Summary

In this episode, Jimi Fosdick joins Dave for a conversation about his journey from traditional project management to agile. They discuss the challenges of applying traditional project management to software development, the importance of understanding the context and problem domain when choosing project management approaches, and the misuse of the term 'agile' in the consulting industry. They also touch on the legacy of Frederick Taylor and the need for a people-centered approach in project management. The conversation explores the challenges of traditional project management and the need for a more empirical and agile approach. They discuss the problems with big upfront planning, the importance of shorter cycle times, and the fear of failure. The conversation also touches on the need for more humane workspaces and the changing nature of work. The principal themes include the limitations of traditional project management, the benefits of an empirical approach, and the evolving workforce and work environment.


Takeaways
	•	Traditional project management is effective for problems that can be solved on paper upfront, but may not work well for software development.
	•	Agile approaches, such as Scrum, are better suited for software development and other complex, empirical problems.
	•	The term 'agile' has become an overloaded and misused brand in the consulting industry.
	•	Hybrid approaches that combine traditional project management and agile practices can be problematic and may not fully embrace the values and principles of agile.
	•	A people-centered approach is essential in project management, and the focus should be on collaboration, respect, and solving the right problems. Traditional project management relies on upfront planning, which can lead to longer cycle times and higher failure rates.
	•	An empirical approach, such as Agile, allows for shorter cycle times and the ability to adapt and change as needed.
	•	The fear of failure often hinders organizations from embracing more agile and iterative approaches.
	•	There is a growing emphasis on creating more humane workspaces and allowing for more flexibility and creativity in the workplace.
	•	The nature of work is changing, and organizations need to adapt to the expectations and needs of the new generation of workers.

Chapters

02:20 Introduction and Background
05:52 The Challenges of Traditional Project Management in Software Development
08:33 Differentiating Scrum from Traditional Project Management
12:13 The Misuse of the Term 'Agile'
14:38 The Problem with Hybrid Approaches
22:17 Legacy Code in Our Heads: Shifting the Project Management Paradigm
26:21 The Benefits of an Empirical Approach
28:46 Overcoming the Fear of Failure
33:18 Creating More Humane Workspaces
39:03 The Changing Nature of Work


Contacting Jimi
 - Web: https://fearlessagility.com/
 - X: https://x.com/FearlessAgility
 - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FearlessAgility/
 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realFearlessAgility/
 - Courses on the Scrum Alliance site: https://tinyurl.com/yjc2rtmf



Links from Dave's Intro
 - The Art of War for Collaboration Course http://modusinstitute.com/course/art-of-war-collaboration

- Guided Personal Kanban (September 2024)
http://modusinstitute.com/course/guided-pk-sep-usa

The Agile Network*
https://go.theagilenetwork.com/l/web-dprior
	Use the discount codes below to get either 20% or 2 months of free access
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Contacting Dave
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

An interview with Jimi Fosdick of Fearless Agility

Summary
In this conversation, Dave Prior and Val Hinze discuss the evolution of project management roles, the importance of creating a supportive PMO structure, and the significance of servant leadership in fostering a healthy work environment. Val shares insights on how Mighty Citizen has redefined project management to focus on career growth, client relationships, and sustainable practices. The discussion also touches on the upcoming Digital PM Summit and Val's talk about the journey of project management within her organization.

If you'd prefer to watch the video version of this podcast you can find that here: https://tinyurl.com/3nwsmyud

Takeaways

	•	Creating a structure for project manager success is essential.
	•	Support from leadership is crucial for project managers.
	•	Client happiness is a key measure of project success.
	•	Fostering growth and safety for project managers is rare but necessary.
	•	Innovating together as a team leads to better outcomes.
	•	Building sustainable client relationships is a new approach.
	•	Continuous improvement should be a focus in project management.
	•	Val's journey reflects the evolution of project management roles.
	•	The PMO can be a supportive entity rather than a hindrance.
	•	Val's superpower lies in her ability to adapt and innovate.

