The argument over whether specialists or generalists are more valuable to an organization has been going on FOREVER.  And the answer is --of course-- it depends on what you’re trying to do. In this episode we continue our conversation and exploration of learning in organizations and we look at generalists and specialists partially from a learning point of view. We also talk about the implications of the trend with the decreasing number of generalists in tech.

We’ve seen many organizations invest huge amounts of money and energy in training as part of agile transformations and all sorts of other changes. These investments often have disappointing results. Sometimes the new way looks a lot like the old way, but with new names. Lot’s of factors contribute to this.  However, there is a common thread. There’s almost always an overemphasis on what to do and how to do it. Why something works, when to do it, and when to make adjustments get little if...

People and teams have the opportunity to learn all the time, not just in training. And, in order for knowledge to be generated, we need to provoke learning. But what is provoking learning, how do you do it, and how do I recognize when learning is not happening? That's what we talk about in this episode. The download that we talk about in the episode is available here.

In an earlier episode, we talked about how to enter a system. Now we'll talk about how to leave. Parting may cause sadness--we're ok with people missing us on an interpersonal level. But we work hard to make sure they can carry on just fine without us.   In this episode, we share our thoughts around how to leave, why it matters, and we share some practical tips.

In episode 11, we talked about Observing systems and in this episode, we explore using Reflective Observation as a way to help a system see the system. By using interviews and observations, we help people see patterns and gaps clearly. Thus, they can choose their own actions to improve which in our experience leads to greater buy-in compared to prescriptions from an outside "expert". However, how do you engage in reflective observations? How do you make sense of what you see and hear? How do...

We, humans, are greatly influenced by the people around us. Our social networks affect our behavior and emotions. They can be a source of support buoying us up. But what happens when most of your network is in the same distress? When sorrows pile on, the whole network can spiral into trauma.  In this mini-episode, we’ll talk about what you can do if you are in an organization that is experiencing a cumulative accumulation of sorrow and network trauma.

At any given time a lot goes on in systems. But how we observe systems makes a huge difference in the way we interact with them and ultimately in the value we can provide for clients. When we're not conscious about how we observe systems, we run around dizzy hoping to make important observations. Even if we are aware of what need to observe, it's challenging.  So just exactly how does one observe systems? And what does it even mean to observe a system? That’s what we talk about in this...

Another question we are asked a lot is “How do you get past resistance to change?” The answer might surprise you. The first thing to change is your own response and mindset. (What? You mean change might mean I have to change, not just other people?!) What gets labeled “resistance” is really a response to that ever is being proposed. In our latest episode, we talk about the downside of labeling responses as resistance we share our experiences of resistance and offer ideas that can help you...

People often ask us, “How do you coach a team that doesn’t want coaching?”  The obvious--and not very satisfying answer--is “You don’t.” But there are actions you can take that may lead to an invitation to coach.  There are also things you can do that aren’t “coaching” that can affect a team’s ability to work more effectively. In this episode, we’ll share our experiences of “inflicted help” and offer ideas on shift the dynamic to a better outcome.

As consultants we both enter new systems on a regular basis. But even if you are working in a company, any time you interact with a new group, you are entering that system, and you will have an impact on that group. The thing is, because you are new, you don’t know what has happened before you got there, what the struggles have been, what the norms are.  So it is useful to enter with clarity about your own intentions, and a clear commitment to understand who the group was before you. As a...

Our third and final episode (for now) about asking better questions is finally out! In it we talk about the assumptions embedded in questions. We all make assumptions, based on our view of the world, our background, and other factors. Becoming aware of our own assumptions can help us ask better questions. Becoming aware of others’ assumptions can help us understand how others see the world. When we can identify assumptions, we can examine them, test them, and arrive at a shared...

For the most part, we've learned how to ask questions from the way people have asked us questions, but also through observing and imitating our parents, teachers, and other people in authoritative positions. Very often the question we are asked in school have a right answer, they are closed or multiple choice which is a variation of a closed question. As a result, our questions are often not nearly as effective as they can be and in this episode, we explore the structure of questions and how...

The questions we ask determine the answers we get--obviously. Being aware of sort of answers your questions are likely to illicit (which we call intentions) increase your ability to choose questions that will help groups think clearly and solve problems. In this episode, the first in a series of episodes about asking better questions, we go through 9 different intentions that we’ve found helpful when working with groups. We've also created Question Intentions Worksheet in which we list and...

Adding and removing constraints impacts patterns and performance. Too many constraints limit people from taking action and collaborating which is usually the opposite of what organizations want. But with too few constraints we get flailing. Or? Do we? That's what we talk about in this episode--what if we got it all wrong and our job is mostly about removing constraints?

Our third episode is about agile retrospectives. Super exciting given that Esther co-authored the first book on them. In this episode, we talk about the 5 stage retrospective format, the difference between subjective and objective data, and we give you 5 tips on what you can do to improve your retrospectives. Content mentioned in the episode. The discount code to Esther's online course: LAWOFJAM (20% discount) To read more about the course...

In our second episode, we are guested by our friend Yassal Sundman, a consultant at Crisp AB. Together we explore what comes next, after agile, and how agile may evolve in the close future.

In our first episode, I interview Esther about a recent art class she took and how it reminded her of how being a beginner at something increases your empathy. We talk about what empathy is, why it's important, and give you tips on how you can increase your empathy and make it easier to access it. Tips mentioned in this episode: Books Amy Edmodnson - Psychological safety Brene Brown - Vulnerabiltiy   Self-reflection questions  How might this look to someone else? How would you...