Shows
Troubleshooting AgileBlaming Yourself for Fun and ProfitAre you prepared to blame yourself? In this episode, Jeffrey opens up about his failed startup, and, putting external factors aside, what he could have done better. Join us for ideas around self-blame, double-loop learning, and how personal responsibility can lead to positive change.
SHOW LINKS:
- Jenkins's thesis: https://hj.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:562610/FULLTEXT01.pdf
- Double-loop learning; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-loop_learning
- CVS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concurrent_Versions_System
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any...
2025-08-2018 min
Troubleshooting AgilePositively EgotisticalCan having an ego be a good thing? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss how being egotistical can be a valuable trait and how to strike a balance between confident and humble. Tune in if you need help working out whether you need to bring more or less ego to work.
SHOW LINKS:
- Helpful Givers episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/disagreeable-givers
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Dysfunctions_of_a_Team
- CITCON: https://citconf.com/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at...
2025-08-1312 min
Troubleshooting AgileCooperative OverlapWould you appreciate someone talking while you were talking? It’s called "cooperative overlap,” it was introduced to us by a listener, and it’s used in some cultures to reinforce and show agreement with the speaker. Join Squirrel and Jeffrey for their second week talking about how you can use interruption to improve team collaboration, in this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
SHOW LINKS:
- Cooperative Overlap article: https://www.anildash.com/2021/09/26/cooperative_overlap/
- Eight Behaviors for Smarter Teams: https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/917018/Eight-Behaviors-for-Smarter-Teams-2.pdf
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our bo...
2025-08-0614 min
Troubleshooting AgileInterruption, Anyone?Can I just interrupt you there…? In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey interrupt each other more than usual to demonstrate how you can use “consensual” interruption as a way of giving immediate feedback, which can greatly improve learning speeds and information retention.
SHOW LINKS:
- Alan Weiss on Rhetorical Permission: https://jonathanstark.com/notes-on-million-dollar-maverick
- CITCON Woking: https://citconf.com/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
...
2025-07-3014 min
Troubleshooting AgileType II FunWhat can Whatsapp’s origin story teach us about adding business value - even when it doesn’t seem “fun”? Reflecting on two weeks' backpacking, Jeffrey introduces the concept of Type 1 and Type 2 fun and Squirrel ponders how you can apply the two methods of fun to different types of work in Agile teams.
SHOW LINKS:
- Types of Fun: https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/fun-scale
- WhatsApp baked into "dumb" phones: https://www.wired.com/story/nokia-asha-500-502-and-503-hands-on/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agilecon...
2025-07-2312 min
Troubleshooting AgileCentralisation For The WinWhat can the TV show House teach us about centralisation? In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey talk about centralised communication, how it contributed to them first meeting and what to do when there’s an imbalance of expertise in the room.
SHOW LINKS:
- Peer Review article: https://defenderofthebasic.substack.com/p/we-know-how-to-fix-peer-review-part
- CITCON: https://citconf.com/london2025/
- Cynefin: https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/
- Situational Leadership: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situational_leadership_theory
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to he...
2025-07-1619 min
Troubleshooting AgileCITCON Greatest HitsDeath of the junior developer but long live the co-conspirator! In this re-worked bumper episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss two of their biggest takeaways from Citcon: the evolving role of AI in coding and how ‘co-conspirators’ have been pivotal in their careers and client work.
SHOW LINKS:
- CITCON London 2025: https://citconf.com/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick joined forc...
2025-07-0921 min
Troubleshooting AgileInformation FAIRness In Your OrganisationAre you being unFAIR with your information-sharing? In this episode, Jeffrey talks us through the F.A.I.R principles of scientific publishing and how they can be applied to software development. Learn why you should prioritise open, accessible information and what you can do to put it into practice.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Weirdly named blog: https://slimemoldtimemold.com/
- Peer review article: https://defenderofthebasic.substack.com/p/we-know-how-to-fix-peer-review-part
- Linus's Law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus's_law
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to...
2025-07-0219 min
Troubleshooting AgileSharing ModelsForget the elevator pitch, you need a “napkin strategy!” In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey explore the idea of using models instead of talking, which often leads to confusion and frustration. Find out how you can collaborate better with your team when you share explicit and visually mutable models.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Balsamiq's Draft mode: https://balsamiq.com/support/docs/wireframing/editor-overview/project-properties/
- Previous episode on religion and science: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/religion-and-science
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any...
2025-06-2515 min
Troubleshooting AgileReligion and ScienceThe search for ultimate truth has no place in an effective business! In this episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel explain how to detect when your team are stuck in the “rightness” trap and how to move from abstract debate to scientific experiments that help you discover what actually works.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Less Wrong: https://www.lesswrong.com/
- Less Online: https://less.online/
- Abor Summer Camp: https://www.arborsummer.camp/
- Manifest: https://manifest.is/
- Driftwood hiring episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/driftwood-vs-planks-agile-team-roles-and-skills
- Socratic Dialogues: https://dn790004.ca.archive.org/0/items/PlatoDialogues/Plato_dialogues.pdf
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You...
2025-06-1118 min
Troubleshooting AgileRevenge of the QAWith so many great reader emails recently Jeffrey and I haven’t got around to discussing CitCon on the podcast yet! This week we do just that, with Jeffrey’s reflections from discussions on the evolving role of AI in coding including Steve Yegge’s new article which revisits whether the ‘death’ of the junior developer will ultimately be a ‘revenge.’
Links:
- Steve Yegge article: https://sourcegraph.com/blog/revenge-of-the-junior-developer
- Jevon's Paradox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any th...
2025-06-0324 min
Troubleshooting AgileThe Expertise GapDo ‘Experts Have It Easy’? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss how experts and novices can overcome the empathy gap with rapid feedback, and breaking down complex problems into smaller steps to facilitate understanding.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Boyd Kane's article: https://boydkane.com/essays/experts
- Gladwell, Blink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blink:_The_Power_of_Thinking_Without_Thinking
- Shuhari: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari
- Terence Tao on finding gaps in proofs: https://mathstodon.xyz/@tao/111287749336059662
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love...
2025-05-2119 min
Troubleshooting AgileAccountable Not AgreeableWhat is the true meaning of accountability? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey share a real-life story that illustrates how it’s often misunderstood. Listen now to learn why it's not about blame or punishment, but about 'rendering an account' - in other words, sharing reasoning and decisions transparently.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Previous episode on accountability: https://itrevolution.com/articles/accountability-leaders-are-accountable-too/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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Ab...