Chapters

00:18 Introduction to Project Management and Personal Journey
03:09 Creating a Supportive PMO Structure
06:09 The Importance of Career Trajectory in Project Management
09:06 Fostering a Healthy Work Environment
12:07 Defining Success in Project Management
15:10 Performance Reviews and Growth Opportunities
18:11 Val's Talk at the Digital PM Summit
21:08 Val's Superpower and the Future of PMOs

2024 DIGITAL PM SUMMIT LINKS

Digital PM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024
Val's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/val-hinze-dpm-summit-2024
Dave's Speaker Page at the 2024 DPM Summit: https://bureauofdigital.com/dave-prior-dpm-summit-2024

CONTACTING VAL

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valhinze/
Val at Mighty Citizen: https://www.mightycitizen.com/team/valerie-hinze
Mighty Citizen: https://www.mightycitizen.com/

Unleashing The Power Of Project Management With Val Hinze

Summary
In this conversation, Dave Prior and Kate Kaiser discuss the challenges faced by non-technical project managers, particularly in overcoming fear and embracing difficult conversations. Kate shares her experiences in project management, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, communication, and building trust with clients. They explore strategies for managing energy and maintaining transparency in client relationships, ultimately highlighting the significance of creating positive experiences in every interaction.

Takeaways
- Embracing fear can lead to better outcomes.
- Self-awareness is crucial in managing stress and energy.
- Being shameless helps in uncomfortable conversations.
- Asking questions is essential for clarity and understanding.
- Trust and honesty build strong client relationships.
- Every interaction should be a positive experience.
- Fear is a common experience; it's okay to feel it.
- Having a plan B can ease communication challenges.
- Project managers don't need to know everything; leverage your team.
- Building relationships is more important than the project itself.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kate Kaiser and Her Background
03:21 Embracing Fear in Project Management
06:16 Navigating Non-Technical Challenges
09:17 Self-Awareness and Energy Management
12:09 Honesty and Transparency in Client Relationships
15:19 Building Trust and Positive Experiences
18:26 Closing Thoughts and Conference Preview

To learn more about the 2024 Digital PM Summit
- https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024

Contacting Kay
 - Plank: https://plank.co/
 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-keizer/

Overcoming Fear as a Non-Technical Project Manager with Kay Keizer

Summary
In this conversation, Dave Prior and Galen Lowe explore the complexities of digital project management, emphasizing the importance of understanding digital projects, the role of project managers in decision-making, and the necessity of integrity in client relationships. They discuss the evolution of project management, the significance of building trust, and the challenges of navigating stakeholder expectations. The conversation highlights the need for project managers to learn from their experiences and adapt to the changing landscape of the profession, ultimately advocating for a supportive and humane work environment.

This podcast was originally recorded in video. If you'd like to check out that version you can find it here: https://youtu.be/T6l6xRsT76A

Takeaways
- Digital projects involve a combination of people, pixels, and code.
- Learning should not solely come from the school of hard knocks.
- Project managers must facilitate decision-making processes.
- Understanding choices is a key responsibility of project managers.
- Decisions must be made, even when there are no good options.
- Earning the right to ask questions is crucial in stakeholder management.
Integrity is essential in maintaining client relationships.
- Project management is evolving to focus on career health and continuous learning.
- Building trust is fundamental to successful project management.
- The messiness of projects is part of the journey towards success.

Chapters
01:52 Introduction to Digital Project Management
07:55 The Role of Project Managers in Decision Making
13:56 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics
22:24 Navigating Client Expectations and Project Integrity
28:39 Evolving Perspectives on Work and Loyalty
34:49 Forward Momentum in Problem Solving
41:39 Embracing the Messiness of Project Management

Check out Galen's original post on LinkedIn
https://tinyurl.com/3br78w6d

Contacting Galen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galen-low-digital-transformation-advisor/
Digital Project Manager: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com
Podcast: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/digital-project-manager-podcast/

Agile for Project Managers Show
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Link: https://theagilenetwork.com/
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Bad Choices in Every Direction with Galen Low

Summary
In this conversation, Dave Prior and Jim Benson discuss the challenges of remote work, the impact of collaboration tools on productivity, and the importance of creating humane workspaces. They explore the dynamics of meetings, the toxicity of over-communication, and the need for regular maintenance in team processes. Jim shares insights from his course on cleaning toxic waste in workplaces, emphasizing the significance of visual management and effective communication to foster a healthier work environment.

Takeaways
	•	Work should be done without fear or trepidation.
	•	Remote work requires understanding information needs within teams.
	•	Meetings often become unproductive due to over-communication.
	•	Context switching can lead to frustration and decreased productivity.
	•	Creating humane workspaces is essential for team dynamics.
	•	Regular maintenance of team processes prevents issues from escalating.
	•	Collaboration tools need to be used intentionally and effectively.
	•	Visual management can help reduce workplace toxicity.
	•	Toxic systems lead to hiring toxic leaders.
	•	Addressing workplace toxicity is a collective responsibility.

