Shifting from Product to People: A New Agile Perspective w/ Pete Oliver-Krueger & Michael Dougherty

An interview with Agile Alliance Conference Chair Chris Murman on what’s happening at Agile 2025 and why you want to be there. During the conversation, we discuss ways this year's event is different from the previous ones, focusing on the importance of addressing real problems within the Agile community, the challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the evolving role of AI in Agile practices. We talk about the need for collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of Agile methodologies. Bottom line - come to Agile 2025 to create, not just consume Links from the interview To learn more about Agile 2025 and register: https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ To contact Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismurman/ Email: [email protected] Links from the intro: Mile High Agile 2025 https://www.agiledenver.org/mile-high-agile-2025/ Agile Coach Camp Worldwide https://agilealliance.org/event/agile-coach-camp-worldwide-2025/ Reimagining Agile Event https://agilealliance.org/event/reimagining-agility/ To watch the interview with Jurgen Appelo: https://theagilenetwork.com/content/8f025d5e-e8d5-454b-97a3-18e47619b397 To learn more about the session Stuart and Dave are leading at Agile 2025: https://events.agilealliance.org/agile2025/session/2841530/career-power-ups-surviving-through-uncertainty-and-change To learn when Stuart and Dave's book No One Is Coming to Save You is available: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1

Looking for work is never easy but if you work in IT, Project Management or Agile and you're looking for a gig this may totally feel like the darkest timeline. In this conversation, Ed Stockwell joins drunkenpm to discuss the current challenges in the job market, particularly for those in project management and Agile roles. Ed and Dave explore the importance of networking, volunteering, and maintaining mental health during the job search process. Ed shares his experiences and strategies for navigating the job landscape, including leveraging AI tools, the significance of community support, and the necessity of clarity in job seeking. They also touch on the importance of personal routines and the role of physical activity in maintaining a positive mindset. Throughout the discussion, Ed emphasizes the value of being of service to others and the power of relationships in finding new opportunities. To Contact Ed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edstockwell/ Web: https://www.edstockwell.com Chapters 03:08 Navigating the Job Market Landscape 05:38 The Importance of Networking and Volunteering 08:30 Balancing Traditional and Agile Project Management 11:35 The Role of Physical and Mental Well-being 14:28 Finding Value in Volunteering 17:37 Building Relationships and Offering Value 20:35 Coping with Job Search Challenges 31:18 The Power of Clarity in Communication 31:45 Crafting Your Personal Narrative 33:30 Leveraging AI for Personal Growth 34:38 AI's Impact on Work Efficiency 37:18 Daily Routines and Personal Management 39:02 Using Kanban for Relationship Management 43:05 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 44:29 Job Search Strategies and Networking 49:08 Navigating Emotional Challenges 50:53 Advice for the Recently Laid Off Dave's Upcoming Classes: https://tinyurl.com/53bpy3my Sign up for updates on Dave's new book: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1

Shift: From Product To People: A Novel About Product Development, and Shifting to People To Achieve a Holistic Agile Transformation is a new book written by Michael Dougherty and Pete Oliver-Krueger that focuses on shifting the Agile mindset away from a product-centric approach and towards a more a people-centric one. This interview centers around the need for collaboration, the impact of AI on Agile practices, and the significance of creating a humane work environment. The authors also highlight the role of mentorship in personal growth and the future of work in an AI-driven landscape. They also share some of the challenges they faced during the four and a half years of writing the book, the narrative style that allows for multiple perspectives, and the importance of real-life experiences in connecting with readers. If you'd prefer the video version of this podcast, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/lf_f_JdTWvM The Book Shift: From Product to People https://www.amazon.com/Shift-Development-Shifting-Holistic-Transformation/dp/B0D89NT9RD Contacting the Authors Michael Dougherty https://www.linkedin.com/in/agilemichaeldougherty/ Pete Oliver-Krueger https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteok/ Chapters 00:18 Introduction to the Authors and Their Journey 03:17 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book 06:15 Exploring the Narrative Style and Structure 09:21 The Importance of Realistic Coaching 12:13 Chapter Highlights and Key Themes 15:11 The Concept of Collaborative Budgeting 18:19 The Three Waves of Agile 21:12 Humanizing Agile Practices 24:12 The Future of Agile and Leadership Perspectives 27:26 Navigating the Agile Doom Loop 30:19 Crisis as an Opportunity for Change 32:38 The Evolution of Agile Frameworks 34:34 AI's Impact on Agile Practices 41:17 The Human Element in Agile Coaching