2025-05-1413 min
Troubleshooting AgileBlameful Post-MortemsWhat can perverse incentives teach us about software development? Join Squirrel and Jeffrey for a discussion on the importance of personal responsibility and the potential benefits of 'blameful' postmortems in driving accountability and improvement within organisations, in this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
SHOW LINKS:
Links:
- Tal's article: https://talyarkoni.org/blog/2018/10/02/no-its-not-the-incentives-its-you/
- Blameless Postmortems: https://openpracticelibrary.com/practice/blameless-postmortem/
- Perverse Incentives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perverse_incentive
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about...
2025-05-0711 min
Troubleshooting AgileTopgrading and StorytellingIs topgrading a controversial topic? It seems so. In this episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel revisit the theme of topgrading in recruitment, featured just two episodes ago. Join as they discuss a listener’s experience, the necessity for some structure in interviews and the benefits of learning from candidates' past experiences through stories.
SHOW LINKS:
- Topgrading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topgrading
- Topgrading episode link: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/threats-and-topgrading-in-executive-hiring
- Shu ha ri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari
- Squirrel's interviewing event: https://squirrelsquadron.com/events/2025/04-10-interviews
- TDD for People: https://itrevolution.com/articles/test-driven-development-for-people/
...
2025-04-3011 min
Troubleshooting AgileDeceptive LeadershipIs shielding your team a sign of good leadership? On this episode, Jeffrey has been riled up by an episode of the podcast, Cortex, and wants to make a case against shielding, which he believes keeps teams disconnected from the reality of business conditions and leads to suboptimal results.
SHOW LINKS:
- Cortex podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cortex/id1001591696
- Dale Carnegie book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any...
2025-04-2318 min
Troubleshooting AgileThreats and Topgrading in Executive HiringIs the use of threats to repel dishonest people a good idea? On this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey talk about the “threat of reference check” and whether the benefits of reducing dishonesty outweigh the drawbacks of damaging trust. Get in touch to tell us what you think.
SHOW LINKS:
- Domain-Driven Design: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain-driven_design
- Big Book of Concepts: mitpress.mit.edu/books/big-book-concepts
- Specification by Example: gojko.net/books/specification-by-example/
- Walking Skeleton: wiki.c2.com/?WalkingSkeleton
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agil...
2025-04-1620 min
Troubleshooting AgileGreatest Hits - Commitment: Engagement is (Still) Not EnoughIt's time to talk about commitment! Not engagement, which is insufficient to produce effective results. In this episode - a repost of a previous conversation - Squirrel and Jeffrey offer specific tools for effective commitments and tell a story about a company that created a pile of bones instead of a Walking Skeleton.
You’ll hear lots of references to “the book.” That’s our book - Agile Conversations!! You can learn more about that here: https://agileconversations.com/agile-conversation-book/
SHOW LINKS:
- Domain-Driven Design: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain-driven_design
- Big Book of Concepts: mitpress.mit.edu/books/big-book...
2025-04-0913 min
Troubleshooting AgilePositive ComplainingWhat if complaining could be a good thing? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss the benefits of ‘positive complaining’ and how it can be used to strengthen relationships and offer valuable insights into what matters to the person complaining.
Links:
Trust Conversation (TDD for People): https://itrevolution.com/articles/test-driven-development-for-people/
Co-conspirators episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/co-conspirators-and-citcon
Squirrel Squadron: https://squirrelsquadron.com/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
...
2025-04-0212 min
Troubleshooting AgileWhat Comes After Why (And So Does How)If you’re using Sinek’s “why, what and how” framework for team collaboration, what do you do when it turns out you’re lacking two out of the three?! In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey talk about their own experience of this, the concept of leaky abstractions, and the importance of shared problem ownership.
Links:
- Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
- Somebody Else's Problem Field: https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Somebody_Else%27s_Problem_Field
- Previous episode about Walking Skeletons - Ep125: Commitment Engagement is Not Enough:
https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/commitment-engagement-is-not-enough
- Previous episode about Cycl...
2025-03-2615 min
Troubleshooting AgileGuilds and Adverse PossessionShould you start a Guild?In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss examples of adverse possession, including listener Marcel-Jan’s experience of starting a Python guild within his team, and how you can take similar proactive steps to help build a more engaging and dynamic community of practice.
Links:
Co-conspirators episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/co-conspirators-and-citcon
Adverse possession: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dsquirrel_squirrel-squadron-events-activity-7015965093418934272-1qZf/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at...
2025-03-1211 min
Troubleshooting AgileCo-Conspirators and CITCONWhat does it mean to be a co-conspirator? On the run up to CitCon Auckland 2025, join Squirrel and Jeffrey as they reflect on the event they first met, its history and how ‘co-conspirators’ have been pivotal in their careers and client work.
Links:
- CITCON ANZ 2025: https://citconf.com/auckland2025/
- Chris Matts Communities of Practise: https://theitriskmanager.com/2015/04/19/communities-of-need-community-of-solutions/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Host...
2025-03-0516 min
Troubleshooting AgilePredictability = TrustIs trust the ability to predict someone’s actions? And can it apply to organisations as well as individuals? Join your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey, as they tackle the importance of delivering consistent results to foster trust, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- TDD for People, a method for building trust: https://itrevolution.com/articles/trust-and-test-driven-development-for-people/
- Stock picking scam: https://ask.metafilter.com/216295/Is-this-famous-investment-scam-real-or-fiction
- Agile Conversations: https://agileconversations.com/agile-conversation-book/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback yo...
2025-02-1214 min
Troubleshooting AgileDoes Toyota Kata Scale?What are the challenges when it comes to implementing Toyota Kata at scale? In this episode of Troubleshooting agile, Jeffrey talks about how they’re using the Improvement and Coaching Katas to foster better structured learning and accountability across multiple teams.
Links:
- Toyota Kata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Kata
- Shu, Ha, Ri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari
- Previous episode - Toya Toyota Kata A-Z: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/toyota-kata-a-z
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or fe...
2025-02-0521 min
Troubleshooting AgileOvercoming Legacy Systems - and ThinkingWhy can't I apply for a driving license at 3 AM? Join Squirrel and Jeffrey in discussion on the history and challenges of modernising legacy systems and how delivering incremental improvements can "strangle" the pitfalls of a full rewrite, in this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Dafydd Vaughan on DVLA batch systems: https://dafyddvaughan.uk/blog/2025/why-some-dvla-digital-services-dont-work-at-night/
- Joel Spolsky on not rewriting: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/04/06/things-you-should-never-do-part-i/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email...
