The Agile Within

Software rewrites promise exciting technological advancements but frequently become risky, budget-draining quagmires. Why do these projects fail so consistently, and what can we do differently?

Richard Lawrence, founder of Humanizing Work, joins us to unpack the hidden complexities and psychological pitfalls lurking beneath seemingly straightforward rewrites.
We explore why the common directive to "just do what the old system does" is a dangerous trap, overlooking crucial hidden requirements, workarounds, and integrations that have developed over years. Richard introduces the "strangler approach"—a method that uses existing systems as scaffolding while gradually building new capabilities, allowing teams to deliver immediate value rather than delaying benefits until a complete replacement.
Next we examine user psychology, revealing why technical arguments for rewrites ("outdated technology," "unsupported platforms") fall flat with actual users. "That's your problem, not mine," reflects the realistic user perspective Richard articulates. Instead, we explore human-centered strategies that recognize users care about job performance, not technical implementation details.
Perhaps most valuably, Richard shares his "complexity-aware planning" framework, combining strategic exploration, active experimentation, and analytical planning to manage rewrite risks. We also tackle the difficult question of what to do when legacy customers no longer fit your product direction, offering alternatives to the blunt instrument of "firing customers" that build goodwill while still allowing strategic evolution.
Ready to transform how you approach your next system rewrite? This episode provides practical wisdom that could save your team months of frustration and your company millions in wasted effort.
Book a FREE 30 minute call with Richard:
https://www.humanizingwork.com/contact/
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/richardslawrence

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if the key to unlocking your team's full potential lies in understanding the unique ways our brains function? Join us in this fascinating episode of The Agile Within, where we sit down with Anita Kalmane-Boot, a Scrum Master from Eastern Netherlands, who sheds light on the critical importance of neurodiversity in Agile teams. Anita breaks down the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing why these distinctions are essential for creating inclusive and high-performing Scrum teams. Discover how fostering an environment of psychological safety and crafting inclusive team agreements can empower neurodivergent team members to thrive.
Unemployment is a significant challenge for neurodivergent individuals, not due to their lack of willingness to work, but because of systemic barriers. Anita and I explore the necessity for companies to embrace diverse working arrangements and create inclusive environments that cater to various needs. We discuss the growing acceptance within industries like technology, where flexible work hours and environments are becoming the norm. Learn about the initiatives and advocacy efforts in Western Europe that are paving the way for a more inclusive workforce, and how companies can benefit from tapping into this often-overlooked talent pool.
Unlock the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to Agile teams, from creativity to out-of-the-box thinking. Anita shares practical strategies for improving team dynamics, including the creation of personal manuals to understand each team member’s work preferences and needs.
Connect with Anita on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitakalmane/
Book Suggestions:

Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
"Dirty Laundry: Why Adults with ADHD Are So Ashamed and What We Can Do to Help"
Join the Alliance and support the show! 👇

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Join us in this episode as Suruchi Patke, an experienced Agile practitioner and Scrum team coach, shares her wisdom on mastering the nuanced skill of saying "no". Discover how protecting your team’s autonomy and keeping focus can prevent scope creep and enhance self-management. Suruchi offers practical tips and compelling examples on how to say "no "in a way that builds trust and nurtures a healthy team dynamic.
Ever faced the dilemma of balancing urgent tasks with essential team retrospectives? We have the perfect solution for you. Suruchi recounts a real-life scenario where a developer wanted to skip the retrospective to meet pressing deadlines. Instead of simply dismissing the idea, she facilitated a productive 35-minute session by proposing alternative solutions. This segment highlights the importance of flexibility and open communication in maintaining team agility and delivering quality outcomes without sacrificing opportunities for improvement.
Managing stakeholder expectations can be tricky, especially when new tasks emerge mid-sprint. In this episode, we explore a scenario where additional data migration tasks threatened to overload the sprint backlog. Suruchi emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries and conducting technical feasibility analyses to negotiate realistic sprint goals. Learn strategies to protect your team’s capacity while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction. Join us as we empower Scrum Masters to lead their teams with clarity, confidence, and assertiveness.
Connect with Suruchi on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suruchi-patki-b0710b195
Visit the Great American Ballpark and Purple People Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_American_Ball_Park
https://purplepeoplebridge.com/
Join the Alliance! 👇

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ready for a deep dive into the intricate dynamics of team conflict? Let's dissect it together. I'm your host, Greg Miller, and joining me is Mark Wavle, the brains behind Unstuck Agile. We've put our heads together to bring you a fresh perspective on conflict in team settings. We're not shying away from the tension, we're embracing it, unpacking why it's absolutely crucial for creative and innovative projects.
Conflict isn't just a thorn in your side, it can be a catalyst for growth and learning. We'll walk you through just how avoiding conflict can stifle progress and breed mistrust. Learn from a company that welcomed open conflict, and the unexpected outcomes that ensued. Hear about Mark's personal experiences at Unstuck Agile, where he's taken on the intricate dance of initiating conflict with higher management. Understand the science behind our reactions to conflict and the tools you can harness to navigate through it. We challenge you to discard old notions of conflict and adopt a growth mindset, fostering a culture of learning in your teams.
BTW: This is Mark's second round on the show that's how awesome we think he is!
Contact Mark Wavle:
https://www.unstuckagile.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wavle/
Don't miss Scrum Day, scheduled for Sep 14, 2023, in Madison, WI, at the Alliant Energy Center. Morning keynote using Liberating Structures by Keith McCandless followed by break-out rooms including speakers from Stanford University and the authors of "Fixing your Scrum". Afternoon keynote by Dave West, CEO of Scrum.org. Scrum is a team sport, so bring your team and get your tickets at www.ScrumDay.org. Hosted by Rebel Scrum. Find the training you've been looking for at www.RebelScrum.site.

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Diving into the lake!
Episode 2 in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss the foundation of Scrum: the values, and empirical theory. We talk about why having a solid bedrock is so important to be successful in an Agile environment.
If you've not heard of Scrum Lake until now, you'll want to catch this series that helps you really grasp Scrum in a unique way. If you've struggled with its roles, process, and yes values (there are 5 if you didn't know), then these guys will help you understand them more clearly. So come along on this voyage to grasp the deeper meaning of the most popular Agile framework in the world!

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within