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Dennis Stevens explore the evolving definition of project success as outlined in PMI's recent report. They discuss the implications of this new definition, emphasizing the need for continuous transformation in organizations and the role of project managers in delivering value. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing friction in project management, the impact of AI on the profession, and the necessity for project managers to navigate the political landscape of project success. Ultimately, they highlight the need for project managers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and the skills required to thrive in this new landscape. Takeaways • A successful project delivers value worth the effort and expense. • Transformation is continuous, not stepwise. • Project success must include stakeholder perception and value delivery. • Project managers need to focus on reducing friction in processes. • AI will change the role of project managers significantly. • Friction is not the same as constraints; it impedes progress. • Project success should be measured by the ability to adapt and deliver value. • The role of project managers is evolving to include more strategic responsibilities. • Continuous evaluation is essential for project success. • Navigating politics is crucial for achieving project success. Links: PMI Article on Reframing Project Success https://www.pmi.org/blog/reframing-project-success Agile for Project Managers - What is Project Success? w/ Dennis Stevens, Jesse Fewell, Jenny Tarwater, Sally Sloley, Jimi Fearless, and Semira Allen and (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/1d2a0a72-4d33-4145-b80a-3728f45b1947/item/0 Redefining Project Success and How it Impacts Project and Product Leaders with Lenka Pincot, Mike Griffiths and Dave Prior (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/926c08d0-52c7-4444-8f2a-732ac6acea61/item/0 Contacting Dennis Website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=orgwright&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisstevens/ The Agile Network Profile: https://theagilenetwork.com/celebrity/fa0c1ba5-2373-4750-a3a2-86e37bc3ab03 Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Project Success Redefined 03:25 Transformation in Project Management 06:14 The New Definition of Project Success 09:21 Challenges in Project Management 12:08 Reducing Friction in Project Success 15:16 The Role of Project Managers in Value Delivery 18:39 The Politics of Project Management 22:18 Evolving Role of Project Managers 25:08 AI and the Future of Project Management 28:08 The Changing Landscape of Project Management 30:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Preston Hunter discuss the challenges of transitioning to Agile methodologies, particularly focusing on the use of JIRA and visual collaboration tools like Lucid. They explore a case study of a team moving to Kanban, the integration of Lucid with JIRA, and how visual tools can simplify workflows and enhance collaboration. The discussion also covers capacity planning, managing dependencies, and the importance of creating custom views for project management. Preston shares insights on how Lucid can help teams visualize their work, engage stakeholders, and improve overall efficiency. The conversation concludes with resources for learning and support for new users of Lucid. This podcast was recorded in video format because of the demo that was given. You can find the video here: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78177/using-lucid-to-update-jira-with-preston-hunter Takeaways • Visual collaboration tools can ease the transition to Agile. • JIRA can be overwhelming for new users; Lucid simplifies this. • Integrating Lucid with JIRA allows for real-time updates. • Custom views in Lucid can help manage personal and team workflows. • Visualizing dependencies is crucial for effective project management. • Capacity planning features help teams avoid overcommitment. • Engaging teams with visual tools fosters collaboration and creativity. • Lucid offers resources for new users to learn effectively. • Conditional formatting in Lucid enhances reporting capabilities. • Personalization of boards can reflect team culture and identity. Chapters 03:21 Introduction to Agile and Visual Collaboration 05:13 Challenges of Implementing Kanban with JIRA 09:21 Lucid's Integration with JIRA 15:21 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Workflow Visualization 21:28 Managing Dependencies and Capacity Planning 27:21 Customizing Workflows and Agile Practices 30:48 Empowering Teams with Agency 33:58 Capacity Planning and Sprint Management 36:30 Reporting and Visual Collaboration Tools 40:28 The Future of Project Management 42:33 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Engagement 45:32 Personalizing Team Spaces 49:41 Learning and Support Resources To learn more about Lucid go to https://lucid.co/ To contact Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/preston-hunter/