2025-01-2916 min
Troubleshooting AgileTwo Ways to Set Off SparksDoes asking for the “dumbest” solutions stimulate the most creative ideas? Join Squirrel and Jeffrey as they answer two listener questions on the theme of boosting creativity, including why you might wear a funny hat to your team warm-up, in this week’s episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Core Protocols Checkin: https://thecoreprotocols.org/protocols/checkin
- Dave Snowden on Changing Clothes: https://medium.com/@brixen/dave-snowden-how-leaders-change-culture-though-small-actions-766cd2bf5128
- Niko Niko chart: https://www.agilealliance.org/glossary/niko-niko/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear a...
2025-01-2216 min
Troubleshooting AgileAccelerating the CrisisCan you drive change in your organisation by accelerating crises? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss Deming’s philosophy and explore how visibility and awareness of issues can bring about necessary change.
LINKS
- Deming: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming
- Panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu7JMAQggfo
- Information radiators: https://www.agilealliance.org/glossary/information-radiators/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.co...
2025-01-0813 min
Troubleshooting AgileEasing InIs your plan to avoid conflict making things worse? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss the Paul and Ted Case Study, the concept of 'easing in,' and what leaders should do instead, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
LINKS
- Eight Behaviors for Smarter Teams: https://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/917018/Eight-Behaviors-for-Smarter-Teams-2.pdf
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas...
2024-12-2411 min
Troubleshooting AgileDocumenting FailureDo you document and analyse failure? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey draw inspiration from Donald Knuth's detailed study of his own software mistakes to give you the lowdown on learning from past mistakes, including meaningful postmortems and retrospectives.
LINKS:
- Knuth's paper: https://yurichev.com/mirrors/knuth1989.pdf
- Foundation Failures: https://www.abebooks.com/Foundation-Failures-Szechy-C-Concrete-Publications/20924178050/bd
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas...
2024-12-1607 min
Troubleshooting AgileSoftware That Doesn't Make SenseWhat do you do when you inherit a 20 year old codebase? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey look at an extreme example of legacy software and discuss why it's important to understand past contexts as well as address modern discrepancies.
Links:
- Brian's Archaeology Tips: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-tips-software-archeologists-brian-reich-n0ase
- Ask Why, But Never Answer: https://blog.jbrains.ca/permalink/ask-why-but-never-answer
- Macintosh's Backward Capacitor: https://www.downtowndougbrown.com/2024/11/the-capacitor-that-apple-soldered-incorrectly-at-the-factory/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you...
2024-12-1213 min
Troubleshooting AgileGun to Your HeadCan extreme constraints help you think of radically different solutions? In this week’s episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel explore what happens when you point a figurative gun at your team, inspired by Grant Slatton's provocative article 'Algorithms We Develop Software By’
Links:
- Grant's article; https://grantslatton.com/software-pathfinding#algorithms-we-develop-software-by
- Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow
- Toyota Kata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Kata
- Independence Day: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/three-incendiary-questions-douglas-squirrel-seqre/
- Feature thinning: https://agileconversations.com/blog/ford-not-ferrari-feature-thinning-and-roi/
- Oblique Strategies cards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obli...
2024-11-2616 min
Troubleshooting AgileDelete Your Work DailyWould you delete your unfinished work to ensure a fresh start? On this week’s episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel discuss whether using deletion as a tool can provide focus and improvement, with help from Grant Slatton's provocative article 'Algorithms We Develop Software By’
Links:
- Grant's article: https://grantslatton.com/software-pathfinding#algorithms-we-develop-software-by
- Code as liability: https://wiki.c2.com/?SoftwareAsLiability
- Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48578933-bird-by-bird
- Spike: https://agiledictionary.com/209/spike/#comment-57
- Code deletion at Apple: https://folklore.org/Negative_2000_Lines_Of_Code.html
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You'll find free videos and...
2024-11-2016 min
Troubleshooting AgileDeception or Disappointment?When deception overshadows disappointment, severe ethical breaches can occur. Join your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey to discover how clear, honest communication can make sure you’re not dealing with the next Volkswagen emissions scandal, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Goal displacement: https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191843273.001.0001/acref-9780191843273-e-122
- Passive voice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_voice
- Normalisation of Deviance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normalization_of_deviance
- Volkswagen emissions scandal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_emissions_scandal
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at ag...
2024-10-2215 min
Troubleshooting AgileThe Not-So-Iron TriangleChallenging the iron triangle in software development - balancing quality, time and scope. In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss Andy Giese’s recent provocative article 'How to Make Product Give a Shit About Your Architecture Proposal.’ Join us to learn how you can use ‘feature thinning’ and joint design to promote collaborative approaches in situations like this.
Links:
- Andy G's article: https://gieseanw.wordpress.com/2024/10/09/how-to-make-product-give-a-shit-about-your-architecture-proposal/
- Getting To Yes, on interests and positions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getting_to_Yes
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd...
2024-10-1517 min
Troubleshooting AgileToyota Kata A-ZBoost team results by measuring carefully and using consistent methods to move toward your goal–with “scientific thinking” “the Improvement Kata” and “the Coaching Kata”. In this bumper episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss quality and delivery the Toyota Way.
Links:
- Toyota Kata: https://public.websites.umich.edu/~jmondisa/TK/Homepage.html
- Gemba: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemba
Other relevant episodes:
- Episode 214 - Get Your Reps In: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/get-your-reps-in
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about...
2024-10-0922 min
Troubleshooting AgileMathinessYour elaborate spreadsheet that prioritises features isn’t rigorous mathematical analysis and should be a conversation starter not a definitive guide. Find out how to avoid ‘Mathiness’ with Squirrel and Jeffrey in the latest from Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Mathiness article: https://www.votito.com/methods/mathiness
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick joined forces at TIM Group in 2013, where they s...
2024-10-0213 min
Troubleshooting AgileBecoming PerceptiveNeed to transform decision-making in your agile team? In this episode, we discuss how to harness the power of perceptiveness using Jeffrey’s insights from a lecture on the architect Christopher Alexander and the book 'How Emotions Are Made.'
Links:
How to Become Perceptive: https://www.henrikkarlsson.xyz/p/perceptive
- Ryan Singer’s Christopher Alexander: A Primer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESTckhhKS0k
- Book: How Emotions are Made: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/
- Naive Realism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na%C3%AFve_realism_(psychology)
- Annie Duke: Thinking in Bets https://www.goodreads.com...
