The Agile Within

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Admit it... Agile is difficult. Some of the processes (e.g., Scrum, XP, Kanban, etc.) may seem simple, and they are at first blush. Most of us can understand, and even get quite good at the process of Agile (DOING Agile). But what about BEING Agile? This is the other aspect of Agile, which is likely even more difficult to master. In each episode, we'll dive deep into how to BE Agile (through behavior modification, and mindset shifts). We'll help you improve through conversations and shared stories with those currently in the Agile space from a wide array of industries. If you are in an Agile environment, or want to be, you'll need to understand this softer side of agile in order to be successful. If you are simply following a process, you are not truly being Agile. You are going through the motions. Frankly, this side of agile is extremely difficult to grasp. Fortunately, we are here to get you through it. It takes time. Sometimes lots of it! But you'll get there. And we'll be here supporting you all the way.Support the Show https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?

Greg Miller, Agile Coach/Speaker/Scrum Master

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    • May 17, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Agile Within

    My Agile team lacks clarity about the company's direction, and collaboration with leaders is poor. How can value stream mapping help me with Steve Pereira, Founder/CEO at Visible

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 52:21 Transcription Available


    Focus. Clarity. Collaboration. These are all things many agile teams struggle with when attempting to work with company leaders. Old ways linger, and muddy the waters for lasting change. Fortunately, Steve Pereira, our guest in this episode, stopped by to discuss value stream mapping, and how it can shed some light on these issues. If you want to move out of complicated chaos, and into delivering real value that customers will actually use, then take a listen in as we discuss. It's really about tweaks to behaviors that can have the greatest impacts!More about Steve:Steve has been obsessed with process, optimization, and visual learning his whole life. Over his long and varied career in tech he came to realize Value Streams are the key focus to unlock team alignment, velocity, value, and sustainability. Paired with DevOps principles he has created an incredible toolset for continuous improvement. He lives in Toronto, Canada. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    We thought Agile would save the day, and it's just not working out, so now what? with Gil Broza

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 57:33 Transcription Available


    Our guest in this episode is Gil Broza, Gil is founder and principal at 3P Vantage. Close to 100 organizations seeking Agile transformations, makeovers, or improvements have relied on his pragmatic, modern, and respectful support for customizing Agile in their contexts.We chatted with Gil about reasons why companies fail at "going Agile." It is estimated that 70% of transformations fail at some point. The most likely reasons, and the ones we explore, are lack of understanding of Agile values/principles, an overall sense of fear in the company, and a lack of trust among everyone. Gil provides some practical ways to overcome these stumbling blocks to get you pointed in the right direction, and help you succeed with Agile. If you've ever struggled with Agile at your company, you'll want to use these tips to make your journey more smooth. More about Gil Broza:Gil's popular book The Agile Mind-Set explains how practitioners approach their work to get amazing results. His previous best-seller The Human Side of Agile is the definitive practical guide to leading Agile teams in the real world. His newest book Agile for Non-Software Teams provides a pathway for considering, designing, starting, growing, and maintaining Agile outside of software/IT. He has been a regular contributor and coaching track chair for the Agile series of conferences, a sought-after speaker for other industry events and groups, and a host of numerous public webinars about Agility. Gil lives in Toronto, Canada.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    How to tell if your organization is under the allusion of Agility and what you can do about it with Gunther Verheyen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 55:03 Transcription Available


    In this episode, we chat with the one and only Gunther Verheyen. Gunther has quickly gained worldwide acclaim as a strong proponent of the Scrum Values. The values, and Agile principles for that matter, are often largely overlooked by organizations that choose to adopt Agile for their software delivery method. He is on a quest to instill a more human approach to software development through his teachings, speaking engagements, and workshops. So, come along as we chat with a man who truly epitomizes what this Podcast is all about.Gunther Verheyen is an independent Scrum Caretaker on a journey of humanizing the workplace (with Scrum) — a connector, teacher, writer, speaker. He thinks, reflects, wonders and wanders. He teaches, assists, serves, advices and suggests on many things Scrum. He works with teams, individuals and executives. He facilitates learning and unlearning. He continuously looks out for improved ways to serve and to deliver value to people interested in Scrum across the world.Gunther started practicing Scrum in 2003, has published two best-selling books about Scrum, has partnered with Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum, and has worked with diverse teams and organizations. The services he offers build on these accumulated experiences. Ullizee-Inc is his business vehicle.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Scrum Lake Episode 3: What can the lake do for you with Co-creators Ryan Brook and John Albrecht

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 49:40 Transcription Available


