Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches
Episode: Context Diagramming, Helping Agile Teams See Their Complex Communication Network
Host: Vasco Duarte
Guest: Zvonimir Durcevic (Tsvone)
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte welcomes back Zvonimir Durcevic, affectionately known as Tsvone. The discussion delves into the challenges agile teams face when their internal dynamics inadvertently create barriers with external stakeholders. Tsvone shares a compelling real-world story and introduces the powerful tool of context diagramming to help teams navigate complex communication networks.

Inspiration from Literature

The conversation begins with Vasco asking Tsvone about the book that most inspired him in his role as a Scrum Master. Tsvone cites "Agile Transformation: Using the Integral Agile Transformation Framework to Think and Lead Differently" by Michael Spade and Michelle Mador as a pivotal influence.

Tsvone [01:29]: "The book that really inspired me a lot is from Michael Spade and Michelle Mador. It's Agile Transformation, using the Integral Agile Transformation Framework to think and lead differently."

Tsvone emphasizes the importance of viewing systems through multiple lenses to grasp their inherent complexity. He explains how this framework aids not only in personal growth as an Agile coach but also facilitates meaningful dialogues within teams.

Tsvone [01:56]: "Key lessons how to look at systems, how to use different lenses to go deeper into the complexity of systems... focusing from these different perspectives can really give new insights."

Identifying Team Challenges

Shifting focus to team dynamics, Vasco prompts Tsvone to recount a scenario where a team's internal harmony masked deeper communication issues with external stakeholders. Tsvone describes working with a five-member team responsible for developing crucial internal products for their organization.

Tsvone [04:36]: "I worked with a team of five people developing important products for the organization. They had great internal interactions but lacked effective communication with stakeholders outside their immediate group."

Despite the team's satisfaction with their internal processes and consistent delivery, Tsvone observed a decline in their organizational visibility and perception. The team recognized that while they were fulfilling their primary goal of product delivery, their detached communication approach was painting them as "difficult teams" within the broader organization.

Tsvone [07:16]: "They noticed that their visibility and perception in the organization was going down. People saw them as not transparent enough and difficult to engage with."

Introducing Context Diagramming

To address these challenges, Tsvone introduced context diagramming—a strategic tool designed to map out a team's relationships, dependencies, and the broader impact of their products on customers and stakeholders.

Tsvone [08:18]: "Context diagramming is a really simple and very powerful tool to map out the team's relationships, dependencies, and the product's impact on customers and stakeholders."

Using a whiteboard, the team placed themselves at the center and charted their interactions with various stakeholders and systems, both within and outside the organization. This visual representation highlighted the intricate web of communications and dependencies they maintained.

Tsvone [09:00]: "We started building a context of this team within this organization and also outside of the organization. We indicated how much communication they have, where the problems were, and what the inputs and outputs were."

Revelations and Strategic Adjustments

The completed context diagram served as an eye-opener for the team, revealing the extensive complexity of their communication network. They realized that their initial response—creating a communication bubble—was an unconscious attempt to manage this complexity by reducing the number of interactions.

Tsvone [10:21]: "They realized that cutting off connections was not the answer. Instead, they needed to address the complexity head-on."

Adopting a strategic approach, the team decided to rebuild their stakeholder relationships incrementally, focusing on one stakeholder at a time. This methodical progression allowed them to re-establish trust and improve communication without becoming overwhelmed by the system's full complexity.

Tsvone [10:25]: "We started focusing on one stakeholder at a time, taking small steps to reestablish these communications."

The context diagram was not only transformative for the team but also impressed the stakeholders, fostering a mutual understanding of the team's challenges and the broader organizational context.

Tsvone [12:25]: "Stakeholders saw the context diagram and realized how complex our situation was. It was an eye-opener for the entire organization."

Key Takeaways

• Context Diagramming as a Tool: Visualizing team relationships and dependencies can uncover hidden complexities and communication barriers.

• Incremental Relationship Building: Addressing stakeholder communication one relationship at a time prevents teams from feeling overwhelmed and allows for sustainable improvement.

• Holistic Perspective: Understanding the multifaceted nature of organizational dynamics enables teams to navigate and adapt more effectively.

Vasco [13:02]: "It's a powerful idea to visualize the complexity around us because it helps us manage that complexity deliberately."

Tsvone's insightful story underscores the significance of strategic communication and systemic thinking in agile environments. By employing context diagramming, teams can break out of self-imposed silos and foster more transparent, effective interactions with their stakeholders.

Conclusion

This episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast offers valuable lessons on overcoming internal communication challenges through strategic visualization and incremental relationship-building. Tsvone's experiences and methodologies provide actionable insights for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches striving to enhance their teams' effectiveness and organizational integration.

Listen to the full episode here to gain deeper insights into agile storytelling and effective team management strategies.