2024-09-2519 min
Troubleshooting AgileEmpathy in BusinessCreate, nurture, and increase empathy with all your customers, even the ones you didn't know you had! Inspired by Gojko Adzic and his new book Lizard Optimisation, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss how you can do just that, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Gojko’s book, Lizard Optimisation: https://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Optimization-Product-Engaging-Long-Tail/dp/0993088171
- Kahneman Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about th...
2024-09-1814 min
The Remarkable Leadership PodcastHow Agile Conversations Can Transform Your Culture with Douglas Squirrel Are your conversations holding back your team’s potential? Douglas Squirrel shares with Kevin shares how improving conversations within teams can drastically enhance trust, reduce fear, and align business goals. Squirrel delves into the concept of "Agile Conversations," a term inspired by the agile methodology in software development but applicable across all business functions. He emphasizes the importance of practicing conversations, much like athletes train for their sports, and introduces the "Four R's" (Record, Reflect, Revise, Role-play) as a method for enhancing communication skills. Listen For 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Guest Introduction: Douglas Squirrel 03:12 The Journey from Coder to Conversation Ex...
2024-09-1836 min
Troubleshooting AgileLizard OptimizationThe products you have today could be 5x more profitable if you found out how customers really use them and tuned accordingly, says Gojko Adzic - and we’re inclined to agree! Find out how to do it on this episode ofTroubleshooting Agile your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Gojko’s book, Lizard Optimisation: https://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Optimization-Product-Engaging-Long-Tail/dp/0993088171
- Gojko Adzic on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojko/
- Long tail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_tail
- Nassim Taleb: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassim_Nicholas_Taleb
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You'll find free videos and practice mate...
2024-09-1217 min
Troubleshooting AgileDaily FlashesBeing radically transparent by reporting progress daily has surprisingly positive effects. Learn how and why to do daily flashes in this episode of Troubleshooting Agile with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- PPP reporting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress,_plans,_problems
- Wienberg, Becoming a Technical Leader: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/714344.Becoming_a_Technical_Leader
- Westrum's generative culture: https://itrevolution.com/articles/westrums-organizational-model-in-tech-orgs/
- Improvement Kata episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/toyota-kata-part-ii
- Electronic Lab Notebooks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_lab_notebook
- Squirrel's new podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-insanely-profitable-tech-podcast...
2024-08-2815 min
Troubleshooting AgileDisagreeable GiversThe most obnoxious person in your team may in fact be saving your bacon. Discover why and how to encourage "disagreeable givers" in this episode of Troubleshooting Agile with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Givers and Takers from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2013/04/in-the-company-of-givers-and-takers
- Disagreeable Givers: https://www.inc.com/laura-montini/the-most-undervalued-employee-at-any-organization.html
- Collaboration Matrix: https://stratechery.com/2013/the-uncanny-valley-of-a-functional-organization/
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations...
2024-08-2118 min
Troubleshooting AgileToyota Kata Part IIIBoost team results by measuring carefully and using consistent methods to move toward your goal–with “the Coaching Kata”. In part three of this mini series, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss quality and delivery the Toyota Way.
Links:
- Toyota Kata: https://public.websites.umich.edu/~jmondisa/TK/Homepage.html
- Gemba: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemba
Other relevant episodes:
- https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/get-your-reps-in
- https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/toyota-kata-part-i
- https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/toyota-kata-part-ii
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any though...
2024-08-0710 min
Troubleshooting AgileToyota Kata Part IIBoost team results by measuring carefully and using consistent methods to move toward your goal–with “the Improvement Kata”. In part two of our Toyota Kata series, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss quality and delivery the Toyota Way.
Links:
- Toyota Kata: https://public.websites.umich.edu/~jmondisa/TK/Homepage.html
- Gemba: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemba
Other relevant episodes:
https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/get-your-reps-in
https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/toyota-kata-part-i
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the sh...
2024-07-3113 min
Troubleshooting AgileTechnical ShameToo ashamed of your outdated tech to ask for help with it or touch the ancient code? 70s heartthrob Barry Manilow has the cure for your "technical shame" - Squirrel and Jeffrey explain why on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Barry Manilow Effect paper: https://www.psychologyib.com/uploads/1/1/7/5/11758934/the_spotlight_effect_-_ib_psychology.pdf
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
--------------------------------------------------
About Your Hosts
Douglas...
2024-07-1716 min
Troubleshooting AgileAporiaBeing puzzled is the first step to genuine questions and real learning. Join your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey to discover why execs like you need more “aporia” to understand your teams and lead them effectively, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Aporia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aporia
- Derrida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Derrida
- Dave Snowden's talk: https://gist.github.com/owulveryck/4ac8c96c16f5a48de24f8a0e949ad9a5
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any...
2024-07-0310 min
Le Podcast on Emerging LeadershipExploring Agile Conversations with Jeffrey FredrickIn the latest episode of Le Podcast on Emerging Leadership, we dive deep into the world of agile leadership with Jeffrey Fredrick, Vice President of Engineering at Ion Analytics and co-author of the book "Agile Conversations." Jeffrey shares his rich experience in the tech industry, shedding light on how agile conversations can revolutionize team dynamics and foster innovation.
Find the summary, the transcripts and the references in the companion blog post: https://alexis.monville.com/en/2024/06/30/exploring-agile-conversations-with-jeffrey-fredrick/
2024-06-3031 min
Troubleshooting AgileLearning Agency, Part 1"Agency" "empowerment" "accountability" can be empty promises to your tech team, or real skills you can learn. In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey are joined by “competent minion” Sammy Hath to discuss how to solve difficult problems.
Links:
- https://hath.blog/posts/hire/
- https://hath.blog/posts/cultivating-destroying-agency/
- Message to Garcia episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/message-to-garcia
- Patrick McKenzie: https://www.kalzumeus.com/
- Paul Graham on agency at university: https://www.paulgraham.com/college.html
- Commander’s intent: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intent_(military)
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our bo...
2024-06-1220 min
Troubleshooting AgileLearning from Prediction MarketsFast feedback to executives on whether executing the HiPPO (Highest Paid Person's Opinion) actually made your software more profitable. Get answers on how and why "prediction markets" speed up learning, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, with Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick.
Links:
- Manifest prediction markets conference: https://www.manifest.is/
- Previous episode on predictions and bets: https://agileconversations.com/blog/lies-predictions-experiemnts-bets/
- Public prediction markets: https://manifold.markets/
- CITCON session: https://citconf.com/wiki/index.php?title=Prediction_markets,_track_records_and_reputations_in_Software
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book...
