Ralph Maria Jocham's Blog, page 19

How does Brain Based Coaching Inform your Agile Coaching Engagements?

Agile coaching is a dynamic field that helps organizations navigate the complexities of software development, project management, and team collaboration. It is a method that promotes adaptability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity. However, in order to effectively guide teams and organizations on their Agile journey, coaches need to tap into a deeper understanding of human behaviour and cognitive processes. This is where brain-based coaching comes into play.  

What is Brain-based Coaching 

Now if you compare brain-based coaching with classical coaching, you’ll know that classical coaching is all about asking questions and helping people get more understanding and clarity about their situation. Brain-based coaching is pretty similar to that but it tries to work with how the brain works and influences the physiology of some of the chemical processes and how you can leverage that to help people get better outcomes and results.  For a point of reference, there is the Taps model from David Rocks, where he essentially talks about four elements, asks questions and tells people whether the problems or solutions are focused. 

Now, in my opinion, this is not really the best approach because it is not solution-focused and instead, you act like a teacher by telling people what they are or what they must do. It is much more helpful to ask questions and try to retrieve solutions or feedback. Brain-based coaching comes into the picture because you want to help people come up with the right solution. For example, with the SCARF Model, SCARF is an acronym for Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness. Under this model, there is a lot of blame and this can entrap a team, and so you really want to watch out for that. And so, instead of telling people what they are doing wrong and pointing fingers, you can approach inconsistencies with a more collaborative and proactive approach. For example, you could ask probing questions and challenge team members to be self-managed and solve them on their own.  

 So yes, you can give them direction and a sense of leadership but it is also important to instill and foster a feeling of autonomy. By doing this, the brain opens up and is more adaptable and proactive for change. Brain-based coaching can offer several benefits when applied within an Agile framework, which is a project management and product development approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative progress.  

 

Here are some of the advantages of integrating brain-based coaching into Agile practices: 

 Improved Team Collaboration: Brain-based coaching techniques can help Agile teams enhance their communication, empathy, and understanding of each other’s perspectives. This can lead to more effective collaboration and stronger team cohesion, which are critical aspects of Agile success. 

 Enhanced Adaptability: Agile methodologies thrive on adaptability and responsiveness to change. Brain-based coaching can support team members in developing a growth mindset and the capacity to embrace change, making it easier to adapt to evolving project requirements. 

 Better Problem-Solving: Brain-based coaching encourages individuals to tap into their creativity and critical thinking abilities. Agile teams can benefit from improved problem-solving skills, allowing them to identify and address obstacles more effectively. 

 Stress Reduction: Agile projects can be fast-paced and demanding, leading to stress among team members. Brain-based coaching can provide strategies for managing stress, maintaining focus, and staying resilient in high-pressure situations. 

 Continuous Learning: Agile values continuous learning and improvement. Brain-based coaching fosters a growth mindset and encourages individuals to seek out learning opportunities. This aligns well with Agile’s principles of inspection and adaptation. 

 Increased Accountability: Brain-based coaching can help team members take ownership of their responsibilities and commitments. It can also support Agile practices like daily stand-up meetings and retrospectives by promoting accountability for both individual and team goals. 

 Effective Feedback: Agile relies on frequent feedback loops for improvement. Brain-based coaching can enhance the quality of feedback within teams by promoting active listening and constructive communication. 

 Alignment with Agile Values: Many Agile values, such as “individuals and interactions over processes and tools” and “responding to change over following a plan,” align with principles of brain-based coaching that emphasize human-centric approaches and adaptability. 

 Personalized Development: Brain-based coaching recognizes that individuals have unique strengths and challenges. Agile teams can benefit from personalized coaching that helps team members leverage their strengths and address their specific development areas. 

