In this episode of Agile Skills Library, hosts Geoff and Paul introduce a collaborative prioritisation technique known as 'Pass the Cards,' also referred to as '35.' Originally mentioned by Jean Tabaka, the method is designed to engage multiple voices in prioritising product backlog items. The hosts provide detailed instructions on facilitating the game with stakeholders, including using different scales and rounds to derive a collective priority list. They also discuss the importance of having a north star or overall goal, managing subjectivity, and leveraging the technique for enhanced collaboration and effective decision-making. Practical tips and potential variations for the exercise are shared, along with advice for agile coaches and trainers.

Downloadble content available at:

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep10-collaborative-prioritisation-with-pass-the-cards-technique/

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:10 Overview of the Technique

00:43 Origins and Acknowledgements

01:32 Why Use This Technique?

02:27 Step-by-Step Method

05:24 Facilitation Tips and Common Issues

11:22 Scaling and Group Dynamics

12:52 Learning Points and Practical Applications

16:45 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, hosts Geoff Watts and Paul Goddard introduce the 5-5-5 technique, a simple yet powerful method to boost confidence and alleviate imposter syndrome among agile practitioners. The technique involves asking five trusted individuals five specific questions that highlight personal strengths, which they then verbalise back to the requester. This personalised feedback aims to help individuals internalise positive traits, creating a balanced self-perception. This method can be used by individuals or teams to cultivate a more confident and effective agile environment.

Downloadable Content:

www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep9-555-technique

00:00 Introduction to the Agile Skills Library

00:17 Introducing the 5-5-5 Technique

01:02 Why the 5-5-5 Technique is Essential

02:34 How to Implement the 5-5-5 Technique

04:42 Questions to Ask in the 5-5-5 Technique

06:02 Receiving and Internalising Feedback

10:57 Applying the 5-5-5 Technique in Teams

12:00 Conclusion and Additional Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, coaches Geoff and Paul discuss the concept of video reviews, a method they’ve used in advanced Scrum Master training for over a decade. Inspired by NBA coach Phil Jackson's unconventional methods, they explain how videos and various other media can provide valuable insights for scrum masters and product owners. They describe the structure they use (What, So What, Now What) to help students digest and apply the content. They also share plans to provide tools and curated video content for listeners to try the exercise themselves, aiming to foster deeper learning and broader connections beyond traditional scrum and agile topics.

Downloadble content available at:

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep8-leveraging-video-reviews-to-abstract-thinking/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:09 The Concept of Video Reviews

01:13 Origins and Inspiration from Phil Jackson

03:20 Implementing Video Reviews in Training

04:10 Benefits and Outcomes of Video Reviews

06:32 Practical Application and Structure

13:08 Diverse Content and Storytelling

14:01 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, the hosts introduce the 'core values exercise,' a simple yet impactful technique used in both individual and team coaching sessions to uncover and understand core values. The hosts demonstrate the process using a deck of cards, guiding listeners on how to identify their most important values and explaining the significance of being aware of these values. The exercise is noted for its wide applicability and potential to enhance self-awareness, decision-making, and team dynamics. Helpful resources for listeners to implement this technique themselves are also provided.

Downloadable Content:

www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep7-exploring-core-values-a-key-exercise-for-personal-and-team-growth

00:00 Introduction to the Core Values Exercise

00:44 Why Core Values Matter

02:36 The Core Values Exercise: Step-by-Step

04:19 Refining Your Core Values

06:41 Revealing and Reflecting on Core Values

09:28 Applying Core Values in Daily Life

15:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Geoff and Paul discuss Geoff’s new book, "Surviving the Stakeholder Safari," a stakeholder-management approach using “expedition mapping” as an alternative to their earlier “battle mapping” metaphor. The method uses 50 animal archetypes (each an acronym) to describe common workplace behaviors such as the seagull and the lion, stressing empathy and avoiding labeling people as villains. Geoff outlines six steps: set a clear destination, define non-negotiables, identify relevant animals, assess likelihood/impact and triggers (including pack dynamics and balancing stakeholder types), choose strategies/tactics for each archetype, and “pack your backpack” with navigation, evidence, relationship, boundary, and self-management tools. They note the value of storytelling and visual, card-based mapping, and share where to find the book and a downloadable expedition mapping template.

Downloadable content here: www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep6-expedition-mapping

01:03 Book Launch Announcement

02:07 From Battle to Safari

02:54 Animal Archetypes Explained

04:26 Expedition Mapping Setup

05:54 Six Steps Overview

06:41 Step Two Non Negotiables

07:43 Step Three Identify Animals

09:45 No Labeling Just Empathy

11:25 Step Four Risk Assessment

12:42 Packs and Stakeholder Dynamics

14:44 Step Five Strategy Planning

14:58 Tactics for Seagulls

16:01 Handling the Lion Now

17:04 Pick Tactics per Animal

17:22 Pack Your Backpack

18:07 Navigation and Evidence Tools

19:51 Relationship and Boundary Tools

21:24 Self Management Tools

23:48 Wrap Up and Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, hosts Paul and Geoff delve into the critical topic of emotional intelligence. They explore key theories from psychologists, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in agile environments, and provide practical coaching tips. The episode includes insights from the world of improvisation, Daniel Goleman's five elements of emotional intelligence, and an interactive game to foster emotional awareness and empathy within teams. The hosts also address considerations for neurodiversity and offer a downloadable resource to help facilitate emotional intelligence exercises in teams.

Downloadable content available at:

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep5-enhancing-emotional-intelligence-in-agile-teams/

00:00 Welcome to the Agile Skills Library

00:29 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

01:25 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Agile Teams

03:52 Daniel Goldman's Five Elements of Emotional Intelligence

06:22 Practical Exercise: Emotions, Emotions, Emotions

13:04 Using Emotional Intelligence in Various Settings

18:50 Neurodiversity and Emotional Intelligence

22:22 Conclusion and Downloadable Content

In this episode, Geoff and Paul discuss the concept of 'User Manuals' as a technique to enhance team communication and understanding. Inspired by a listener's question from the UK, the hosts detail how team members can create their own user manuals to share their work preferences, stress indicators, and personal traits. They provide various methods for implementing the technique and explain the importance of psychological safety. The episode concludes with an invitation for feedback and sharing of experiences.

Downloadable content:

https://www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep4-user-manuals

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, hosts Paul Goddard and Geoff Watts delve into the art of receiving feedback, following their previous discussion on giving feedback. They explore the importance of being open to feedback for personal and professional growth, discuss common traps and defensive behaviors, and introduce the SARA model for processing feedback. The hosts also provide practical tips for depersonalising and filtering feedback, and they offer downloadable content with role-playing scenarios to practice giving and receiving feedback effectively.

Downloadable content available from

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep3-receiving-feedback-to-empower-self-managing-teams/

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Why Receiving Feedback Matters

05:40 Common Traps in Receiving Feedback

09:25 The SARA Model

13:11 Tips for Receiving Feedback

19:18 Downloadable Resources & Wrap-up