In Part 2 of this episode with Mike Lyons, we dive into the practical realities of implementing Scrum. We explore the importance of understanding the concept of “lowercase-a agility,” the relationship between a team’s maturity and agile success, and when it's appropriate for mature teams to adapt Scrum practices. We also issue a word of caution—while some modifications to Scrum can enhance delivery, skipping all steps can leave teams questioning why their Scrum efforts are falling short.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Lowercase-a agility: What it means to be flexible in your agile approach without strict adherence to rules.
• The Role of Team Maturity: How the maturity of a team impacts their ability to succeed with agile frameworks.
• Adapting Scrum Practices: When experienced teams might skip or modify steps while still delivering value.
• The Risk of Over-Adapting: A warning about cutting too many corners and finding yourself wondering, “Why isn’t Scrum working?”

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Register today to earn the Agile ICP Certification. Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24. Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations.

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In Part 1 of this series, I sit down with Mike Lyons to dive into his experience working with tech development teams and the current state of agile. We discuss the nuanced differences between “Big A Agile” (the structured frameworks) and “little a agile” (the mindset of flexibility). Mike offers insights into how sometimes the rigidity of Big A Agile can hinder teams from truly adopting agile practices as intended. And by the way, Missouri is the "Show Me State." Take a listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between Big A Agile and little a agile: How mindset and structure can either complement or conflict.
• Does Big A Agile get in the way? Exploring how following frameworks too strictly might stifle agile practices.
• The current state of agile: What teams need to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Ready to earn the Agile ICP Certification? Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24. Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations.

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and provide more valuable content to project management professionals like you!

In this final episode, we continue our conversation with Dawn Mahan, author of Meet the Players in Projectland®️. Dawn discusses the critical role of team leads in project management, how agile and servant leadership philosophies make an appearance in her book, and how the role of project managers has evolved. She emphasizes the importance of embracing agile skills, thriving in a virtual environment, and becoming a coach to your team. As a sponsor and speaker at the upcoming Indoor Recess Summit, Dawn brings even more value and wisdom. Don’t miss her appearance at this exciting event.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of Team Leads: Team leads play a vital role in mentoring, guiding, and ensuring project goals are met.
2. Agile and Servant Leadership: Dawn explores agile methodologies and servant leadership in her book.
3. The Evolution of Project Managers: Today’s project managers must embrace agile skills, work efficiently in virtual environments, and step into the role of a coach.
4. Dawn’s Advice to Her Younger Self: Lessons learned over the years and reflections on what Dawn would tell her younger self.
5. What Dawn Would Do If Money Were No Object: Dawn shares her personal dreams and passions, offering a unique glimpse into her ambitions.

Resources:

• Guest's Book: Meet the Players in Projectland®️ by Dawn Mahan
• Indoor Recess®️ Summit: Event Details and Registration
• Connect with Dawn Mahan: LinkedIn, Website

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Follow us on social media for updates and more insights into the world of project management. **PLEASE NOTE** There are only 3 parts to this podcast. If you made it this far, you are done!

Dawn Mahan | LinkedIn: in/dawnmahan/ | Website: https://www.pmotraining.com/ | Email: ⁠dmahan@pmotraining.com | The book: https://a.co/d/0gtE1sjl