    Worldwide appeal!The final episode in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss the appeal and impact of Scrum Lake on so many. It can be dark and murky at the bottom of the lake. But should I be afraid? Maybe. Maybe not. Others are there to see you through it. Oh ... and these guys put me to the test with a challenging example from the workshop. Do I pass it? Come find out. 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 (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Scrum Lake Episode 2: Dive into the values in the Lake with Co-creators Ryan Brook and John Albrecht

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 39:15 Transcription Available


    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 (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Scrum Lake Episode 1: The origins of a simple metaphor, and its worldwide appeal with Co-creators Ryan Brook and John Albrecht

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 58:19 Transcription Available


    Just dipping my toe in!Episode 1 in this 3 part series on the popular Scrum Lake. Co-creators Ryan and John discuss why they created it, who it is for, and what all the fuss is about. We discuss how this simple lake metaphor has appealed to many from all over the world, including me. My two UK mates and I have a great time hanging out at the shallow end of the lake.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 (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Behaviors create an Agile Culture with Johanna Rothman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 56:24 Transcription Available


    Known as the “Pragmatic Manager," Johanna offers frank advice for tough culture problems. In this episode, we chat a bit about her new book, Modern Management Made Easy, a three volume set. Johanna explains why no one's intentions are enough to create an agile culture. Only our behaviors can create that culture. Which behaviors does the environment encourage? And which behaviors does the environment discourage? That's the culture. So come on in, and find out how Johanna can help your company move its culture in the right direction. And don't forget to listen for how to win a copy of her new book, Modern Management Made Easy. We will be giving away several copies. Oh... and they are all signed too! What?!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    How I changed my behavior to move from Project Manager to Agile with Kevin Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 55:43 Transcription Available


    Doing something one way for a while (or a long, long while) and then changing to another way can be daunting. For some of us, it can feel impossible. Especially if you need to shift your behavior on many levels. In this episode, we talk with my friend, Kevin Williams, who made the successful switch from PM to SM. He'll explain why he made the switch, the challenges he faced, and what he credits his success to. If you aim to make a similar move, you won't want to miss this conversation. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    I was born for this. The mindset of a Great Servant Leader with Ryan Brook, PSM III/Co-creator of Scrum Lake

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 42:41 Transcription Available


    Are Scrum Masters 'born' or 'made'?There are certain essential skills for a Scrum Master that probably just can't be taught, like empathy, logic, and reason. You are either innately good at them or you are not.  If you are not, can you ever be great? Or are you relegated to being just good at it? You can improve, yes, with practice and hard work. And if you're not born with certain inner skills needed to truly succeed, are you in the wrong profession? We discuss this topic that generated over 7k responses on LinkedIn with the author of it, Ryan Brook, PSM III, and Co-creator of Scrum Lake.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Episode 5 of 5 in our series on the Scrum Values: Commitment with Michael Wallace, Pro Scrum Trainer at Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 37:32 Transcription Available


    With episode 5, we wrap up our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Michael Wallace, PST, discusses commitment, and ties all 5 values together for us. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of commitment.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Episode 4 of 5 in our series on the Scrum Values: Focus for Quality with Michael Wallace, Pro Scrum Trainer at Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 23:32 Transcription Available


    With episode 4, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Michael Wallace, PST, helps us discover how focus can lead to better quality. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of focus.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Episode 3 of 5 in our series on the Scrum Values: Lead with Respect with Blake McMillan, Pro Scrum Trainer at Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 29:26 Transcription Available


    With episode 3, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover how respect completes the 3-sided triangle of courage, openness, and respect. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of respect.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Episode 2 of 5 in our series on the Scrum Values: How Openness is tied to courage with Blake McMillan, Pro Scrum Trainer at Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 28:27 Transcription Available


    With episode 2, we continue our 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover how openness is tied to the other scrum values. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of openness.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Episode 1 of 5 in our series on the Scrum Values: Why Courage is so important in an Agile environment with Blake McMillan, Pro Scrum Trainer at Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 41:25 Transcription Available


    With this episode, we begin a 5-part series on the Scrum values. Our guest Blake McMillan, PST, helps us discover why courage is needed in all aspects of Agile. From the team, to the business, we must have this behavior to be successful. We also learn how closely courage ties to openness, and respect, which we will discuss in two following episodes. So, come along with us on this deep-dive into the Scrum value of courage.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Selfishness vs Uplifting Inner Work with Elena Popretinskaya

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 49:43 Transcription Available


    In this episode, we discuss the fine line between selfishness and uplifting inner work with our guest Elena Popretinskaya. When is it ok to be selfish? When is it not? Come along with us as we dive deep into this fascinating topic, and reveal more about the inner you.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Develop the mindset needed to BE Agile for a living with Tommy Post

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 48:51 Transcription Available