2024-06-0521 min
Troubleshooting AgileGet Your Reps InFrequent repetition and practice doesn't constitute micromanagement, if done well: it reinforces accountability and alignment. Tune in to this episode of Troubleshooting Agile to find out how and why you and your tech team need daily rehearsal and feedback, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Toyota Kata Practice Guide: https://theleanthinker.com/2017/12/21/mike-rother-the-toyota-kata-practice-guide/
- Dojo handout: https://itrevolution.com/product/conversational-dojo-kit/
- Shuhari: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari
- Karate Kid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LerwIYmNFXY
- Situational Leadership: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situational_leadership_theory
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You'll find free videos and practice material...
2024-05-2918 min
Troubleshooting AgileKeeping Score With CashGetting users to love your product isn't enough. Somebody needs to give you rectangular pictures of kings and presidents in exchange for it. Join your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey for product pitfalls and how to avoid them, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Squirrel's tweet: https://twitter.com/douglassquirrel/status/1791438669070426526
- Rectangular pictures of the king: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/king-charles-banknotes
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info...
2024-05-2216 min
Troubleshooting AgileFarming not GardeningIf you or your tech leaders are exhausted from tracking an overwhelming number of individual tickets, features, or products, you're gardening when you should be farming. On this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey give their insights on how to manage whole "flocks" of engineers and customers.
Links:
- Briefing and Back Briefing : https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/briefing-and-back-briefing
- Trapped on local optima: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_climbing#Local_maxima
- Squirrel Squadron: https://squirrelsquadron.com
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear...
2024-05-1516 min
Troubleshooting AgileRoot CausesYou've never been in a plane crash because accident investigations are blameless, but do you know how to run a blame-free postmortem? Timelines, timeboxes, and more ways to learn from disasters before they happen, when you join Squirrel and Jeffrey on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Airline Safety article - https://asteriskmag.com/issues/05/why-you-ve-never-been-in-a-plane-crash
- Root Cause Analysis slides: https://douglassquirrel.s3.amazonaws.com/rca/hands-on-root-cause.pdf
- Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhoLuui9gX8
- Squirrel Squadron - You can sign up to the free forum here: https://squirrelsquadron.com/
...
2024-05-0821 min
Troubleshooting AgileWar and PeaceWhen disaster looms and results are immediate, joint design really shines by driving informed, prompt, unpopular decisions. Learn how to keep your decision process when all about you are losing theirs, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey,
Links:
- Horowitz on wartime vs peacetime: https://a16z.com/peacetime-ceo-wartime-ceo/
- Squirrel decisiveness story: https://twitter.com/douglassquirrel/status/1782016446689673366
- Source of Livy quote: https://acoup.blog/2024/04/26/collections-phalanxs-twilight-legions-triumph-part-ivc-perseus/
- CITCON Europe 2024, May 24th & 25th: https://citconf.com/zagreb2024/
- Squirrel Squadron: https://squirrelsquadron.com
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a...
2024-05-0117 min
Troubleshooting AgileFalsifying for Fun and ProfitThe Imperial Japanese Navy and Borland Software made the same strategic mistake: testing hypotheses but ignoring negative results. Join your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey to discover what they missed and how you can make falsification work for you on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Shattered Sword: http://www.shatteredswordbook.com/
- Borland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borland
- Bank-robbing story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJVHTQSvUIo
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join...
2024-04-1719 min
Troubleshooting AgileWorking With EeyoreDo you have an "Eeyore" in your technology team, for whom it's all thorns and no roses? Can you help them to be more Tigger.. and would you even want to? Join Squirrel and Jeffrey as they discuss pessimism and burnout on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Eeyore & Tigger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Winnie-the-Pooh_characters
- Previous episode on burnout: https://agileconversations.com/blog/fixing-burnout-by-disagreeing-and-disappointing/
- Unilateral control model vs mutual learning: https://agileconversations.com/blog/directive-vs-mutual-learning/
- Motivational interviewing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivational_interviewing
- Dr. Burns magic button: https://www.psychologytoday...
2024-04-1019 min
Troubleshooting AgileWhy Didn't They Just...Mistakes are only obvious looking backwards, looking forwards, they seem like good ideas. On this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss why they encourage meaningful errors that lead to learning and how a negative result is a sign of a successful experiment.
Links:
- Retrospective Coherence: https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/retrospective-coherence-and-the-road-not-taken/
- Bicycle history: https://rootsofprogress.org/why-did-we-wait-so-long-for-the-bicycle
- Covid predictions: https://thezvi.substack.com/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing...
2024-04-0314 min
Troubleshooting AgileAgile is Dead?Agile is dead, but does anyone care? Cynefin tells us that we should be watching the slope of improvement, not aiming for a mythical "best practice".
Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss why agile is irrelevant, on this episode of the (ironically named) Troubleshooting Agile podcast.
Links:
- Ubiquitous Language: https://martinfowler.com/bliki/UbiquitousLanguage.html
- Cynefin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework
- No Vehicles in the Park episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/no-vehicles-in-the-park
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of...
2024-03-2715 min
Troubleshooting AgileThe Agile SoftwareHas "adopting Jira" become the definition of "being agile"? If so, Squirrel says he’ll find another line of work! Tune in to hear Squirrel and Jeffrey's discussion on using the right tools for certain and uncertain environments, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
- Squirrel’s Jira tweet: https://x.com/douglassquirrel/status/1767536165790376281?s=20
- Chris Matts on Needs and Solutions: https://theitriskmanager.com/2015/04/19/communities-of-need-community-of-solutions/
- Confirmation bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias
- Cynefin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework
- Last week’s episode on certainty and uncertainty: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/decentralisation-dilemmas
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Order...
2024-03-2014 min
Troubleshooting Agile(De)Centralisation DilemmasBuild centralised, standard structures for your tech only when you're sure the terrain isn't moving under your feet and stable software is no guarantee against market avalanches. This week’s episode is all about centralisation and decentralisation, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Wardley Mapping: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardley_map
- Pioneers, Settlers, Town Planners: https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Pioneers_settlers_town_planners
- Cynefin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework
- Entangled Trios: https://www.peterhinssen.com/blog/dealing-with-complexity-in-the-never-normal
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, ge...
2024-03-1314 min
Troubleshooting AgileThe Async-First PlaybookCancel your standup and record your decisions in writing, not conversations. This week on Troubleshooting Agile, Collaborations Expert and Author, Sumeet Moghe joins Squirrel and Jeffrey to explore "async-first" software development.
