It is often said that Scrum is easy to learn and hard to master and one of the most frequent retorts that I hear during discussion is “Scrum is a framework not a methodology’. Sadly, it’s often said in a tone that ends the discussion in a very condescending way. I thought I’d explore a…
I’ve had the word ‘agile’ in my job title for the last 15 years or more but I’m still painfully aware of the blank expression that I’m met with when responding to questions on my occupation at events or during casual conversations. Whilst some now associate it with technology or software development, this article tries…
Embracing Agile and implementing Agile practices and approaches can be a challenge. Even when it is going well, there is a continuous desire to find new ways to be more Agile. As Agile Coaches with hands on Scrum Master experience in a variety of organisations, we can help you in your journey. We use a…
During the early part of 2023 I was fortunate enough to take a break and do some travelling. This was a great opportunity to catchup on some reading and do some reflection. Funny how things always seem to connect. Sadly, at our first port of call in the Bahamas, although we docked as planned, we…
Whilst reading a recent article with a very philosophical approach to failure I was struck by the parallels between Agile and another constant challenge in my life. At some point in life many people recognise the fact that for one reason or another they need to lose some weight. The first reaction for many is…
As a Scrum Master it would be easy to assume that rugby is my sport of choice but even a quick glance at my TV habits would reveal that football (soccer) is my preference. The sad fact is that I actually have a love/hate relationship with the game and in one of my rare moments…
It may have recently been placed 8th in the top ten of weirdest job titles but I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the designation ‘Scrum Master’ for the last few weeks. It’s a title which now appears to have many contradictory definitions, many of which have irritated me when they differ from my own…
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang (also yin-yang or yin yang, 陰陽 yīnyáng “dark—bright”) describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. – Wikipedia If you read a previous posting about technical v non-technical Scrum Masters you…
One of my favourite bits of the job as Agile Coach is sharing any knowledge I may have with those a few steps behind me on the road. This week I was asked the question below and I thought it would be a good time to try and summarise a few bits and pieces I’ve picked…
I’ve seen a number of discussions over the last few days around the fact that the Scrum Values have finally been added to the Scrum Guide. On the whole the consensus seems to be that this was obvious and overdue improvement to the guide, to the point where it should perhaps be considered as a ‘bug fix’…
