In this episode, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock are joined by Melissa Boggs, a leadership coach, consultant, and keynote speaker for Agile 2024. They discuss Melissa's experience as the co-CEO and chief scrum master of Scrum Alliance during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation dives into the topics of employee experience design, non-hierarchical organizations, and the importance of co-creating buy-in for organizational change. Key Takeaways: Delegating...

In this episode, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock discuss the complexities and misconceptions surrounding estimation in software development and agile project management. They explore the differences between bottom-up and top-down estimation approaches, emphasizing the importance of continuous conversations and feedback loops throughout the process. This week's takeaways: Bottom-up estimation, where every task is estimated and summed up, is highly inefficient and inaccurate, especially for...

Unlock the secrets to a thriving developer experience as we dissect the critical balance between productivity and fulfillment in the tech world. Prepare to have your perspective on developer metrics as we dive deep into the implications of AI advancements and economic shifts on the roles and recognition of software engineers. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced landscape of the tech industry, where the intangible aspects of job satisfaction go...

In this episode, Peter and Dave discuss the importance of effective organizational change management in digital transformations. They highlight that simply implementing new processes and systems is not enough - organizations must also carefully manage the human aspect of change. This includes understanding the intangible factors and behaviors that can derail well-designed transformations. They emphasize the need to get close to the actual end-users, observe their behaviors, and adapt...

In this episode, Peter and Dave discuss the importance of building robust systems and processes to achieve goals, drawing insights from the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. They explore the notion that simply setting objectives is not enough - sustained success requires developing the right habits, practices, and systems to support those objectives. The conversation touches on OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and the need to take small, incremental...

How do you know you have a great agile team? This episode reveals the secret sauce that makes high-performing Agile teams tick. From the power of predictable delivery to the pursuit of relentless quality, we dissect the various elements that contribute to a team's success. We go beyond the typical metrics to understand what it takes for a team to own their processes and evolve their work environment to reach new heights of excellence. This week's takeaways: Top agile teams measure their...

In this episode, Peter and Dave discuss an article by Steve Denning published in Forbes titled "Why the World's Most Valuable Firms Are so Agile." They explore Denning's observations about the agile mindset and characteristics exhibited by highly successful companies. The discussion revolves around the relationship between adopting an agile approach and organizational performance, as well as the potential correlation or causation between agile ways of working and the exceptional valuations of...

How can organizations create the necessary space for leadership to flourish amidst complexity and pressure? In this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock delve into the intricate world of leadership in complex environments. Opening with a warm exchange, they explore an insightful article by John Cutler, examining the indispensable soft skills essential for leaders navigating complexity. Reflecting on Cutler's piece, Peter and David dissect various facets of...

Need help communicating Agile and DevOps to Executives? This episode of Definitely Maybe Agile is for you! Peter Maddison and David Sharrock unpack the challenges of getting leadership on board with new ways of working. Learn best practices for clear, concise communication, tailoring your message to your company culture, and effectively socializing agile and DevOps initiatives. This week's takeaways: Prepare like a pro and "socialize" your ideas beforehand.Keep it short, clear, and...

This week, we explore the surprising shift away from dedicated teams, a cornerstone of traditional agile practices. Our hosts, Peter and Dave, unpack the challenges organizations face, including resistance to change, disruptive reorganizations, and the ever-present struggle to secure buy-in. We'll also discuss practical strategies to navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of incremental steps, clear communication, and building trust. This week's takeaways: Dedicated teams are...

Navigating through the murky waters of system bottlenecks and feedback loops can be daunting. In this episode, we scrutinize how these bottlenecks can strangle a system's potential and discuss methods for their identification and alleviation. We also highlight the importance of acknowledging long-cycle feedback and confronting resistance to change, underscored by the vital role of those who adeptly bridge the gap between systemic understanding and practical application. Join us as we provide...

Unlock the power of data in shaping your organization's future as we tear down the myths surrounding data-driven decision-making. We dissect the essential cultural shift necessary for integrating data analytics into the heart of business strategy, steering clear of reliance on gut feelings or misleading numbers. We dive into practical applications, from planning poker to interpreting customer experience metrics. We provide the knowledge to avoid common data interpretation pitfalls, such as...