 Enhanced Leadership: Agile leaders can use brain-based coaching techniques to become more effective mentors and coaches themselves. This can improve leadership skills within Agile teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

 Increased Productivity: By optimizing brain function and reducing cognitive overload, brain-based coaching can help team members become more productive and efficient in their work, aligning with Agile principles of delivering value quickly. 

 ustainable High Performance: Brain-based coaching can help prevent burnout and support sustainable high performance within Agile teams, ensuring that productivity and motivation remain consistent over time. 

Unlocking Agile Excellence: Where Brain-Based Coaching Meets Evolutionary Coaching 

When integrating brain-based coaching into Agile practices, it’s essential to work with qualified coaches who understand both Agile methodologies and neuroscience principles. This combination can create a powerful framework for driving Agile success, improving team dynamics, and achieving project objectives while prioritizing the well-being and development of team members. 

 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

 

Does a Product Owner Assign Work to Individual Team Members?

The only thing you do as a Product Owner in Sprint Planning is communicate the upcoming Sprint Goal or the goal that you want to achieve. The developers on the other hand may say that this is not possible; you have to talk, you have to collaborate. So the agreement you find is on the Sprint Goal and once Sprint Goal has been agreed upon, the developers may say yes you can achieve that and you are happy with that as a Product Owner; it is then up to them how they develop it.

They can then self-manage and that is clearly stated in the Scrum Guide. So, my advice? Don’t do that.  

In Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, assigning work to individual team members is discouraged for several reasons. Agile emphasizes collaboration, self-organization, and a focus on delivering value as a team rather than as individuals.  

Here are some key reasons why work assignment to individual team members is discouraged in Agile: 

Cross-Functionality: Agile teams are typically cross-functional, meaning that team members have a range of skills necessary to complete the work. Assigning tasks to specific individuals can limit the team’s ability to leverage the collective skills and expertise of its members. By allowing team members to self-organize and choose tasks, you ensure that the work is done by those best suited to it, which can lead to higher quality outcomes. 

  Collaboration: Agile methodologies promote collaboration among team members. When tasks are assigned to individuals, it can create a “siloed” mentality, where team members work independently and may not share knowledge or help each other. In contrast, when team members collectively decide on tasks during ceremonies like Sprint Planning in Scrum, they have the opportunity to discuss and collaborate on how to best achieve their goals. 

  Ownership and Commitment: Agile teams commit to completing a set of user stories or tasks during a sprint or iteration. When individuals are assigned work, they may not have the same level of ownership and commitment as when the team collectively selects tasks. Team members are more likely to take ownership of the work they’ve chosen, leading to a higher level of accountability. 

  Adaptability: Agile methodologies emphasize adaptability and responsiveness to change. When tasks are assigned to individuals, it can be challenging to change course quickly if priorities shift or new information emerges. Allowing the team to collectively decide on work during each iteration or sprint makes it easier to adapt to changing requirements and customer feedback. 

  Velocity and Flow: Agile teams often measure their velocity, which is the amount of work completed in a sprint or iteration. Assigning tasks to individuals can create bottlenecks if one team member becomes overloaded or encounters difficulties. By letting team members self-select tasks, you can better balance the workload and maintain a steady flow of work. 

  Continuous Improvement: Agile teams aim to continuously improve their processes and performance. When work is assigned to individuals, it can be difficult to identify areas for improvement or bottlenecks in the workflow. Allowing the team to collectively decide on work helps in identifying these issues and finding ways to address them. 

 That said, while Agile encourages self-organization and team-driven work allocation, there may be situations where a team member has a particular skill or expertise that makes them the most suitable for a specific task. In such cases, it’s acceptable to have informal agreements within the team or let team members volunteer for certain tasks. However, the overall approach should prioritize team collaboration and shared responsibility for delivering value. 

If you want to learn more about embodying Agile Leadership as a Product Owner, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

What Role Does a Product Owner Play in the Sprint Review?