Links:
- Sumeet Moghe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumeetmoghe/ and https://www.asyncagile.org/
- The Async-First Playbook: https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-gb/insights/books/async-first-playbook
asyncagile.org
- Alistair Cockburn graph: https://agileconversations.com/AlistairCockburnCommunicationGraph.png
- Martin Fowler "Periodic Face-to-Face": https://martinfowler.com/bliki/PeriodicFaceToFace.html
- James Tannier, Effective Remote Work: https://pragprog.com/titles/jsrw/effective-remote-work/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile...
2024-03-0633 min
Troubleshooting AgileGreatest Hits: Learning LoopsThis week on Troubleshooting Agile, we bring you a bumper edition of 2022’s Summer Shorts - Learning Loops. Taking iterative development to heart, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss six learning loop topics in less than five minutes each.
Join us to learn about:
- Basic daily learning loops
- Weekly planning
- Elephant Carpaccio
- Walking the board
- Retrospectives
- OKRs
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, id...
2024-02-2123 min
Troubleshooting AgileNo Vehicles in the Park"Scope" and "requirements" for software rely on a common understanding of basic concepts like "vehicles" or "names" but humans have no idea how to nail down those ideas. Join your host Squirrel and Jeffrey to find out why, and what to do about it, on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- No Vehicles in the Park game: https://novehiclesinthepark.com
- Keith Braithwaite: https://twitter.com/keithb_b
- The Big Book of Concepts: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262632997/the-big-book-of-concepts/
- Falsehoods programmers believe about names: https://www.kalzumeus.com/2010/06/17/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names/
- Cynefin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework
...
2024-02-1421 min
Troubleshooting AgileTindallgramsOne guy you've never heard of kept the Apollo moonshot on track - by holding great meetings and taking super notes. Do your ADRs and Notion pages measure up? We’re talking Bill Tindall and the Tindallgram on today's episode of Troubleshooting Agile with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey. (Some editing snafus mean no intro/outro music this week, but the same juicy words as always!)
Links:
- Tindallgrams archive: https://www.nasa.gov/history/alsj/alsj-Tindallgrams.html
- Bill Tindall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Tindall
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Pl...
2024-02-0722 min
Troubleshooting AgileTeal Data ScienceHow can your organisation be simultaneously fast and collaborative? Foster willingness to fail successfully and collaboratively, while applying strong leadership and accountability. Find out why and how on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Teal Organisations book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinventing_Organizations
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us...
2024-01-3127 min
Troubleshooting AgileOne- and Two-Way DoorsHow can you do risky experiments even in the most risk-averse organisations? Find the answers on this week’s episode as Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss the value of two-way doors and reversible decisions for your tech team and your product.
Links:
- Jeff Bezos on Doors: https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-this-is-how-successful-people-make-such-smart-decisions.html
- Feature Flags: https://martinfowler.com/articles/feature-toggles.html
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any th...
2024-01-2414 min
Troubleshooting AgilePractical SlowificationYou know investing in skills or tech advancements will speed you up, but how to make it happen? Convincing your boss is all kinds of wrong! On this week’s episode of Troubleshooting Agile we discuss why and what works better, with your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Gene Kim, Wiring the Winning Organization: https://myresources.itrevolution.com/id006657164/Wiring-the-Winning-Organization
- Slowification episode: https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/gene-kim-on-winning-organisations-part-ii-slowification
- Trust Conversation: https://itrevolution.com/articles/trust-and-test-driven-development-for-people/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the te...
2024-01-1720 min
Troubleshooting AgileButterfly IdeasUse a shared language to ensure good ideas for your product or team aren't crushed before they get a chance to live. Inspired by Elizabeth Van Nostrand’s article, Jeffrey and Squirrel discuss the concept of “Butterfly Ideas,” on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Butterfly Ideas: https://acesounderglass.com/2022/02/04/butterfly-ideas/
- Wiring the Winning Organisation, Gene Kim: https://itrevolution.com/product/wiring-the-winning-organization/
- Six Thinking Hats: https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/
- Brene Brown, Rising Strong: https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a f...
2024-01-1013 min
Troubleshooting AgileChatGPT Teaches Us About ConversationsChatGPT is a boring writer, but can be a fantastic teacher. This week on Troubleshooting agile, we discuss how you can use AI language models to learn how to have difficult conversations with colleagues and disappoint them helpfully, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
Roger Schwarz's Ted and Paula conversation: in https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/917018/Eight-Behaviors-for-Smarter-Teams-2.pdf
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear...
2024-01-0316 min
Troubleshooting AgileBuilding a Platform Under PressureIncompatible regulations, competing customers - this week, a listener in a government IT agency tells us about his team's difficult challenges. Jeffrey and I recommend a (difficult!) path to platform success on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Books by Gene Kim: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/328437.Gene_Kim
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us...
2023-12-2717 min
Troubleshooting AgileElders of the TribeEffective executives draw on extensive battle scars for guidance and insight. Join your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey to discover how to learn from the elders, and become one yourself, on today's episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at info@agileconversations.com
--------------------------------------------------
About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick first met while...
2023-11-2916 min
Troubleshooting AgileHow to Not Do EverythingTech teams operate best with clearly defined "negative space" that's not in scope - and leaders are more receptive to defining it than they think. Join your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey to learn why the principles of art apply to product development on today's episode of Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Yves Klein: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/klein-ikb-79-t01513
- Kano model: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kano_model
- Trust Conversation: https://itrevolution.com/articles/test-driven-development-for-people/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video...
2023-11-2215 min
Troubleshooting AgileBench SweepsYour niggling worries and minor observations are "bench sweeps", valuable dust that are worth refining into gold. Listen to this week’s episode of Troubleshooting Agile to learn why you shouldn't ignore your gut feelings, with your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey!
Links:
- Not "Eureka" but "That's Funny": https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/03/02/eureka-funny/
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us...
2023-11-1512 min
Troubleshooting AgileImmediacy and FrequencyKnow what users think of your software as soon as it's done - the secret is immediacy and frequency. Listen to today’s episode to find out how daily feedback is absolutely possible, with your hosts Squirrel and Jeffrey on Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- Glidepath Indicator: https://agileconversations.com/blog/glideslope/
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at...
2023-11-0813 min
Troubleshooting AgileAgility Across DepartmentsToday on Troubleshooting Agile, we answer a listener’s question on how to get disparate teams co-operating on a shared objective - and how to get them sharing bad news! Listen to hear our discussion and solutions, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Trust Conversation: https://itrevolution.com/articles/test-driven-development-for-people/
- Psychological Safety: https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/
- Jonah Jameson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Jonah_Jameson
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join ou...