Chapters
02:11 Introduction to Jim Benson and Work Dynamics
05:09 The Challenges of Remote Work and Collaboration Tools
08:07 Meeting Overload and Productivity Killers
11:14 Communication Tools and Their Inefficiencies
14:11 The Impact of Context Switching on Work
17:07 Creating Humane Workspaces
20:10 The Role of Tools in Team Collaboration
23:08 Cleaning Toxic Waste in Work Environments
26:15 Conclusion and Course Information

Links from the episode
Cleaning Toxic Waste Course: https://modusinstitute.com/course/toxic-waste
Modus Institute: https://modusinstitute.com/
The Collaboration Equation: https://www.collaboration-equation.com/
The Agile Network December Micro Conference (Dec 16-17): https://theagilenetwork.com

Contacting Jim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbenson/
Email: jim@moduscooperandi.com

Are Your Collaboration Tools Hijacking Your Productivity? with Jim Benson

Today PMI announced that The Agile Alliance was joining PMI to form the PMI Agile Alliance. This is obviously going to cause a great deal of debate in the Agile and project management communities. I am very excited about what this could mean for the future of Project Management and Agile - and here is why.

The PMI Agile Alliance

In this episode of Drunken PM Radio, Dave Prior discusses how to make daily standups more effective for teams that feel they are merely status calls. He shares ten actionable suggestions to enhance the value of these meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, preparation, and maintaining a focused and respectful environment. The conversation also touches on the need for team members to take responsibility for their contributions and the dynamics of remote work.

Takeaways
	•	Daily standups should foster conversation, not just status updates.
	•	Avoid rigid structures like the three questions in standups.
	•	Team members should update their work status before the meeting.
	•	Focus on collaboration rather than individual assignments.
	•	Encourage camera use during virtual meetings for better connection.
	•	Limit standup meetings to 15 minutes to maintain efficiency.
	•	Rotate the facilitator to promote collective ownership.
	•	Use inclusive language to reinforce team unity.
	•	Preparation is key to a productive meeting.
	•	Respect your teammates by being prepared and engaged.

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10 Ways to Stop Your Daily Scrum From Acting Like a Status Meeting

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Mun-Wai Chung discuss the pervasive issue of ineffective meetings in the corporate world, exploring the cultural implications of meeting practices, the impact of remote work, and strategies for improving collaboration. Mun-Wai shares insights from her book, 'Slay the Meeting Monster', emphasizing the need for intentionality in meetings and the importance of scripts to guide discussions. The conversation highlights the necessity of reevaluating meeting structures to foster a more productive work environment.

Takeaways
	•	Meetings often reflect a company's culture and collaboration style.
	•	The pandemic has exacerbated the problem of ineffective meetings.
	•	Scripts can help facilitate more productive meetings.
	•	Collaboration should be prioritized over traditional meeting formats.
	•	Leaders play a crucial role in shaping meeting culture.
	•	Information overload can hinder productivity in remote work settings.
	•	Meetings should have clear purposes and outcomes.
	•	It's essential to respect participants' time by evaluating meeting necessity.
	•	Creating a collaborative culture requires intentional practices.
	•	The way we work and communicate is evolving, necessitating new approaches to meetings.

Chapters
01:33	Introduction to Meeting Culture
04:28	The Meeting Monster: A Personal Journey
07:30	The Inefficiency of Meetings
10:39	Types of Meetings and Their Purpose
13:25	The Role of Technology in Meetings
16:19	The Impact of Remote Work on Collaboration
19:33	Overcoming Information Overload
22:36	Conclusion and Key Takeaways
28:02	Navigating Communication Overload
31:02	Establishing Boundaries for Effective Collaboration
35:20	The Importance of Experimentation in Team Dynamics
37:32	The Role of Scripts in Meetings
46:36	Meetings as a Reflection of Company Culture

Check out Mun-Wai's Book
Slay the Meeting Monster: https://tinyurl.com/yc82k2pj

If you'd like to contact Mun-Wai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munwaic/

The Agile Network February 2025 Microconference -  Disruption: How AI and Agile are Reinventing the PMO - February 24, 2024 https://theagilenetwork.com

Slaying the Meeting Monster: A Conversation with Mun-Wai Chung

In this conversation, Dave Prior, Brett Harned, and Greg Storey discuss the importance of creating a humane workspace through effective communication and collaboration. They share their backgrounds, the founding of Same Team Partners, and the significance of addressing communication issues within teams. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be trained in facilitating meaningful conversations and the role of Team Angle in diagnosing and improving team dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and creating a safe environment for teams to thrive. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding and communicating company values, the necessity of documentation and effective communication within teams, and the role of visualization in work processes. They emphasize creating safe spaces for team discussions, empowering teams through inclusivity, and the need for transformation at the team level rather than just implementing new processes. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in fostering a healthy team culture and the significance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to improve team dynamics.