In the dynamic world of software development and project management, the role of a Product Owner stands as a crucial linchpin in the success of a product or project. A Product Owner is a pivotal figure who wields significant influence over the direction and ultimate outcome of a development endeavour. This role represents a critical intersection between Stakeholders, Customers, and the Development Team, tasked with the responsibility of defining, prioritizing, and conveying the vision for a product or project. The Product Owner plays a pivotal role in the Sprint Review, serving as the bridge between the Development Team and the Stakeholders. This connection is essential because the Sprint Review is a crucial event in the Scrum Framework where the Development team showcases the increment of work completed during the sprint.

The Product Owner’s involvement ensures that the right product increments are presented, aligning with the product vision and customer expectations. They collaborate with the Scrum Team throughout the Sprint to define and prioritize the Product Backlog items, ensuring that the most valuable features are delivered. During the Sprint Review, the Product Owner provides valuable insights, clarifies requirements, and validates that the work aligns with the product’s overall goals. Their active participation strengthens communication and transparency, enabling Stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of progress and make informed decisions about the product’s future direction. Ultimately, the connection between the Product Owner and the Sprint Review is fundamental in delivering a successful, customer-centric product.

Product Owners also play a pivotal role in the Sprint Review because this is really where the Product Owner can close the feedback loop from your Stakeholders and find out what is really needed.

And maybe this is a little exaggerated but I do think that as a Product Owner, you are ultimately the ‘show master’ more or less and when you are on the stage, you are responsible for:

Determining the product goal.

Communicating why the current sprint goal is important.

Guiding and demonstrating outputs from the Developers.

More than working with the Development Team, Product Owners play an important role in Stakeholder Engagement. As the primary interface between Development Teams and Stakeholders, Product Owners bear the responsibility of representing Stakeholder interests and expectations. In the Sprint Review, this connection becomes particularly crucial as it serves as a platform for showcasing the product increment and gathering feedback from Stakeholders. Product Owners not only present the work accomplished during the Sprint but also facilitate discussions and address questions or concerns raised by Stakeholders. Their ability to translate Stakeholder feedback into actionable items for the Development Team is instrumental in steering the product’s direction and ensuring it aligns with Stakeholders’ evolving needs. Ultimately, the collaboration between Product Owners and effective Stakeholder Engagement in the Sprint Review is essential for delivering value-driven, customer-centric outcomes in Agile development.

If you want to learn more about Product Ownership and running an impactful Sprint Review, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way!

 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

Should a Product Owner Do an Agile Leadership Course?

In my opinion, Agile Leadership is quite different from Product Ownership and even though there may be some room for negotiation, I think that leadership is all about creating clarity and building trust.

So, in essence, clarity is really there to remove ambiguity. By providing clear goals and clear objectives, building trust and working with people, investing in them, helping them and giving them the sense that questions and problems can be solved by coming to you and asking for support, you can enable a productive and transparent team.

I think this embodies what true leadership is, and as we want to see it in an Agile environment. More than this, we ideally want the Product Owner to embody and represent these same values within the organization and team, and so, in summary, I think it is a really great idea for a Product Owner to do an Agile Leadership course.

Why?

Because it will:  

  Help boost employee satisfaction.  

Increase employee retention.  

Enhance productivity.  

Foster growth and collaboration.  

Sound good?  

If you want to learn more about embodying Agile Leadership as a Product Owner, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

How Does a Product Owner Stand Up to a Powerful Stakeholder?

In the dynamic landscape of product development, the role of a Product Owner stands as a linchpin, responsible for orchestrating the creation of a product that not only meets customer needs but also aligns with the organization’s goals. Central to this mission is the art of Stakeholder Engagement, a vital process that bridges the gap between the product vision and its realisation. In this brief exploration, we delve into the essential concepts of Product Owner and Stakeholder engagement, examining how their collaboration serves as the driving force behind successful product development endeavours. From understanding Stakeholder needs to prioritizing features and ensuring effective communication, this dynamic duo plays a critical role in transforming ideas into tangible, value-driven solutions. 

