Author: Pavel from SimpleAgile

  • What Do You Mean by Value Vision?

    What Do You Mean by Value Vision?

    At first glance, the question seems straightforward. I mention “Value Vision” so often in my trainings, consultations, and mentoring sessions that I sometimes forget it’s not an obvious concept that needs no definition. But reality brings me back down to earth, usually through the very question posed in the title.…

  • Local Transformation? Better Avoid It, But If You Must, Start with Interfaces.

    Local Transformation? Better Avoid It, But If You Must, Start with Interfaces.

    A common scenario is when a large company initiates a pilot transformation. They select a specific department or project as the experimental area to introduce a new culture, new interaction principles, and new engineering practices. The aim? To scale the accumulated experience across the entire company. A good idea? In…

  • Does a Mature Scrum Team Need a Scrum Master?

    Does a Mature Scrum Team Need a Scrum Master?

    I often encounter the question, “Does a mature team need a Scrum Master?” Most frequently, I am asked this during training sessions when I start a discussion about the purpose and necessity of a Scrum Master. Many people seem to think that there are some contradictions and ambiguities. Initially, we…

  • Are you a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach?

    Are you a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach?

    The distinction between the roles of a Scrum Master and an Agile Coach has intrigued me for a long time. What used to be a challenging interview question I encountered over five years ago has now evolved into a frequent inquiry from my mentees and students, highlighting its significance in…

  • Signs of Strong Teams: Persistence vs. Stubbornness

    Signs of Strong Teams: Persistence vs. Stubbornness

    When evaluating teams, two qualities often need clarification: persistence and stubbornness. Scrum masters, leaders, and managers must distinguish between these traits. Here’s why. Teams dominated by persistence don’t require gamification and external motivation to move forward and achieve goals. Of course, such tactics can be applied to these individuals, but…

  • How to Motivate a Team?

    How to Motivate a Team?

    So, how to motivate a team? My clients and mentees ask this question frequently. “How will you motivate your team?” Throughout my career as a manager, Scrum Master, and Agile coach, this question has relentlessly followed me in interviews at new companies. And as far as I know, it’s a…

  • Why Teams Shouldn’t Choose Between Scrum and Kanban

    Why Teams Shouldn’t Choose Between Scrum and Kanban

    Between Scrum and Kanban. First: A Few Words on the Nature of Demand We’re launching a new product team; should we choose Scrum or Kanban? This question, in one form or another, has been haunting me for at least the last ten years. Most professionals working with teams frequently encounter…

  • The Strategic Value of Team Topologies

    The Strategic Value of Team Topologies

    The dynamic nature of the modern world demands quick reflexes and a strategic approach to team organization, making it a pivotal factor for success. The increasing complexity of IT systems require diverse and specialized competencies. This is why traditional cross-functional development teams are finding it increasingly challenging to manage the…

  • What Should We Do With Dysfunctional Hats Of A Scrum Master?

    What Should We Do With Dysfunctional Hats Of A Scrum Master?

    In the Scrum Framework, the accountability of the Scrum Master is often metaphorically described through various “hats” they wear, indicating the diversity of their responsibilities and the adaptability required to fulfill their role effectively. Here is a well-known list of the main “hats” of a Scrum Master: Each “hat” signifies…