Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches

Episode: Why Agile Teams Need the Right Support, And How We Can Help Them | Robert Finan
Host: Vasco Duarte
Guest: Robert Finan
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte, an experienced Agile Coach and Certified Scrum Master, welcomes Robert Finan, a seasoned Scrum Master and Agile Coach. The conversation delves into the critical support structures Agile teams require to thrive and how Scrum Masters can effectively foster these environments.

Book Recommendation: Crucial Conversations

Vasco Duarte initiates the discussion by asking Robert about the book that has most significantly influenced his career as a Scrum Master.

Robert Finan highlights "Crucial Conversations" by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Schwitzler as his top recommendation:

"It's basically tools for talking when the stakes are high. As a scrum master and a coach, you find yourself facilitating an awful lot of meetings... when people feel threatened, when emotions are running high... Crucial Conversations addresses how to talk to people, be curious about where they're coming from, and why they're saying what they're saying."
— Robert Finan [03:02]

Vasco adds to this by recommending "Nonviolent Communication", emphasizing its relevance in handling difficult team interactions.

Challenges Agile Teams Face Without Proper Support

Robert shares his experiences working with various teams, highlighting a common theme: lack of management support often hinders Agile teams from reaching their full potential.

"Very often, the management support or the environment that would allow them to become a performing high-performance team is actually missing. A lot of the basics required to get a team up to a high-performing level are often failing."
— Robert Finan [05:21]

He points out that many teams are "branded" as Scrum teams without the necessary foundational support, such as:

• Proper team composition
• Adequate training and resources
• Clear communication channels
• Alignment with organizational goals

Example: Robert mentions that out of 14 years, he only had two exceptional Scrum teams where the environment was conducive to Agile practices.

"In both cases, we had exceptional environments. We were allowed to do stuff that wasn't being done largely in the company."
— Robert Finan [06:16]

Picking Your Battles: Focusing on What Can Be Changed

When addressing environmental constraints, Robert advises Scrum Masters to "pick your battles." This involves:

1. Assessing the Environment: Understand the limitations and constraints within the organization.
2. Identifying Areas for Change: Focus on aspects that are within your control or influence.
3. Implementing Incremental Changes: Start with manageable improvements that can have a significant impact.

"Pick your battles. Choose. Take a look... decide what are the bits you think you can get changed and what you cannot get changed."
— Robert Finan [10:14]

Practical Example: Robert recounts convincing management to relocate the Product Owner and testers to the same building as developers, enhancing communication and collaboration:

"We got the guys to come Monday to Thursday and sit with the developers. And that worked really, really, really well."
— Robert Finan [10:50]

Handling Difficult Team Dynamics

Robert discusses the challenges posed by team members who resist Agile practices:

"There can be one person who really doesn't want to play ball. They think scrum is ridiculous, want to program on their own... Crucial Conversations is very useful because you need to sit down and have a one on one with this person."
— Robert Finan [08:12]

Strategies:

• One-on-One Discussions: Address issues privately to understand the individual's perspective.
• Assess Fit: Determine if the team member is willing to adapt or if it might be better for them to move to a different role or team.
• Facilitate Open Communication: Create a safe space for honest dialogue to resolve underlying tensions.

Recognizing When to Move On

Robert emphasizes the importance of recognizing when organizational constraints cannot be overcome:

"Recognizing that it's okay. It's not a failure. It's not a failure."
— Robert Finan [12:11]

He advises Scrum Masters to:

• Evaluate Efforts: After exhausting all possible avenues for improvement, assess the situation realistically.
• Make Informed Decisions: Decide whether to continue pushing for change or to step back and potentially move on to a more supportive environment.
• Prevent Burnout: Understanding that not every environment is salvageable helps in maintaining personal well-being and professional satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

1. Effective Communication is Crucial: Books like "Crucial Conversations" and "Nonviolent Communication" provide essential tools for managing high-stakes interactions within Agile teams.
2. Management Support is Fundamental: Without organizational backing, even the most enthusiastic Agile teams can struggle to perform optimally.
3. Focus on Controllable Factors: Scrum Masters should prioritize changes within their influence to drive meaningful improvements.
4. Address Team Dynamics Proactively: Handling resistant team members through open dialogue can prevent larger team dysfunctions.
5. Know When to Let Go: It's important to recognize the limits of your influence and make decisions that protect both the team's and your own well-being.

Conclusion

In this episode, Robert Finan provides invaluable insights into the challenges Agile teams face when lacking proper support and how Scrum Masters can navigate these obstacles. By focusing on effective communication, selective change initiatives, and recognizing when to move on, Agile practitioners can foster environments where their teams can truly excel.

Notable Quotes:

• "Crucial Conversations addresses how to talk to people, be curious about where they're coming from, and why they're saying what they're saying." — Robert Finan [03:02]
• "Pick your battles. Choose. Take a look... decide what are the bits you think you can get changed and what you cannot get changed." — Robert Finan [10:14]
• "Recognizing that it's okay. It's not a failure. It's not a failure." — Robert Finan [12:11]

Additional Resources:

• Crucial Conversations: [Link in Show Notes]
• Nonviolent Communication Episodes: [Link in Show Notes]

If you found this episode insightful, please consider rating the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast on Stitcher or iTunes. Share it with fellow Scrum Masters and Agile enthusiasts to help them enhance their craft with these valuable resources.

This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened, capturing all key discussions, insights, and actionable advice shared by Robert Finan.