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"
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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.

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Join us as we step into the world of transformational leadership, with Dr. Karuna Ramanathan, our esteemed guest for the episode, who has a rich history as a naval warship captain, leadership transformation architect, and globally certified coach. Brace yourself for a riveting conversation about the dynamic role executives play in leading change within organizations. Dr. Karuna's deep wisdom and our personal journeys make for an intriguing exchange of ideas and experiences.
Intricacies of control within organizations and the challenges of shifting gears from execution to strategy are up for discussion. We dissect Dr. Karuna's unique 251 technique, a potent tool for leaders and managers, helping them to share their stories and experiences, fostering confident and adaptive team leadership. We also delve into the realm of natural, though often muted, emotions, setting the stage for an enlightening discourse on the power of storytelling in leadership.
As we near the end, we navigate the choppy waters of change, where Dr. Karuna generously shares his expertise in aiding middle managers metamorphose into confident, adaptive team leaders. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the fear of change, the power of incremental steps, and the art of leading with respect and empathy. If you are keen to understand how openness, transparency, and a well-orchestrated path to change can create a seismic shift in leading an organization through change, this episode is a must-listen.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karuna-ramanathan-885b52a/
About Dr. Karuna:
Karuna Ramanathan is a transformational leadership expert with nearly three decades of experience in supporting senior leaders and organizations through difficult transformations. He is a former naval warship captain who went on to lead and architect leadership transformation and systems-level change in the Center for Leadership Development. Karuna is currently the Principal Consultant for KR Konsulting, bringing with him deep experience gained from designing and facilitating more than 2500 sessions. He is a Marshall Goldsmith Global Certified Coach, Global Coach Group Certified Leadership Coach, and a trained Erikson Executive Coach.

Karuna is an expert in large system change programs, co-creation and collaboration techniques, organizational storytelling and narratives, and tacit knowledge elicitation/transfer methods. He has more than 2000 paid coaching hours with senior leaders and nearly 1000 pro-bono coaching hours, helping leaders grow. Karuna's book, "Navigating The Seas of Change," published in 2020, is a leadership primer for change leaders.

Karuna has been featured as “Top 10 Organisation Development Consultants 2023” by the Asia Business Outlook and nominated by the CEO Insights ASIA, a business magazine, as one of “Asian Leaders & Achievers-2023”.

About our Sponsor:
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.

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

Join forces with Mark Metze and Andrew Mitchell as we traverse the landscape where traditional project management merges with the dynamism of Agile. With Andrew's 30 years of experience at the helm, learn how the blend of these two worlds enhances the Scrum Master's toolkit, adapting to an ever-shifting economic terrain post-pandemic. It's an exploration of growth, flexibility, and the value-driven approach that today's Agile practitioners must embody.
Embark on a deep dive into the art of forecasting in Scrum, breaking down the science of setting delivery dates without breaking your team. This episode isn't just about numbers; it's a masterclass in communicating with stakeholders and cushioning teams from the brunt of unrealistic expectations. Andrew and I peel back the layers on how data like velocity and throughput shape forecasts, and how presenting timelines as ranges can smooth out the bumps in the journey of project completion. Aligning team efforts with company objectives through OKRs, we discuss the dance between rigid deadlines for compliance and the agility needed for innovation.
As we sail towards the sunset of this episode, we leave you with the compelling tale of how empowering leadership can transform an offshore team's assertiveness, processes, and autonomy. It's a testament to the dual role of Scrum Masters as both shield and compass for their teams. We wrap up by inviting you to keep the Agile flame burning by joining our LinkedIn community. Share this knowledge-rich voyage with your colleagues who seek to steer their Agile practices towards uncharted territories of efficiency and resilience. Until our paths cross again, remember to iterate, adapt, and stay Agile.
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmitchellpmp/
Join the Agile Beers Novia Scotia Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/scrum-beers-halifax/

Listen to our past episodes with Fred Deichler:
https://theagilewithin.buzzsprout.com/1449787/13791132
https://theagilewithin.buzzsprout.com/1449787/13904290
Discover Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy%27s_Cove,_Nova_Scotia
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As the sun peeks over the horizon and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, I sit with Agile expert Allison Pollard to unravel the tapestry of Agile methodologies. Our conversation kicks off with the comfort of morning routines and the buzz of coffee shops, but soon we're navigating the tumultuous waters of Agile implementation. Allison shares an enlightening encounter with a mentor that reshaped her view on Agile processes, prompting us to dissect the nuances of feedback and its power to transform team dynamics. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Agile's fluidity and its deeply subjective nature.
Navigating the symbiotic relationship between Agile coaches and Scrum Masters, we dissect the intricacies of coaching agreements and the art of providing feedback that nurtures growth. The emotional resonance of an Agile coach's guidance can propel a Scrum Master to new heights, and we explore the delicate balance required to cultivate an environment conducive to success. Through candid anecdotes and shared experiences, we shed light on the various coaching stances—each a unique tool, adaptable to the context and needs of the team.
In our final exploration, we delve into the 'three C's'—clarity, connection, and curiosity—that serve as the backbone of exceptional leadership and coaching. Allison recounts her journey coaching a Scrum Master transitioning to an Agile coach, emphasizing the significance of fostering these elements in every interaction. We then pivot to the consulting sphere, where we discuss how aligning these principles can spearhead strategic growth and adept change management. For those enchanted by the Agile philosophy or enmeshed in its practice, this episode promises to enrich your perspective and arm you with stories and insights from the front lines.
Connect with Allison!
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonpollard
Sign up for the Helping Improve Class
https://helpingimprove.com/managing-amazing-people-training/

Women in Agile Mentorship Program
https://womeninagile.org/mentorship

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