Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches
Episode: How to Introduce Data-driven Decision Making to Skeptical Agile Teams
Guest: Marina Lazovic
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host: Wasko

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Wasko engages in a deep conversation with Marina Lazovic, an experienced Agile Coach and Scrum Master. Marina shares her journey of integrating data-driven decision-making practices into Agile teams that were initially skeptical of such approaches. Her story offers practical strategies and valuable lessons for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches aiming to enhance team performance through informed data utilization.

The Challenge of Introducing Data-driven Decision Making

Marina begins by recounting her initial foray into data-driven decision making:

Marina Lazovic [01:38]: "The first time I started using data a lot to make informed decisions... I discovered that there's more, there's more data that we can use. More tangible data that's more helpful."

She emphasizes that while many teams begin with basic metrics like story points and velocity, there's a wealth of additional data available that can provide deeper insights into team performance and project health.

Initial Steps and Metrics Introduced

Marina outlines the foundational metrics she introduced to her teams:

Marina Lazovic [04:24]: "We started introducing data in our everyday work very simply... by looking at how much time a piece of work spent in a specific state."

She leveraged JIRA’s built-in features, such as Insights, to track metrics like the number of days an issue remains in a particular state (e.g., In Progress, Blocked, Testing). This approach provided a straightforward starting point for teams to visualize workflow bottlenecks without overwhelming them with complex data sets.

Engaging the Teams and Addressing Skepticism

Acknowledging the potential resistance from teams, Marina shares her approach to mitigate skepticism:

Marina Lazovic [09:04]: "I tried to keep it very simple for the developers, not to overwhelm them with all these names and phrases and numbers... just talk about the ticket that is stuck."

By focusing on specific, relatable data points rather than abstract metrics, Marina facilitated meaningful conversations without causing information overload. This tactic helped teams see the immediate relevance of data to their daily tasks, fostering buy-in and reducing resistance.

Uncovering Hidden Issues Through Data

The introduction of data-driven metrics revealed underlying issues that were previously unnoticed:

Marina Lazovic [10:05]: "It opened a lot of problems that the team was facing... dependencies on different teams that were not really visible previously."

For instance, tracking the time a ticket remained in a particular state led to discussions about oversized tickets and inefficient merge requests. These revelations prompted actionable changes, such as splitting large tickets into smaller, more manageable tasks, thereby improving overall workflow and productivity.

Strategies for Effective Implementation

Marina highlights several strategies that facilitated the successful integration of data-driven practices:

1. Gradual Introduction: Introducing one metric at a time to prevent overwhelming the team.
2. Simple Communication: Discussing data points in plain language without technical jargon.
3. Encouraging Ownership: Allowing teams to interpret data and devise their own solutions.
4. Focus on Problem-Solving: Addressing one issue at a time to maintain focus and effectiveness.

Wasko [11:53]: "You were not telling them, hey, this is affecting you. But you were rather asking... Does anybody know why?"

This approach empowered teams to take ownership of their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, enhancing their engagement and commitment to continuous improvement.

Insights and Lessons Learned

Marina reflects on the broader impacts of adopting data-driven decision making:

Marina Lazovic [12:32]: "With those questions coming from my side really opened the space for them to find out what's going on and how they would solve it."

Key takeaways from her experience include:

• Enhanced Transparency: Data provides a clear view of workflow and potential obstacles.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying issues early enables timely interventions.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular data analysis fosters a culture of ongoing enhancement.
• Improved Planning: Utilizing historical data aids in more accurate forecasting and sprint planning.

Conclusion

Marina Lazovic’s story underscores the transformative power of data-driven decision making within Agile teams. By introducing simple, relevant metrics and fostering an environment of open communication and ownership, she successfully navigated initial skepticism and uncovered valuable insights that propelled her teams forward. Her approach serves as a practical guide for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches seeking to implement data-driven practices to enhance team performance and project outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• Marina Lazovic [01:38]: "There's more, there's more data that we can use. More tangible data that's more helpful."
• Marina Lazovic [04:24]: "We started introducing data in our everyday work very simply... by looking at how much time a piece of work spent in a specific state."
• Marina Lazovic [09:04]: "I tried to keep it very simple for the developers, not to overwhelm them with all these names and phrases and numbers... just talk about the ticket that is stuck."
• Marina Lazovic [10:05]: "It opened a lot of problems that the team was facing... dependencies on different teams that were not really visible previously."
• Marina Lazovic [12:32]: "With those questions coming from my side really opened the space for them to find out what's going on and how they would solve it."

This episode provides valuable insights into the practical steps and thoughtful strategies required to introduce data-driven decision making in Agile environments, especially when faced with initial resistance. Marina Lazovic’s experience is a testament to the positive impact that well-implemented data practices can have on team dynamics and project success.