Stakeholder Management plays an essential part in Product Ownership, and there are different kinds of Stakeholders that we like to think about; we have users, we have influencers and providers that provide governance and with each of those, you would engage differently with your users than to your providers in order to deliver those influences within your organization. You may have a good relationship and engage with them differently, but let’s say one of them pulls the plug and then you lose money; we then have a major problem on our hands.  

So when dealing with Stakeholders and in an effort to prevent negative scenarios, governance becomes very useful. And so you have to follow the laws and regulations to navigate on how to address and negotiate with your Stakeholders effectively. However, there is some leeway about how you engage with the laws; you could read and interpret them in different ways so that there is a bit of room for navigation as well.  

 But how can you stand up to powerful Stakeholders?

This is where having the appropriate measurements and metrics is important; we need to implement and develop something like evidence-based management. Something along these lines could help somebody and determine what is right or wrong.

I think once we can really base our decisions on these facts, it becomes a really great way to stand up because nobody can counter that.  

So, how does a Product Owner stand up to a powerful Stakeholder? With evidence, conviction and research-based evidence to support their position.  

If you want to learn more about Product Ownership and Stakeholder engagement, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

Is Product Ownership a Full Time Job. Should it Be?

In today’s fast-paced world of technology and innovation, the role of a Product Owner has emerged as a linchpin in the success of modern businesses. With the relentless pursuit of delivering value to customers and staying ahead of the competition, organizations across various industries have come to recognize the importance of having a skilled Product Owner at the helm of their product development efforts. But what exactly is a Product Owner, and what does this role entail?  

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business and technology, the role of a Product Owner has become increasingly pivotal. These individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding a product from inception to delivery, ensuring it aligns with user needs and business objectives.

However, the question that often arises is whether product ownership should be a full-time commitment. Is dedicating one’s professional life solely to this role truly necessary, or is there room for a more flexible approach? 

My answer to this question is absolutely yes and if you think Product Ownership or the way I think about Product Ownership is that I essentially see it as a Product Manager with an actual mindset of a person who does the Product Management work differently whilst using feedback loops to get closer to Stakeholder management and engagement with the Developers.  

You could also look at Product Owners as being the main function of all the components instead of just being a component alone. This is because a Product Owner encapsulates and brings everything together from the Stakeholder’s side all the way to collaborating and managing the Development Team.

So, with that being said, in my opinion, a Product Owner should be a full-time role because of the different responsibilities and expectations that are placed on them in the process of product development and delivery.  

If you want to learn more about Product Ownership, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

What Has Preparing for the Amsterdam Marathon Taught You about Agility? Part 1

I used to run marathons many many years ago and in that time I learned many important lessons that I even carry with my professional career today. I was however not really ready for it and did not do as well as I think I could have, and this is because I did not dedicate myself enough. More than this, I realized that what I needed was deliberate and intentional practice to achieve the results I could have gotten. For example when I used to train for marathons, I would strap on my shoes and continually practice, making sure that I was prepared.

Eventually I got really good at it and started to enjoy it. I think for me this was an integral part of winning the marathon; enjoyment. You get better and stronger by doing it.

So what this taught me about Agility is that:  You can achieve anything you put your mind to.  

You must enjoy something to preserve and commit.  

You must practice and work with intention to succeed.  

At the end of day, consistency and practice are the twin engines that propel us toward greatness. They are the unyielding forces that transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary achievers. When we embrace consistency and commit ourselves to the relentless pursuit of improvement, we unlock a world of possibilities. 

If you want to learn more about how to work effectively in Agile, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

Can You Provide an Example of Where Leadership Support has Enabled Great Product Ownership

f I had to think of a time where leadership has enabled great Product Ownership, it would be when I was working in Swiss Postal Services and we had to replace 20 000 Postman and 22 000 devices that were being used for letters and parcels that were basically being processed every day. Now what separated Swiss Post from the rest was that even though it was private, it was still very much linked to the government and so I was quite surprised that they were keen on working in Agile. And so when we came in to start working in Agile, we were given free reins and told to just do whatever it would take to improve the processes of the organization and get them to where they needed to be. I really liked this because oftentimes organizations fail because people are playing the ‘blame game’ and pointing to others and blaming them for this and that. For me this is very counterproductive and doesn’t help get the organization, the product or team to get to where they need to be.  