In this conversation, Dave Prior, Brett Harned, and Greg Storey discuss the importance of creating a humane workspace through effective communication and collaboration. They share their backgrounds, the founding of Same Team Partners, and the significance of addressing communication issues within teams. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be trained in facilitating meaningful conversations and the role of Team Angle in diagnosing and improving team dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and creating a safe environment for teams to thrive. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding and communicating company values, the necessity of documentation and effective communication within teams, and the role of visualization in work processes. They emphasize creating safe spaces for team discussions, empowering teams through inclusivity, and the need for transformation at the team level rather than just implementing new processes. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in fostering a healthy team culture and the significance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to improve team dynamics. Takeaways • Creating a humane workspace is essential for team success. • Many problems in teams stem from poor communication. • Positive culture leads to high-performing teams. • Stress and tension can be indicators of team dysfunction. • Empathy is crucial for understanding team dynamics. • Team Angle helps identify misalignments within teams. • Leaders often lack training for meaningful conversations. • Engagement at all levels is necessary for success. • Creating a shared language enhances team collaboration. • Structured conversations can improve team dynamics. Understanding company values is crucial for alignment. • Documentation is essential for effective communication. • Visual representation of work processes aids understanding. • Creating safe spaces encourages open dialogue. • Inclusivity fosters team empowerment and motivation. • Teams should be involved in the solution process. • Transformation should focus on team dynamics, not just processes. • Regular one-on-ones significantly increase team engagement. • Leaders need to be aware of their team's challenges. • Empathy and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles. Chapters 00:18 Introduction to a Humane Workspace 03:29 Foundations of Same Team Partners 06:22 The Importance of Communication in Teams 09:11 Identifying Healthy Team Dynamics 12:12 Cultural Differences in Team Interactions 15:25 Creating Safety in Team Environments 18:19 Understanding Team Angle 21:31 Implementing Team Angle for Improvement 31:26 Understanding Company Values and Principles 34:18 The Importance of Documentation and Communication 36:00 Visualizing Work Processes 40:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Team Conversations 44:13 Empowering Teams Through Inclusivity 46:19 Transforming Teams, Not Just Processes You can find Same Team Partners, their Teamangle Diagnostic and the Teamangle Conversation Cards here: https://sameteampartners.com/ You can also find them on LinkedIn: Brett Harned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettharned/ Greg Storey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brilliantcrank/