2023-11-0116 min
Troubleshooting AgileDigging Into Constructive ConflictWhat to do when your tech team isn't arguing (productively!)? Join us on Troubleshooting Agile to learn practical ideas for discovering shared facts and creating constructive conflict, with your hosts, Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Test-Driven Development for People: https://itrevolution.com/articles/test-driven-development-for-people/
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your...
2023-10-2516 min
Troubleshooting AgileMissing Conversations Part IV: Productive ConflictAn underperforming tech team is missing something, but what? This week on Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey share part three of their 3-stage diagnostics for discovering missing conversations.
Links:
- Stratechery quadrant: https://stratechery.com/2013/the-uncanny-valley-of-a-functional-organization
- The Line: https://themanagershandbook.com/consciousness/the-line
- NVC Feelings and Needs: https://www.sociocracyforall.org/nvc-feelings-and-needs-list/
- Amador, LEAP: https://leapinstitute.org/about/
- Schwarz, Eight Behaviours: https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/917018/Eight-Behaviors-for-Smarter-Teams-2.pdf
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique...
2023-10-1817 min
Troubleshooting AgileMissing Conversations Part III: EngagementAn underperforming tech team is missing something, but what? This week on Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey share part two of their 3-stage diagnostics for discovering missing conversations
Links:
- Edmondson, Teaming: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/7023600
- Liberating Structures: https://www.liberatingstructures.com/
- Anarchic Planning series:
- https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/citcon-open-space-and-lean-coffee-part-i
- https://soundcloud.com/troubleshootingagile/citcon-open-space-and-lean-coffee-part-ii
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any...
2023-10-1113 min
Troubleshooting AgileMissing Conversations Part II: AlignmentAn underperforming tech team is missing something, but what? This week on Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey share part one of their 3-stage diagnostics for discovering missing conversations
Links:
- Simon Sinek, Start With Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
- Toyota Kata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Kata
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at...
2023-10-0410 min
Troubleshooting AgileMissing Conversations Part I: The ChecklistAn underperforming tech team is missing something, but what? This week on Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey share their diagnostics for discovering missing conversations
Links:
- Psychological Safety: https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick first met while working together at...
2023-09-2706 min
Troubleshooting AgileNegative SpaceIs your tech team choosing safety by doing everything, or do you dump more than you do? Join us today on Troubleshooting Agile to uncover the more profitable path through "negative space" with Squirrel and Jeffrey.
Links:
- Previous episode mentioning negative space: https://agileconversations.com/blog/the-two-shirt-solution-for-agile-chaos/
- Where's Wally: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where%27s_Wally%3F
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas...
2023-09-2015 min
Troubleshooting AgileReal ResultsDon't let your engineers outsource risk by settling for a list of tasks, instead give them real business-meaningful targets and permission to fail.
Join your hosts, Jeffrey and Squirrel on this episode of Troubleshooting Agile to talk OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and getting your team in alignment.
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show.
Email us at info@agileconversations...
2023-09-1313 min
Troubleshooting AgileCITCON, Open Space, and Lean Coffee Part IIIGet a behind-the-scenes look at Open Space in action from CITCON organiser, our own Jeffrey Fredrick.
Listen to part three of our three part series to find out how and why you should try anarchic agenda-setting for your next offsite, meeting, or conference.
Links:
CITCON Berlin: https://citconf.com/berlin2023/
- Open Space: https://citconf.com/openspace.php
- Lean Coffee: http://leancoffee.org
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Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to...
2023-09-0617 min
Troubleshooting AgileCITCON, Open Space, and Lean Coffee Part IIGet a behind-the-scenes look at Open Space in action from CITCON organiser, our own Jeffrey Fredrick.
Listen to part two of our three part series to find out how and why you should try anarchic agenda-setting for your next offsite, meeting, or conference.
Links:
- CITCON Berlin: https://citconf.com/berlin2023/
- Open Space: https://citconf.com/openspace.php
- Lean Coffee: http://leancoffee.org
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love...
2023-08-2614 min
Troubleshooting AgileCITCON, Open Space, and Lean Coffee Part IGet a behind-the-scenes look at Open Space in action from CITCON organiser, our own Jeffrey Fredrick. Find out how and why you should try anarchic agenda-setting for your next offsite, meeting, or conference, this week on Troubleshooting Agile.
Links:
- CITCON Berlin: https://citconf.com/berlin2023/
- Open Space: https://citconf.com/openspace.php
- Lean Coffee: http://leancoffee.org
--------------------------------------------------
Order your copy of our book, Agile Conversations at agileconversations.com
Plus, get access to a free mini training video about the technique of Coherence Building when you join our mailing list.
We'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas...
2023-08-2317 min
I Need To F***ing Talk To You64 - Agile teams aren’t that f***ing agile! A conversation with Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Frederick about how to use the power of conversations to change your team cultureIn this episode the boys need to f***ing talk to Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick about the benefits of 'agile conversations' - by changing how you approach conversations in your business you change your culture. We can find that our habits of conversation are deeply ingrained, and powerful cognitive biases work against any change. The good news as Squirrel and Jeffrey explain is that with disciplined practice, you can improve your conversations the way you’d improve your tennis game or your piano playing. Douglas runs a highly engaged community called the Squirrel Squadron, Douglas coaches exe...
2023-04-2556 min
Tech ReadsTech Reads Ep. 9 - Can Agile be used to improve relationships? Authors Douglas Squirrel & Jeffrey FredrickThe science of effective communication using the agile method. This is a replay of our 'live studio audience' podcast with the authors of 'Agile Conversations: Transform Your Conversations, Transform Your Culture.' Learn about applying the concept of agile practices in an unconventional way: to transform how we communicate with one another. Free book preview at: https://amzn.to/3GxJhPO Author Bios: Douglas Squirrel (UK) has been coding for 40+ years. He's worked in fintech, biotech, music, and everything in between. His co-author, Jeffrey Fredrick (California) is an internationally recognized expert in software development and has over twenty-five ye...
2023-04-111h 02
Semaphore UncutAgile Conversations with Jeffrey FredrickIn this episode of Semaphore Uncut, we welcome Jeffrey Fredrick, co-author of Agile Conversations, organizer of CITCON. 🎧 What we talked about:How CITCON Conference was bornHow to bring business metrics to microservicesTechnology adoption lifecycleIs Agile dead?The art of productive conflict and the Four R's frameworkAbout Semaphore UncutIn each episode of Semaphore Uncut, we invite software industry professionals to discuss the impact they are making and what excites them about the emerging technologies.
2021-09-2836 min
ProfoundProfound - Dr Deming - Episode 5 - Jeffrey Fredrick Agile ConversationsAnother great conversation with Jeffrey Fredrick author of Agile Conversations. We cover his background and his views on Deming, Agile and Lean.
