Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: "Reviving Dysfunctional Teams with Trust and Collaboration" Featuring Mike Bowler

Release Date: November 12, 2024
Host: Vasco Duarte
Guest: Mike Bowler, Experienced Scrum Master and Agile Coach

Introduction

In this episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte welcomes Scrum Master and Agile Coach Mike Bowler to discuss the challenges and successes of transforming a highly dysfunctional team into a productive and cohesive unit. The conversation delves into the psychological underpinnings of team dynamics, strategies for fostering collaboration, and the importance of building trust within teams.

Inspiring Literature: "Thinking Fast and Slow"

Timestamp: [00:30]

Mike Bowler begins by sharing the book that has most influenced his career as a Scrum Master:

Mike Bowler [00:42]: "I'll pick Thinking Fast and Slow because it's an interesting introduction into what makes people tick. Ultimately, everything we're doing is all about people. It's about behavior change."

He emphasizes the book's exploration of the dual systems of thought—System One (fast, unconscious) and System Two (slow, conscious)—and how understanding these can aid in managing and motivating teams effectively.

Understanding Team Dynamics and Dysfunction

Timestamp: [02:34]

Mike recounts his experience with what he describes as the "most dysfunctional team" he has ever worked with. The team had been embroiled in a three-month project that extended to six months without delivering a functional product. Key issues included:

• Fragmented Team Structure: The team was split into subgroups that worked well internally but failed to collaborate with other parts of the team.
• Poor Workflow Management: Their project board was cluttered with multiple "done" columns that did not accurately reflect progress, culminating in nothing being deployed to production.
• Hostile Environment: Persistent technical and personal disagreements created a toxic atmosphere, hindering productivity and morale.

Mike Bowler [02:34]: "They were extremely dysfunctional... there were disagreements at a technical level, there were disagreements at a people level, and it was completely a mess."

Identifying the Roots of Dysfunction

Timestamp: [05:19]

Vasco inquires about the underlying causes that led to such dysfunction. Mike identifies the formation of "tribes" within the team as a significant factor:

Mike Bowler [05:19]: "We had one person who had worked remotely... and others who worked on different floors, leading to strong internal bonds but poor inter-group collaboration."

The physical separation and lack of integration fostered silos, making it difficult for team members to work cohesively.

Strategies for Reviving the Team

Timestamp: [06:28]

Mike outlines the multifaceted approach he employed to address the team's dysfunction:

1. Individual One-on-One Meetings:

   • Conducted private discussions to understand individual perspectives.
   • Faced challenges with finger-pointing as team members often blamed others when alone.

2. Group Discussions:

   • Facilitated collective conversations to identify systemic issues.
   • Encouraged shared responsibility and collective problem-solving.

3. Collaborative Practices:

   • Pairing: Engaged in pairing sessions with different team members to foster collaboration.
   • Mob Programming (Later Reflection): While not implemented initially, Mike later recognized the value of ensemble programming in breaking down silos more effectively.

4. Building Trust through Shared Activities:

   • Organized communal lunches to create informal bonds.
   • Leveraged the natural human tendency to form in-groups by fostering shared experiences.

Mike Bowler [07:45]: "Eating with people, we have formed an in-group with them. And that helps us build some of this trust that we need."

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Through persistent effort and strategic interventions, Mike successfully transformed the team's dynamics:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Increased pairing and shared activities led to better teamwork and reduced silos.
• Improved Workflow: Simplified the project board to accurately reflect progress, facilitating better project management.
• Sustainable Change: Although two team members eventually chose to leave, they did so amicably, recognizing the positive changes within the team.

Mike Bowler [08:10]: "They left on good terms. They recognized that this was not, you know, a horrible thing."

Vasco highlights the effectiveness of Mike's approach, emphasizing the importance of fostering trust through group activities rather than addressing conflicts individually, which could exacerbate tensions.

Key Takeaways

1. Understand the Human Element: Grasping the psychological drivers behind team behavior is crucial for effective Scrum Mastery.
2. Foster Collaboration: Implementing collaborative practices like pairing and ensemble programming can bridge gaps between fragmented team members.
3. Build Trust Through Shared Experiences: Informal interactions, such as communal meals, can significantly enhance team cohesion and trust.
4. Simplify Processes: Clear and concise workflow management tools prevent confusion and enhance productivity.
5. Embrace Change: Recognize that some team members may choose to leave, but focus on cultivating a positive and collaborative environment for those who remain.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Bowler [00:42]: "Everything we're doing is all about people. It's about behavior change."
• Mike Bowler [02:34]: "They were extremely dysfunctional... completely a mess on every level."
• Mike Bowler [07:45]: "Eating with people, we have formed an in-group with them. And that helps us build some of this trust that we need."
• Mike Bowler [08:10]: "They left on good terms. They recognized that this was not, you know, a horrible thing."

Conclusion

Mike Bowler's experiences offer valuable insights into the intricacies of team dynamics and the pivotal role of trust and collaboration in overcoming dysfunction. By prioritizing understanding, fostering collaborative practices, and building trust through shared experiences, Scrum Masters can navigate and transform even the most challenging team environments.

Stay Tuned: Join us next time on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast as we delve into leading change and the lessons learned from various change programs in the Agile landscape.

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