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.

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 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

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dawn Mahan, author of Meet the Players in Projectland. Dawn discusses the avatars in her book, "Evil Sponsor," behaviors, and why she chose a tiger as the avatar for the project manager. You also get to hear Dawn’s sage advice for effective stakeholder communication.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avatars in Meet the Players in Projectland:
   • Introduction to the avatars and their significance in the book.
   • Detailed discussion on the sponsor's role and the "Evil Sponsor" behaviors to avoid.
2. The Tiger Avatar for Project Managers:
   • Why Dawn chose a tiger to represent project managers.
   • Dig into the chapter of the Project Manager to learn about effective project management.
3. Sage Advice from Dawn:
   • Strategies for improving stakeholder communication.
   • Dawn’s advice on ensuring your message is heard: "If you're tired of hearing yourself talk, your stakeholders are just now hearing you."

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

In this episode, we welcome Dawn Mahan, an experienced project manager dedicated to helping project people succeed. Dawn shares her journey working with project management newbies and "heart-centered" leaders, leading up to the creation of her seminal book, Meet the Players of Projectland. This is the first part of a three-part series where Dawn discusses her career, the motivation behind her book, and why it's an essential read for those new to project management or struggling with stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dawn's Career Journey:
   • Dawn's experiences and milestones in project management.
   • How working with newbies and heart-centered leaders shaped her approach.
2. Inspiration Behind the Book:
   • The story and motivation for writing Meet the Players of Projectland.
   • Insights into the challenges faced by new project managers and mentors.
3. Target Audience for the Book:
   • Why the book is invaluable for aspiring project managers.
   • How it helps those struggling with stakeholder engagement.

In the final part of our series, Lori shares her pet peeves in project management and her experiences as a hiring manager. We talk about the value of small career pivots and provide tips on how to be a resource to your mentors, all within the context of today's tough job market.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Small Pivots vs. Big Leaps: Embracing small career pivots can be less daunting and equally effective in achieving career growth.
2. Hiring Insights: Understanding the perspective of hiring managers can help you better prepare for job applications and interviews.
3. Mentorship: Being a valuable resource to your mentors helps maintain and strengthen these crucial professional relationships.

Lori Schoenhard | LinkedIn: in/lorischoenhard/ | Website: https://www.athenaprojectconsulting.com/ | Email: ⁠lori@athenaprojectconsulting.com

Real Life PMP Podcast

Email: crystal@themindsparq.com | LinkedIn: in/themindsparq | Website:⁠⁠ https://www.themindsparq.com/⁠⁠

Did you listen to all four episodes? Get your 1.0 PDU via the PMI.org website.

Category: Online or Digital Media

Provider: MindsparQ

Title: Real Life PMP Podcast, Conversation with Lori Schoenhard

Description: Career path into Project Management

PDU claim: 1.0

In Part 3, Lori shares her experience as one of the first to pivot from education to project management over 20 years ago. We discuss the success of introverted PMs, her advice to "use the tools of your toolbox," and the transferable skills from teaching to project management.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Early Career Pivoter: Lori’s pioneering shift from education to project management serves as inspiration for those considering a career change today.
2. Success for Introverted PMs: Introverted individuals can be successful project managers by leveraging their unique strengths and working styles.
3. Transferable Skills: Skills gained in teaching, such as organization and communication, are highly transferable and beneficial in project management roles.

In Part 2, Lori and I discuss the early days of working remotely, long before it became widespread. Lori shares her top three tips for successfully working remotely and the importance of networking. We also reminisce about the moment we each realized project management was the career for us.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Remote Work Tips: Lori’s top three tips for successful remote work are invaluable for maintaining productivity and work-life balance.
2. Networking: Building and maintaining professional networks is crucial for career development and finding opportunities in project management.
3. Career Epiphanies: That moment of realizing project management was the right career path can be transformative and guiding for one’s professional journey.