Recently, someone asked for advice on making their team more Agile. Then they said, “We’re not using Scrum because the team isn’t a team, they're all individuals. They will never really work as a team and that isn’t going to change.” And yet, they want to be Agile. This got me thinking about how to determine if a team is truly functioning as a team. Here are six questions to consider if you’re seeking that answer:
Are they continuously seeking ways to improve?
Do they prioritize team goals over individual achievements?
How does the team support and help each other when a member faces adversity?
How well does the team communicate?
How often do team members provide constructive feedback to one another, and how do they respond to it?
Do all team members feel included and valued in decision-making processes?
If the answers to these questions aren’t satisfactory, perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at how to develop the team. Let me know if you have any questions about how to do that.
Volunteerism
Volunteering is such a fulfilling way to
give back. Recently, I had the opportunity to
virtually teach young women in Africa about teamwork and conflict resolution. It was a rewarding experience to assist those who may not have the same opportunities we’ve had. It was also eye-opening to realize how fortunate we are, especially regarding internet and electrical services.
Summer Months
Our summers look a little bit different depending on where we call home. In Minnesota, it's a season of boating, gardening, patio dining, and of course the Minnesota mosquito. We live 5 blocks from a “dog beach” so we are trying to teach our skittish dog to enjoy the water. I hope you’re finding your summer relaxing. Please send me a picture to show me how you’re spending your summer days.
In Other News
In-person classes in August
I’m taking it on the road again to teach a CSM® and an ACSM® in Madison, WI. If you know of anyone who would like to take an in-person class, please check out the links above. Madison is a pretty city that is easy to navigate and it's known for its historic Capitol building, free museums, more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, award-winning restaurants, and craft beverages.
The Scrum Alliance
Has exciting plans for more skills-based courses coming later in 2024. I have an announcement about this topic that I’m eager to share, but it will have to wait until the next newsletter. Stay tuned—I can’t wait to tell you about it!
As always, if you have specific questions please reach out. I’m here to help!
Best Regards,
Lonnie Weaver-Johnson, CST®
Partner, Sticky Agile, LLC
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