While there is some debate within the Scrum community, the Product Owner accountability is often described as the most difficult accountability in Scrum. In this two-part blog series, I want to highlight 10 ways to become a great Product Owner. The first five of these recommendations are as follows: 10.) Have a Product Vision –...Read More

The Tipping Point We’ve seen many articles recently about how our society is finally demanding change related to racial bias in policing.  We are seeing reforms proposed at local, state and national levels.  Some of these proposals are small and incremental in nature while others are radical transformations.  As is typical in change efforts, these...Read More

In an earlier post I talked about defining every position in the context five roles:  Producer; Talent & Resource Manager; Innovator & Entrepreneur; Personal & Team Developer; and Friend & Citizen.  In this post I argue for limitations on vertical hierarchy. I think most organizations currently have too many levels of vertical distinction.  In non-management...Read More

“We have to have people work on multiple teams.” “We can’t afford to have a dedicated Scrum Master.” “Everything is a number one priority—we need it all!” “We have to have a signed document prior to moving forward.” “We have to measure utilization.” I have heard these and several similar statements frequently in my time...Read More

Initiative is “the energy or aptitude displayed in an initiation of action, or an introductory step,” says Merriam-Webster. In short, you need it to act—to move forward.   The Four Levels of Initiative As a leader, it’s important to understand the four levels of initiative that your team exhibits. Knowing where they fall now can...Read More

I have had, and continue to have, an eclectic career—on purpose. Besides being more interesting, it has also protected me from a “follow-the-herd” mentality that’s all too common in just about every profession and industry. It enables me to look at situations and see things others may not, and to find connections that might otherwise...Read More

Initiative is “the energy or aptitude displayed in an initiation of action, or an introductory step,” says Merriam-Webster. In short, you need it to act—to move forward. The Four Levels of Initiative As a leader, it’s important to understand the four levels of initiative that your team exhibits. Knowing where they fall now can help...Read More