Could Agile methodologies be the villain behind developer burnout, or is it time to put the blame elsewhere? Strap in as Peter Maddison and David Sharrock pull back the curtain on the true antagonists in the saga of developer fatigue. This episode isn't about finger-pointing; it's about unveiling the systemic issues that lead to overworked teams and debunking the myth that Agile practices are inherently at fault. We're on a mission to shift the focus from flawed productivity metrics to the...

Has the agile shine worn off in the sprawling corridors of big business? In this episode, we unpack the startling findings from Digital AI's latest state of agile survey that show people's satisfaction with their organization's agile practices. Join us as we scrutinize the complexities that have dulled the luster of agile methodologies and debate the crucial adjustments needed to reignite its promise. From the necessity of strong leadership advocacy to the bespoke tailoring of agile for the...

Embark on an enlightening journey with Peter Madison and David Sharrock as they tackle the ever-evolving world of service delivery. From the bustling crossroads of Agile, DevOps, and ITSM, they dissect the common confusions that arise from industry jargon, ensuring that when they speak of 'service', everyone is nodding in agreement. Promises of clarity in this tangled web of terminologies are fulfilled as they lay bare the distinctions between product and service delivery – a must-hear for...

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between grand strategy and on-the-ground execution in today's Agile and DevOps-driven world? We're Peter Madison and David Sharrock, and in our latest episode, we crack this code, sharing our experiences and the occasional humorous tale, such as the Austrian airport mix-up meme. We dissect the importance of aligning every cog in the organizational machine, with a special focus on the mental models that guide decision-making. By introducing cutting-edge...

Discover the future of agile roles in organizations with the insights of Brock Argue, co-founder of Superiors Academy. Our latest episode unravels the real-world implications of economic pressures on the agile transformation journey, with a keen focus on the delicate interplay between team support and hands-on product development. As heavyweights like Spotify and Capital One pivot towards leaner structures, we question the longevity of specialized coaching positions and how these changes...

On the last episode of the Definitely, Maybe Agile podcast, Peter & Dave had a great discussion about 12 year-end suggestions for a more agile 2023. Let’s take a look at the four main categories they discussed. This week's takeaways: A. Marketplace and change:    1. Do more with less    2. AI in our work    3. Shorter time horizons (in times of uncertainty) B. Pragmatic stuff to remember    4. Two out one in (manage WIP)    5. High uncertainty means continuous learning and validation...

Scaling Agile to fit your world! Peter & Dave explore the nuances of customizing agile frameworks for diverse organizational needs. They delve into practical applications of the 80-20 rule and discuss the pivotal role of agile coaching in facilitating effective change. Tune in for a clear and engaging discussion on how to adapt agile methods to suit your specific organizational needs, making your work processes smoother and more efficient. This week's takeaways: Context-specific scaling:...

Following on from episode 115, today's episode, Peter and Dave delve into the complexities of capacity planning in organizations undergoing transitions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that incorporates agile principles and traditional project management practices. They stress the importance of due diligence, the interface between different methodologies, and the necessity of prioritizing improvements to achieve a more agile and efficient workflow. This week's...

Ever tried to untangle the stubborn knot of capacity planning in Agile teams? Brace yourself as we, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock, take you on an enlightening journey to decipher the complexities of this aspect. We shed light on the importance of crafting robust, dedicated, and cross-functional teams and how they become a reliable gauge for capacity planning. We acknowledge the uphill battle many organizations are fighting, leading to wavering predictability and dwindling trust....

Join us as we welcome David Adeoye, an esteemed guest and expert in Agile and Project Management. Discover how these two strategies can work together to maximize business value. Learn tips on adopting new ways of working and navigating complexities. Explore the role of biases in decision-making and the connection between culture and cybersecurity. Gain insights on Agile Cybersecurity and its benefits. This week's takeaways: - Use agile methodologies to improve efficiency in cybersecurity...

Are you ready to build a culture that values quality and embraces design thinking? We'll show you how to foster collaboration, encourage idea-sharing, and establish feedback loops for data within your organization. Learn how to establish consistency, manage system risks, and make informed decisions for future scalability. Rest assured, creating a culture of design thinking goes beyond simply following a process - it's about making quality a core value of your organization. This week's...

Join us for an exciting episode of "Definitely, Maybe Agile" as David Sharrock shares his firsthand experience of a successful business transformation in the competitive world of e-retail. Get ready for valuable insights on the real-world impact of agile transformations and what it takes to make them happen. This week's takeaways: Leadership Matters: Open, experimental, and engaged leadership is essential for successful agile transformations.Collaboration: Combining bottom-up team...