Kulsoom Pervez: The Struggle for Team Unity, And How To Recognize Our Limits As Scrum Masters

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

In this episode, Kulsoom shares her experience with a group of skilled individuals who struggled to function as a team. As their Scrum Master, she noticed a lack of accountability and ownership, issues with completing sprint stories, and a blame culture during retrospectives. The team, marred by tension between developers and QA, created an unhealthy environment. Despite her efforts to revitalize retrospectives and foster change, progress was slow and draining. Eventually, Kulsoom and several team members left the company, leading her to understand the limits of her influence and the importance of self-care and mental health for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches.

Featured Book Of The Week: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Grenny et al.

Kulsoom delves into how the book "Crucial Conversations" profoundly influenced her role as a Scrum Master. She emphasizes the book's impact in shaping her approach to crucial conversations, vital for anyone in a change agent role like hers. Highlighting the importance of courage and skill, Kulsoom discusses the book's framework for managing critical discussions effectively. She underscores how having a structured approach to conversations is essential for effective communication and problem-solving in agile environments.

[IMAGE HERE] Do you wish you had decades of experience? Learn from the Best Scrum Masters In The World, Today! The Tips from the Trenches - Scrum Master edition audiobook includes hours of audio interviews with SM’s that have decades of experience: from Mike Cohn to Linda Rising, Christopher Avery, and many more. Super-experienced Scrum Masters share their hard-earned lessons with you. Learn those today, make your teams awesome!  

About Kulsoom Pervez

Kulsoom is passionate about constructing sustainable, resilient, and high-performing teams, consistently delivering value to customers through the transformative power of Agility. She embodies a leadership style that inspires, empowers, and fosters the growth of her colleagues. Kulsoom enjoys reading and has also dabbled in blogging.

You can link with Kulsoom Pervez on LinkedIn.

Tests To Become Your Testimony

Highlights from this episode of Crushing the Day:

💥 What are the major commitments you've made you haven't closed the deal on yet? 💥

💥 There is something you need to complete to BREAK THROUGH. 💥

💥 Cut away the weight to make the elevation happen. 💥

GO OUT...

...AND CRUSH THE DAY!!!

Favorite Quote: 

"The only way a test can become your testimony is to finish the job."

Check out the all-new designs for your favorite “CALL THE DAMN LEADS” merchandise and Apparel! www.callthedamnleads.com

Pick up a copy of Drewbie's "Crushing the Day" book at crushingtheday.com.

Go to www.Audible.com and download your copy of the #1 Best Seller “Crushing the Day” audiobook today!

You can also grab a copy of Drewbie's NEW Best-selling book "Social Media Mastery: A Simple Formula for Business and Entrepreneurs" right HERE! 

By leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, YOU give so many MORE people the opportunity to start Crushing the Day! 

Go out and be the best version of yourself TODAY!

Have The Hard Conversations

Highlights from this episode of Crushing the Day:

💥 You know what the hard conversations are. 💥

💥 Taboo conversations with your friends, family, and inner circle.💥

💥 We ALL have to have them. 💥

Favorite Quote: 

"The harder the conversation, the more important it is...the step you need to take to where you want to go."

Pick up a copy of Drewbie's "Crushing the Day" book at crushingtheday.com.

Go to www.Audible.com and download your copy of the #1 Best Seller “Crushing the Day” audiobook today!

You can also grab a copy of Drewbie's NEW Best selling book "Social Media Mastery: A Simple Formula for Business and Entrepreneurs" right HERE! 

By leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, YOU give so many MORE people the opportunity to start Crushing the Day! 

Download the free Integrated Business guide at www.restorationgroup.co/guide

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Eliza Gregory: The Power of Crucial Conversations, Helping Resolve Conflicts in Change Management

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

In this episode, Eliza discusses a specific experience in a new company where processes were not yet solidified. She describes a situation where an external person, known as the "JIRA god," had access to her team's backlog and re-opened an item without consulting the team. This led to an argument and conflict, prompting Eliza to apply the Crucial Conversations techniques to resolve the issue. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different expectations and avoiding judgment during such conversations. Eliza shares tips, including clarifying the desired outcome and the benefits of the proposed change, as most people are unlikely to change unless they see the benefits. She also suggests taking a break from the computer, seeking feedback and support from other scrum masters, and giving the situation time to evolve. Ultimately, she highlights the significance of effective communication and patience in navigating conflicts.

[IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.