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Mun-Wai Chung discuss the pervasive issue of ineffective meetings in the corporate world, exploring the cultural implications of meeting practices, the impact of remote work, and strategies for improving collaboration. Mun-Wai shares insights from her book, 'Slay the Meeting Monster', emphasizing the need for intentionality in meetings and the importance of scripts to guide discussions. The conversation highlights the necessity of reevaluating meeting structures to foster a more productive work environment. Takeaways • Meetings often reflect a company's culture and collaboration style. • The pandemic has exacerbated the problem of ineffective meetings. • Scripts can help facilitate more productive meetings. • Collaboration should be prioritized over traditional meeting formats. • Leaders play a crucial role in shaping meeting culture. • Information overload can hinder productivity in remote work settings. • Meetings should have clear purposes and outcomes. • It's essential to respect participants' time by evaluating meeting necessity. • Creating a collaborative culture requires intentional practices. • The way we work and communicate is evolving, necessitating new approaches to meetings. Chapters 01:33 Introduction to Meeting Culture 04:28 The Meeting Monster: A Personal Journey 07:30 The Inefficiency of Meetings 10:39 Types of Meetings and Their Purpose 13:25 The Role of Technology in Meetings 16:19 The Impact of Remote Work on Collaboration 19:33 Overcoming Information Overload 22:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 28:02 Navigating Communication Overload 31:02 Establishing Boundaries for Effective Collaboration 35:20 The Importance of Experimentation in Team Dynamics 37:32 The Role of Scripts in Meetings 46:36 Meetings as a Reflection of Company Culture Check out Mun-Wai's Book Slay the Meeting Monster: https://tinyurl.com/yc82k2pj If you'd like to contact Mun-Wai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munwaic/ The Agile Network February 2025 Microconference - Disruption: How AI and Agile are Reinventing the PMO - February 24, 2024 https://theagilenetwork.com

In this episode of Drunken PM Radio, Dave Prior discusses how to make daily standups more effective for teams that feel they are merely status calls. He shares ten actionable suggestions to enhance the value of these meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, preparation, and maintaining a focused and respectful environment. The conversation also touches on the need for team members to take responsibility for their contributions and the dynamics of remote work. Takeaways • Daily standups should foster conversation, not just status updates. • Avoid rigid structures like the three questions in standups. • Team members should update their work status before the meeting. • Focus on collaboration rather than individual assignments. • Encourage camera use during virtual meetings for better connection. • Limit standup meetings to 15 minutes to maintain efficiency. • Rotate the facilitator to promote collective ownership. • Use inclusive language to reinforce team unity. • Preparation is key to a productive meeting. • Respect your teammates by being prepared and engaged. The Agile Netork's CONVERGE MicroConference January 27-27, 2025 Over 100 Sessions! Free Access During The Conference! Use Discount Code DRUNKENPMCMC33 for 33% of Membership to The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/

Today PMI announced that The Agile Alliance was joining PMI to form the PMI Agile Alliance. This is obviously going to cause a great deal of debate in the Agile and project management communities. I am very excited about what this could mean for the future of Project Management and Agile - and here is why.

Summary In this conversation, Dave Prior and Jim Benson discuss the challenges of remote work, the impact of collaboration tools on productivity, and the importance of creating humane workspaces. They explore the dynamics of meetings, the toxicity of over-communication, and the need for regular maintenance in team processes. Jim shares insights from his course on cleaning toxic waste in workplaces, emphasizing the significance of visual management and effective communication to foster a healthier work environment. Takeaways • Work should be done without fear or trepidation. • Remote work requires understanding information needs within teams. • Meetings often become unproductive due to over-communication. • Context switching can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. • Creating humane workspaces is essential for team dynamics. • Regular maintenance of team processes prevents issues from escalating. • Collaboration tools need to be used intentionally and effectively. • Visual management can help reduce workplace toxicity. • Toxic systems lead to hiring toxic leaders. • Addressing workplace toxicity is a collective responsibility. Chapters 02:11 Introduction to Jim Benson and Work Dynamics 05:09 The Challenges of Remote Work and Collaboration Tools 08:07 Meeting Overload and Productivity Killers 11:14 Communication Tools and Their Inefficiencies 14:11 The Impact of Context Switching on Work 17:07 Creating Humane Workspaces 20:10 The Role of Tools in Team Collaboration 23:08 Cleaning Toxic Waste in Work Environments 26:15 Conclusion and Course Information Links from the episode Cleaning Toxic Waste Course: https://modusinstitute.com/course/toxic-waste Modus Institute: https://modusinstitute.com/ The Collaboration Equation: https://www.collaboration-equation.com/ The Agile Network December Micro Conference (Dec 16-17): https://theagilenetwork.com Contacting Jim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbenson/ Email: [email protected]