Episode Summary: Avoiding Hard Conversations—When High-Performing Agile Teams Self-Destruct | Bernard Agrest
In this insightful episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte engages in a profound conversation with Bernard Agreste, an experienced Agile Coach and Scrum Master. The discussion centers around the critical issue of how high-performing Agile teams can inadvertently undermine their success by avoiding difficult conversations. Bernard shares personal experiences, practical advice, and valuable lessons on fostering psychological safety and accountability within teams.
Introduction to the Guest and Topic
Bernard Agreste joins Vasco Duarte to delve into the dynamics of Agile teams, particularly focusing on the pitfalls that can lead to a team's self-destruction. The conversation begins with Bernard highlighting a book that profoundly impacted his approach to team management.
The Influence of "The Six Types of Working Genius"
[01:37] Bernard Agreste: “The core idea is pretty simple. He basically lays out that every person has a natural quote, unquote genius in certain phases of work and that when you operate outside of those geniuses, depending on how in or out of them you are, you as an employee can feel either frustration or burnout.”
Bernard discusses “The Six Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Leoncini, emphasizing how understanding individual strengths can enhance team cohesion and performance. He explains that recognizing each team member's unique contributions helps in assigning roles that align with their natural abilities, thereby reducing frustration and preventing burnout. Bernard underscores the book's relevance for Scrum Masters, suggesting it as essential reading for those involved in coaching and team development.
The Story of a High-Performing Team's Decline
Bernard narrates a personal experience where a seemingly stellar team began to falter after the departure of a key member and the subsequent hiring of a replacement who struggled to perform.
[04:13] Bernard Agreste: “The habit that I've seen destroy teams the fastest is avoiding hard conversations, and not just avoiding the conversation, but then everything that that brings up in avoiding those conversations.”
He explains that the team's initial high performance was undermined by the avoidance of addressing the new member's lack of productivity. Instead of confronting the issue, the team collectively took on the struggling member's workload, which temporarily masked the problem but ultimately led to decreased morale and disengagement.
The Role of Psychological Safety and Accountability
Bernard identifies psychological safety and accountability as foundational elements for effective team functioning.
[07:15] Bernard Agreste: “And then there's the aspect of thinking of the consequences, the impact on others and how that is affecting them, how they feel about the situation as well.”
He emphasizes that without a culture where team members feel safe to voice concerns and hold each other accountable, small issues can escalate into significant problems. The lack of hard conversations not only affects individual performance but also the overall team dynamic, leading to a decline in productivity and cohesion.
Strategies for Addressing Performance Issues
Bernard provides actionable strategies for Scrum Masters to tackle difficult conversations constructively:
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Preparation is Key
[09:16] Bernard Agreste: “What's the organizational context that I have with this person? Do I have a good relationship? Do I have a bad relationship? Why is the relationship rocky?”
He advises thoroughly preparing for conversations by understanding the organizational context and the history with the individual. Gathering factual evidence about performance issues and being ready to discuss specific examples is crucial.
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Approach as a Thought Partner
[10:39] Bernard Agreste: “When you're coming in, you're coming in prepared as a thought partner, not just like, a hey, I'm dropping this in your lap and I'm walking away.”
Bernard stresses the importance of approaching the conversation collaboratively, positioning oneself as a partner in finding solutions rather than merely pointing out problems. This fosters a more open and productive dialogue.
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Timeliness Matters
[10:39] Bernard Agreste: “Don't let it go for a long time because the problem with difficult conversations that the longer they go, the harder they get.”
Addressing issues promptly helps prevent the buildup of resentment and ensures that the problem is managed before it affects the entire team.
The Consequences of Avoiding Hard Conversations
Bernard reflects on the repercussions of not addressing performance issues:
[11:27] Bernard Agreste: “I think this is the culture stuff, right? I think that's why I keep talking about it is if you don't address it, it's going to be a problem for everyone at some point.”
He observes that neglecting to engage in necessary conversations can lead to a toxic team culture where frustration and disengagement silently erode team effectiveness.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Bernard Agreste's experience underscores the importance of addressing performance issues directly and constructively to maintain team health and productivity. Key takeaways from the episode include:
- Understand Individual Strengths: Utilize tools like "The Six Types of Working Genius" to align team roles with individual strengths.
- Foster Psychological Safety: Create an environment where team members feel safe to express concerns and hold each other accountable.
- Prepare for Difficult Conversations: Approach performance issues with preparation, empathy, and a collaborative mindset.
- Act Timely: Address problems early to prevent escalation and maintain team morale.
- Promote Accountability: Encourage a culture where accountability is shared and supported by the entire team.
Bernard's insights provide Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches with practical strategies to navigate and resolve the inevitable challenges that arise within high-performing teams, ensuring sustained success and a positive team environment.