split a user story effectively . Drawing from our best-selling 80/20 Product Backlog Refinement course, Richard walks through the widely-used Story Splitting Flowchart , breaking down common challenges and actionable solutions. You’ll learn: Why “unsplittable stories” are often just...

Leading change doesn’t have to feel like a struggle—it can be joyful, creative, and deeply collaborative. In this episode, we explore a powerful shift in mindset that turns resistance into partnership, using Eli Goldratt’s Levels of Resistance model. Instead of fighting pushback, what if you invited skeptics to help solve the challenges? We’ll show you how to reframe resistance as an opportunity f...

Should you split the Scrum Product Owner role? Many organizations do—but is it the right move? In this episode, we break down why companies divide the PO role (often into Product Manager, Product Owner, and/or Business Analyst), the hidden downsides that can hurt product success, and the key to making it work if you must split it. Learn how a proven delegation model can prevent misalignment, reduc...

Many organizations struggle to balance predictability with adaptability in large initiatives. Too much planning creates rigidity, while too little leads to chaos. In this episode of the Humanizing Work Show, we dive into Phases 3 & 4 of CAPED —our Complexity-Aware Planning, Estimation, and Delivery approach—where we create a structured execution plan while keeping room for change. Phase 3 ( An...

Software teams have used Agile techniques to iterate during execution for years. But what if the cost of iteration is too high to change after planning is complete ? In Phase 2 of the CAPED process—Active Planning—we resolve complexity before committing to a full-scale execution plan. In this episode, we explore how Pixar and architect Frank Gehry use iterative planning techniques to test and refi...

Traditional project kickoffs assume predictability, but large, complex projects—especially in regulated industries—don’t work that way. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Phase 1 of our CAPED approach: Strategic Planning. Learn how to align stakeholders, map complexity, and use Reference Class Forecasting instead of unreliable decomposition-based methods to improve estimates and decision-ma...

Struggling to balance Agile’s adaptability with the predictability leaders demand? You’re not alone. Many teams try to blend Agile and Waterfall, only to end up with the worst of both—rigid upfront planning that falls apart or chaotic iteration with no clear direction. In this episode, we introduce Active Planning , a key breakthrough in the CAPED (Complexity-Aware Planning, Estimation, and Delive...

When a key leader leaves, the instinct is to backfill the role. But what if the real need has changed? In this episode, we break down how to make a smart, intentional hiring decision using three key insights: Not Backfilling a Role Is a Strategic Choice, Not Just a Cost-Saving Move. If you don’t hire, who takes on the leadership responsibilities? Your teams? Yourself? A mix? The Three Jobs of Mana...

Have you ever heard (or said), "That sounds great, but in the real world…"? This common objection can block meaningful change in teams and organizations. In this episode, we explore where this resistance comes from, how to interpret it, and—most importantly—how to work through it. Whether you're coaching a team, facing skepticism from colleagues, or even doubting change yourself, we’ll share pract...

Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship, whether it’s between teammates, managers, or customers. In this episode, Peter shares key insights and actionable takeaways from Rachel Botsman’s audiobook How to Trust and Be Trusted . Discover the five big questions about trust, including how to make better decisions about who to trust, how to earn trust instead of trying to build it, and...

Are you tired of talking about empowerment without seeing real results? In this episode, Peter and Richard dive into the common trap of "empowerment theater"—when leaders say the right things about autonomy but fail to back them up with meaningful action. Discover the three essential elements of productive empowerment : clarity, capability, and systems. You’ll learn practical strategies for creati...

Tired of setting goals that fizzle out by February? Discover the key to sustained motivation with Teresa Amabile's groundbreaking "Progress Principle." In this episode, we share practical steps to apply this research to your personal and work goals, helping you turn ambitious resolutions into meaningful progress that lasts. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/progress-principle/ Share a c...

If you’re ready to leave 2024 behind and make the most of 2025, this episode is for you! We’ll share five powerful ways to take charge of your growth and well-being this year. From embracing new habits to thriving in complexity, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you find focus and inspiration, no matter the challenges ahead. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/five-wa...

Discover how leadership and regenerative farming intersect in this inspiring conversation with Steven Thompson of Analemma Wines. Steven shares the challenges of running a biodynamic winery, the power of shared purpose, and what it takes to build thriving ecosystems—both in the vineyard and among teams. Whether you're into wine, regenerative farming, or leadership, this episode offers fresh insigh...

Feeling stuck by team resistance or organizational inertia? Learn the 4-Step Roadblock Buster, a proven process to go from “That Won’t Work Here” to “How Might We?” Peter and Richard share practical steps and real-world success stories to inspire your next breakthrough. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/resistance-to-action/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com...