So what our leaders at Swiss Post created was a culture and environment where we could basically apply the Scrum Framework and utilize it to manage and collaborate effectively with the relevant people. Now we could point to people and say what was great and what wasn’t great, and instead of achieving what we wanted in 12 months, the Scrum Framework helped us to achieve them in 10 months. This situation showed me the kind of leadership that is really helpful; the kind that creates clarity, trust and provides clarity on what we are allowed from the get go.  

My positive experience working with clients and leaders that allowed us to apply the Scrum Framework, try new things and supported great Product Ownership enabled strength in the following areas:  

  Clarity of Vision. 

 Resource Allocation. 

 Empowerment. 

 Alignment with Business Goals. 

 Risk Management. 

 Removal of Obstacles. 

 Adaptability and Innovation. 

 Customer-Centric Focus. 

 Long-Term Strategy. 

 Conflict Resolution. 

 Strong leadership serves as the cornerstone for the success of a Product Owner, fostering an environment where they can thrive in their role. Leaders also provide the essential support and guidance necessary for Product Owners to navigate the complex landscape of product development. This support includes clear communication of the company’s vision, alignment of objectives, and resource allocation, all of which help Product Owners make informed decisions and prioritize tasks effectively. Furthermore, strong leadership encourages collaboration, empowers Product Owners to take ownership, and promotes a customer-centric approach, all of which are critical ingredients for crafting products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. 

It’s a Recipe for Success

Ultimately, the symbiotic relationship between strong leadership and effective Product Ownership leads to the creation of exceptional products. These products not only fulfill customer needs and preferences but also align with the broader organizational goals and strategy. In such an environment, Product Owners are not just managers but visionary leaders who drive innovation, embrace challenges, and deliver products that not only succeed in the market but also contribute significantly to the overall success and growth of the organization. The result is a win-win situation, where customers benefit from outstanding products, and the organization strives due to the strategic leadership of its Product Owners. 

If you want to learn more about Product Ownership, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,

What has Golf Taught you About Agility? Part 1

In an effort to better understand Agility, golf has taught me a lot; you have to have the right technique and you need to have the right mindset. So if you walk out of a meeting and have a really horrible day and then go out onto the field, your head is still spinning but yet you are still able to perform as you should. This is because of the muscle memory and mechanics that you have to have in place as well as the basics of your mentality.

For me this is quite similar to working in Agile because even though you might have all the tools and understanding of the entire process and framework, if your mind is not in the right place, it still wont’ work. Mindset is crucial when working in Agile methodologies because it fundamentally shapes how teams approach problems, collaborate, and adapt to change.

An Agile mindset encourages individuals to embrace flexibility, prioritize customer value, and value continuous improvement. With a growth-oriented mindset, team members are more inclined to view setbacks as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and innovation.  

This mindset promotes open communication, transparency, and a focus on delivering value incrementally, aligning with Agile principles. In essence, a positive Agile mindset empowers teams to respond effectively to shifting requirements, engage in frequent feedback loops, and ultimately deliver higher-quality products that meet customer needs, all of which are central to Agile’s success. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about how to be an impactful Product Owner, get in touch with Ralph today! 

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe. 

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses. 

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru... 

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran... 

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content. 

#scrum #agile #scrumorg #scrumcertification #scrumcourses #scrumtraining #agilescrumtraining #agilekata #agility #businessagility #agileprojectmanagement #projectmanagement #productdevelopment #agileproductdevelopment #switzerland #germany #europe #scrumteam #scrumframework #professionalscrumtrainer #PST #certifiedscrumtrainer #certifiedscrumtraining 

Must Product Ownership Include or Embody the Scrum Values?