Takeaways
	•	Creating a humane workspace is essential for team success.
	•	Many problems in teams stem from poor communication.
	•	Positive culture leads to high-performing teams.
	•	Stress and tension can be indicators of team dysfunction.
	•	Empathy is crucial for understanding team dynamics.
	•	Team Angle helps identify misalignments within teams.
	•	Leaders often lack training for meaningful conversations.
	•	Engagement at all levels is necessary for success.
	•	Creating a shared language enhances team collaboration.
	•	Structured conversations can improve team dynamics. Understanding company values is crucial for alignment.
	•	Documentation is essential for effective communication.
	•	Visual representation of work processes aids understanding.
	•	Creating safe spaces encourages open dialogue.
	•	Inclusivity fosters team empowerment and motivation.
	•	Teams should be involved in the solution process.
	•	Transformation should focus on team dynamics, not just processes.
	•	Regular one-on-ones significantly increase team engagement.
	•	Leaders need to be aware of their team's challenges.
	•	Empathy and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles.

Chapters

00:18 Introduction to a Humane Workspace
03:29 Foundations of Same Team Partners
06:22 The Importance of Communication in Teams
09:11 Identifying Healthy Team Dynamics
12:12 Cultural Differences in Team Interactions
15:25 Creating Safety in Team Environments
18:19 Understanding Team Angle
21:31 Implementing Team Angle for Improvement
31:26 Understanding Company Values and Principles
34:18 The Importance of Documentation and Communication
36:00 Visualizing Work Processes
40:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Team Conversations
44:13 Empowering Teams Through Inclusivity
46:19 Transforming Teams, Not Just Processes

You can find Same Team Partners, their Teamangle Diagnostic and the Teamangle Conversation Cards here: 
https://sameteampartners.com/

You can also find them on LinkedIn:
Brett Harned: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettharned/
Greg Storey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brilliantcrank/

Is Your Team Operating At Its' Full Potential? w/ Brett Harned & Greg Storey from Same Team Partners

Summary
In this conversation, Dave Prior and Preston Hunter discuss the challenges of transitioning to Agile methodologies, particularly focusing on the use of JIRA and visual collaboration tools like Lucid. They explore a case study of a team moving to Kanban, the integration of Lucid with JIRA, and how visual tools can simplify workflows and enhance collaboration. The discussion also covers capacity planning, managing dependencies, and the importance of creating custom views for project management. Preston shares insights on how Lucid can help teams visualize their work, engage stakeholders, and improve overall efficiency. The conversation concludes with resources for learning and support for new users of Lucid.

This podcast was recorded in video format because of the demo that was given. You can find the video here: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78177/using-lucid-to-update-jira-with-preston-hunter

Takeaways
	•	Visual collaboration tools can ease the transition to Agile.
	•	JIRA can be overwhelming for new users; Lucid simplifies this.
	•	Integrating Lucid with JIRA allows for real-time updates.
	•	Custom views in Lucid can help manage personal and team workflows.
	•	Visualizing dependencies is crucial for effective project management.
	•	Capacity planning features help teams avoid overcommitment.
	•	Engaging teams with visual tools fosters collaboration and creativity.
	•	Lucid offers resources for new users to learn effectively.
	•	Conditional formatting in Lucid enhances reporting capabilities.
	•	Personalization of boards can reflect team culture and identity.

Chapters
03:21 Introduction to Agile and Visual Collaboration
05:13 Challenges of Implementing Kanban with JIRA
09:21 Lucid's Integration with JIRA
15:21 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Workflow Visualization
21:28 Managing Dependencies and Capacity Planning
27:21 Customizing Workflows and Agile Practices
30:48 Empowering Teams with Agency
33:58 Capacity Planning and Sprint Management
36:30 Reporting and Visual Collaboration Tools
40:28 The Future of Project Management
42:33 Enhancing Team Collaboration and Engagement
45:32 Personalizing Team Spaces
49:41 Learning and Support Resources



To learn more about Lucid go to https://lucid.co/
To contact Preston https://www.linkedin.com/in/preston-hunter/

Using Lucid to Update Jira with Preston Hunter

A podcast about Agile and Project Management

New tracks tagged #Reluctant Agilist