Agile It !— Issue 11 July 2018

A round-up of the latest tips, tricks and techniques from around the web!

Hello Agile Aucklanders

In this eleventh issue of Agile It! We look what meaningful work consists of when project managers work with teams, explore how scrum masters can become great agile coaches; uncover how POs can say no to stakeholders in an inoffensive manner and take a closer look at Agile accounting. This and a whole lot more from around the net!

Insights

To kick things off, in this article called Meaningful Work, writer by Aaron Smith discusses the relationship between the project manager and other team members. He talks about how the challenges of the team to deliver tactical execution in the name of strategic vision. But ultimately it is how the team needs to be included, supported and rewarded in human relationships — everything that the Agile methodology focuses on.

In this article called From scrum master to team coach, it explores the need for both scrum masters and agile team coaches — and how scrum masters can start on the career path of becoming an outstanding agile coach.

Out of the World

In this section we look at 6 ways AI and automation are changing project management. The article discusses the changes that are being made and how protests throughout the community have been rife. With many believing that if something is not broken then it should not be fixed. Ultimately, the article conveys a rose-tinted outlook where automation can benefit everyone because AI change management is endless. What do you think?

Next up, we get a walk thru on what chatbots are and uncover the value that they add.

A Closer Look

And to my favourite Agile guru, Mike Cohn where he discusses six guidelines for saying no to a stakeholder. Primarily for product owners, Cohn highlights techniques of saying no to stakeholders and clients, these include (but not limited to): it is not no, just no for now; the need to provide some empathy and understanding; keeping it simple in just providing just one reason to say no. Reminding them they we are all in the same team and highlighting the consequences of saying yes! — cost, time, lack of scope etc.

In this eight-minute video called: Capitalise costs in the Agile world. The video talks about ‘Agile Accounting’ and how you can reduce the administrative burden on organisations by allowing your development team to focus on building innovative products that solve business problems within your company, and for your customers.

Fun Retro

I know this section is popular, I always have so much fun researching fun and exciting new activities you can do with your team. Check out… Is Is, Not Does, Does Not

Enjoy the rest of July and hope to see you at an Agile Auckland event real soon!