If you had to look at the Scrum Values, you’d see that the focus is on the key values of openness, respect, commitment and encouragement. So as a Product Owner, you really need to be able to personally embody that value and the product idea behind it. This will require a committed mindset and clear focus on what it is you actually want to achieve. So yes, I think that you should embody the Scrum Values and which doesn’t mean you have to be nice all the time but rather that you need to have situational awareness and know when and what Scrum Values to apply to varying contexts.  

Why Product Owners Should Embody the Scrum Values  

Product owners play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Scrum framework, as they are responsible for maximizing the value of the product and ensuring alignment with customer needs. Embodying the Scrum values – openness, courage, commitment, focus, and respect is essential for effectively navigating the complex challenges of product development. By practicing openness, they foster transparent communication with the Development Team and Stakeholders, enabling collaborative problem-solving and informed decision-making. Courage on the other hand empowers Product Owners to take calculated risks, make tough decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances, all of which are vital in a dynamic development environment.  

 Commitment ensures that the product owner is dedicated to the project’s goals and is accountable for delivering value to customers. Maintaining a sharp focus on the product’s priorities helps Product Owners guide the team’s efforts toward delivering high-quality features that align with the product vision. Lastly, demonstrating respect for the expertise and perspectives of the Development team and Stakeholders creates a positive and collaborative work environment. In essence, embodying these Scrum Values not only strengthens the Product Owner’s leadership but also nurtures a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement within the entire Scrum Team. 

Openness is Key in Situational Awareness 

Another important aspect of Product Ownership is Stakeholder engagement. Sometimes you will be really careful because you do not want to annoy them but with other people you might be more pushy depending on who you are talking to. Situational awareness is thus beneficial here because even though you should have a strong opinion, you should not be narrow minded. So if you are convinced that somebody has a better point, you should be open to that as well.  

 In conclusion, embracing openness as a fundamental Scrum value holds unparalleled significance for a Product Owner’s role within an Agile development framework. Openness lies in fostering effective communication, transparency, and collaboration among team members, Stakeholders, and customers. By upholding this value, Product Owners create an environment where feedback flows freely, insights are shared, and ideas are refined collectively. 

 When transparency prevails, trust deepens, and collaboration flourishes. This leads to enhanced motivation, accountability, and a shared commitment to the project’s success. 

 If you want to learn more about the tips and tricks of being an impactful Product Owner, get in touch with Ralph and he’ll lead the way! 

 

About Effective Agile

Ralph Jocham is a Change Agent in Scrum // Agile // Coaching // Evidence Based Management and also a Professional Scrum Trainer based in Europe.

As one of the first Professional Scrum Trainers in the world, Ralph has worked directly with cocreator of #scrum, Ken Schwaber, and has played an integral part in the course development of the #PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner) as well as the delivery of all #scrum.org certified courses.

If you’re looking to invest in training that transforms and empowers teams to successfully adopt #scrum or #agile, and create high-performance #productdevelopment environments leveraging the agile values and principles, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-scru...

If you would like to work with Ralph and company as an #agilecoach, #agileconsultant, or powerful change agent to get your team back on track and on the road to high-performance #agile #productdevelopment, visit https://effectiveagile.com/agile-tran...

For more great ‘how-to’ videos, blogs, and insights, subscribe to this channel and visit https://effectiveagile.com/blog/ for more valuable content.

#scrum, #agile, #scrumorg #scrumcertification, #scrumcourses, #scrumtraining, #agilescrumtraining, #agilekata, #agility, #businessagility, #agileprojectmanagement, #projectmanagement, #productdevelopment, #agileproductdevelopment, #switzerland, #germany, #europe, #scrumteam, #scrumframework, #professionalscrumtrainer, #PST, #certifiedscrumtrainer, #certifiedscrumtraining,