2021-05-1744 min
The 6 Figure DeveloperEpisode 187 – Agile Conversations with Fredrick & Squirrel
Douglas Squirrel has been coding for 40 years and has led software teams for 15 of them. He is an executive coach and consulting CTO in London, making use of his extensive experience growing teams and advising startup founders and senior managers. His previous roles included founding CTO at TIM Group and VP Engineering at e-commerce startup Secretsales. He has consulted with a wide variety of London startups including Geckoboard, Lostmy.name, DueDil, Kano, and MarketInvoice.
Jeffrey Fredrick is an internationally recognized expert in software development and has over 25 years’ experience covering both sides of the business/technology div...
2021-03-1544 minThe 6 Figure Developer PodcastEpisode 187 – Agile Conversations with Fredrick & Squirrel
Douglas Squirrel has been coding for 40 years and has led software teams for 15 of them. He is an executive coach and consulting CTO in London, making use of his extensive experience growing teams and advising startup founders and senior managers. His previous roles included founding CTO at TIM Group and VP Engineering at e-commerce startup Secretsales. He has consulted with a wide variety of London startups including Geckoboard, Lostmy.name, DueDil, Kano, and MarketInvoice.
Jeffrey Fredrick is an internationally recognized expert in software development and has over 25 years’ experience covering both sides of the business/technology div...
2021-03-1544 min
Software Delivery in Small BatchesTransforming Conversations with Jeffrey Fredrick & Douglas SquirrelLevel up your soft skills with this episode on "Agile Conversations". The episode begins with a short introduction to the book then dives into the content with the authors. Topics include: "TDD for People", The four R's, The trust conversation, the fear conversation, the why conversation, the commitment conversation, and the accountability conversation.Adam Hawkins' LinksTroubleshooting Agile PodcastJeffrey Fredrick's LinksAgile Conversations BookLondon Organizational Learning MeetupDouglas Squirrel's LinksFree Conversational Dojo Kit
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
2021-03-1556 min
DevOps Sauna from EficodeJeffrey Fredrick and Douglas Squirrel on their talk at The DEVOPS ConferenceSend us a textJeffrey Fredrick and Douglas Squirrel are going to be speaking at The DEVOPS Conference, taking place online on March 23rd & 24th. They talk about how to use techniques from Action Science to have the five key conversations of highly productive teams.You can sign up for The DEVOPS Conference for free at hubs.ly/H0HphR30Jeffrey can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JtfDouglas can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/douglassquirrelTheir book Agile Converations can be found at https://www.conversationaltransformation.com/agile-conversation-book/
2021-03-0811 min
WNRI SPECIAL PROGRAMSWNRI Black History Month Series - The 50 Most Influential Black Music Artist Of All Time #40-#31This hour features Bo Diddly, Otis Redding, Marian Anderson, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, T-Bone Walker, Louis Jordan, Public Enemy, Nina Simone, & Sly & The Family Stone.Plus other Black History Month biographies include Fredrick Douglas, President Barack Obama, & Jackie Robinson.Honorable Mention #4: Wynton Marsalis
2021-02-161h 10
The Idealcast with Gene Kim by IT RevolutionThe Rise of Knowledge Work, and its Structure and Dynamics with Jeffrey FredrickIn the final episode of the first season of The Idealcast, Gene Kim sits down with Jeffrey Fredrick, coauthor of Agile Conversations, to synthesize and reflect upon some of the major themes from the entire season.
In Gene’s continued quest to understand why organizations behave the way they do, Fredrick helps connect the dots and points to new areas that deserve more study. They discuss the nature of knowledge work, including how software creation requires so much more conversation and joint cognitive work, and the challenges this presents. They also dive into the bodies of knowledge tha...
2020-12-031h 51
The Breakdown with Chris ClearfieldEp. 07 - Jeffrey Fredrick & Douglas Squirrel -Change Your Conversations, Change Your CultureI was so excited to chat with my friends Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick. They’re both thoughtful folks who work with technology—but through a very human lens that I appreciate. They’ve written a book called Agile Conversations: Transform Your Conversations, Transform Your Culture, which is both fun to read and extremely useful.
What’s most interesting to me is how their ideas apply outside of technology. I use a similar approach with my clients who are searching for ways to better work with change (and their colleagues).
I hope you enjoy our conversation, and I can’t recommend...
2020-11-101h 00
RunAs RadioPandemic Productivity with Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey FredrickHow is your productivity during the pandemic? And the folks you work with? Richard talks to Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick, authors of Agile Conversations, about how to improve productivity during the pandemic. The conversation turns to how we measure productivity in the first place, and why we were happy with our productivity before the pandemic. Squirrel and Jeffrey talk about being comfortable with how things were - and now that no one is all that comfortable, how do we rethink work, trust, confidence and productivity!
2020-08-1440 min
What the Dev?Agile Conversations with authors Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick - Episode 40 (Bonus)In this bonus episode we talk to Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick, authors of the book Agile Conversations. The authors talk about five conversations teams need to have in order to build trust, alleviate fear, and reach peak performance. You can learn more from Squirrel and Fredrick at this month's Virtual VSM DevCon. Visit events.sdtimes.com/valuestreamdevcon to register today.
2020-07-0221 min
The Product ExperienceTroubleshooting Agile – Jeffrey Fredrick & Douglas Squirrel on The Product ExperienceOne of the tropes we’ve heard again and again is that product people don’t actually build anything. We’re not designers (except when we are) or engineers (unless we can code) or anything actually, y’know, useful. What that viewpoint misses is that we build understanding, alignment, and purpose – and that our best tool is conversations. [...] Read more »The post Troubleshooting Agile – Jeffrey Fredrick & Douglas Squirrel on The Product Experience appeared first on Mind the Product.Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing start...
2020-05-1345 min
Get Popular Authors Audiobooks in Romance, SuspenseMidnight Sun Audiobook by MJ FredrickListen to this audiobook free with a 30-day trial. Go tohttp://hotaudiobook.com/freeTitle: Midnight Sun
Author: MJ Fredrick
Narrator: Erin Mallon
Format: Unabridged
Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
Language: English
Release date: 10-16-13
Publisher: Mary Fechter
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 76 votes
Genres: Romance, Suspense
Publisher's Summary:
This wasnt the adventure shed signed up forA sexy boss, a rough crossing, and pirates - all Brylie Winston wanted was a job to help her earn money to buy her own restaurant. She hopes to earn it by working as a chef on a cruise to Antarctica. But shes slept with her...
2013-10-166h 32