    My good friend, Tommy Post, joins us to discuss how he got into Agile as a profession. He'll detail his journey, and the behavior shift needed to be successful in this field. Much personal change is sometimes needed to be the change agent for a company. Come along as we learn how Tommy did it! Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Agile is a Choice with Damon Poole, Professional Agile Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 41:46 Transcription Available


    We all make choices every single day. Good ones. Bad ones. In-between ones. We decide on something because we see value in it. Hopefully, what we choose is better than what we had prior. But often, the life choices we make differ greatly from the ones we make in our professional lives. A choice is best if we can discover it on our own, and find our own way. And not be offered a choice of a few set things. Come accept this invitation to discover why your choice can make all the difference. After all, it's your choice!Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Bring it home with the last 4 principles of the Agile Manifesto!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 19:43 Transcription Available


    We wrap up our 3-part series on the principles of the Agile Manifesto. The last 4 principles are covered here in-depth. Find out why keeping things simple, and allowing the team to make decisions is so important for success. Then, we challenge you to bring the principles back to your company. You won't be disappointed!! Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    We explain why the second 4 principles of the Agile Manifesto are so important for you!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 17:54 Transcription Available


    On this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Agile Manifesto principles by discussing the second 4 principles. Learn what these mean, and why they are crucial for you to understand. Come along and gain some fascinating insight into how you can BE Agile!Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Why the first 4 Agile Principles set the stage for Being Agile!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 23:57 Transcription Available


    The principles in the Agile Manifesto are your guide for being Agile. Plain and simple. If you are NOT following them, then you are not being Agile. You are simply going through the motions of Doing Agile. You need both to be successful. In this episode, we start off with a bang by exploring the first 4 principles, which set the stage for the ones that will follow. We'll cover those in the next episodes. So, off we go here. Let this really sink in! Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Time to admit why you stink at being Agile!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 23:23 Transcription Available


    Some of us make good attempts at being Agile. And some do not. Some fail. And some succeed. Why? We will explore three must-have behaviors that will determine your success or lack of when attempting to BE Agile. We get real in this episode to uncover why you, quite frankly, stink at being Agile. Hint: it's not what you think!Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Why the values of Agile are more important than you think!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 21:55 Transcription Available


    How can you BE Agile without understanding the values behind it? Impossible some will say. Well, so do we!! In this Episode, we focus on the four values in the Agile Manifesto by diving into each one. You'll discover why each one is important, and why you need to care. So, join us as we accompany you on your journey of BEING Agile. Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    The Agile Manifesto started it all for me!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 9:45 Transcription Available


    A reading of The Agile Manifesto. Created in 2001 by seventeen software developers, the Manifesto is the foundation for Agile. It contains 4 values and 12 principles. It is the guiding light in helping us understand how to BE Agile. If we are not following this Manifesto, and only DOING  the Agile processes (Scrum, XP, Kanban, etc.) we are not truly following Agile.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Leave bias behind, and understand when to act with Mark Wavle, Scrum Trainer.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 49:51 Transcription Available


    In this Episode, Mark Wavle, Professional Scrum Trainer at Scrum.org, helps us become more aware of our environment, and leave bias behind so we can take the appropriate actions, if necessary. Come learn the techniques to take you from Awareness to Action, and discover how they will strengthen your personal and professional interactions.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    2020 Scrum Guide Update - Why did they change it again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 41:18 Transcription Available


    Review changes to the 2020 Scrum Guide. Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    The only thing we have to fear is -- Agile?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 22:57 Transcription Available


    We all have fears, right? Snakes, heights, etc. But what makes Agile so scary? What are many afraid of?  Change? Change is all around us everyday. We can't escape it. But this change feels different for many of us. Come find out why it's ok to be afraid. And how you can benefit from this change in your life!Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Multitasking is ok if leadership says so, right? Aaron Davis explains.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 39:41 Transcription Available


    We all have many things going on. And sometimes we try to juggling several things at once. But does that really help us? And how do we prioritize these items? Our guest on this Episode, Aaron Davis, CEO and Founder of Recless Tech, helps us understand this challenge better. Come discover why this aspect of your company's culture starts at the top.Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

    Introduction to why this Podcast is so important to me.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 21:29 Transcription Available


    In this Introductory Episode, we discuss what this show is all about. We aim to address the Agile mindset, and behaviors needed to make Agile truly work. Many folks are able to grasp the processes in Agile (Scrum, XP, Kanban, etc.); however, mastering or just "getting" the mindset shift presents an entire set of challenges. So, come join us as we invite, and help you BE more Agile!Enjoying the Podcast? Please consider supporting us so we can continue to help you BE more Agile by visiting our page below. Thank you so much!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=48778124Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/join/6045853?)

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