About Eliza Gregory

Eliza Gregory has worked as a Project Manager, Scrum Master, and Agile Coach for U.S. Defense and the German automotive industry. She uses teachings from Agile to hone her writing process, and has a new novel out this May about an IT Project Manager coping with burnout and work stress. Originally from Virginia, she now resides in Bavaria, Germany.

You can link with Eliza Gregory on LinkedIn and connect with Eliza Gregory on Twitter, and you can read about her novel Painting the Whiskey Blue. 

Eliza Gregory: Addressing Communication Issues by Building Trust and Safety With The Scrum Team

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

In this episode, Eliza shares a story about an international team that faced trouble with communication and escalation issues. The team initially attempted to create team agreements using a shared whiteboard. However, Eliza later discovered that team members were escalating concerns directly to management without involving her. This raised concerns about whether the team felt safe communicating with her. Eliza offers the tip of addressing this issue through one-on-one conversations, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for team members to express themselves. She found that these coaching conversations had the most significant impact. Eliza advises making it clear to team members that you are there to listen and understand their concerns. Additionally, she recommends setting up one-on-one meetings and allowing individuals to define the cadence that suits them best. Eliza also suggests conducting more workshops, especially for teams that are not yet mature, to facilitate better communication and collaboration.

Featured Book of the Week: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Grenny et al.

In this segment, Eliza describes the book "Crucial Conversations." She highlights that the book is dense and cannot be read in one sitting. Although it is not specifically focused on Agile or Scrum, it delves into conversations that occur when emotions are high and people feel unsafe or threatened. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space and presents essential skills for effective communication with one's team and others. Eliza emphasizes the significance of recognizing within oneself when entering a crucial conversation.

[IMAGE HERE] Do you wish you had decades of experience? Learn from the Best Scrum Masters In The World, Today! The Tips from the Trenches - Scrum Master edition audiobook includes hours of audio interviews with SM’s that have decades of experience: from Mike Cohn to Linda Rising, Christopher Avery, and many more. Super-experienced Scrum Masters share their hard-earned lessons with you. Learn those today, make your teams awesome!  

About Eliza Gregory

Eliza Gregory has worked as a Project Manager, Scrum Master, and Agile Coach for U.S. Defense and the German automotive industry. She uses teachings from Agile to hone her writing process, and has a new novel out this May about an IT Project Manager coping with burnout and work stress. Originally from Virginia, she now resides in Bavaria, Germany.

You can link with Eliza Gregory on LinkedIn and connect with Eliza Gregory on Twitter, and you can read about her novel Painting the Whiskey Blue.

Are you a manager struggling to have a tough conversation with a disgruntled employee? Navigating difficult conversations with team members who are unhappy or frustrated can be a daunting task. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, you can turn these conversations into productive opportunities for growth and development. In this article, we'll explore how to master the art of conversation and give you easy steps to improve your conversation skills to have conversations that matter.

Great leaders have demonstrated the importance of engaging in direct, honest conversations when challenges arise. For example, during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of open dialogue to bridge gaps and build understanding. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln, known for his exceptional leadership skills, often held private meetings to address conflicts and frustrations within his administration.

Here are some easy steps to improve your conversation skills and manage difficult conversations:

1. Schedule a one-on-one meeting: Schedule the meeting a few hours to one business day in advance to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety.

2. Set a meeting agenda: Provide a clear agenda to ease nerves and help both parties prepare for the conversation.

3. Enter the conversation with an open mind: Avoid making assumptions and strive to understand the employee's perspective.

4. Figure out why your employee is frustrated: Ask open-ended questions and empathize with their concerns.

5. Acknowledge what they share with you: Let the employee know that you've heard and understood their perspective.

6. Focus on performance, not personality: Ground the conversation in objective measures of performance.

7. Give constructive, direct feedback: Be honest, direct, and kind when delivering negative feedback.

8. Get to know their career goals: Understand employee ambitions to better support their growth and development.

9. Take meeting notes throughout: Keep a clear record of the conversation to track progress and follow up on action items.

10. Close out with a conversation recap: Summarize key talking points and align on next steps.

Remember, even the most experienced leaders must navigate difficult conversations. The key to success is adopting the right mindset and treating employees with respect. By following these tips, you can master the art of conversation and transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth and mutual understanding.

In conclusion, mastering the art of conversation can help you become a better leader and improve your communication skills. If you are struggling with tough conversations, try these easy steps to manage them successfully. Remember to respect your team members and treat them with kindness and empathy. By doing so, you can create an environment that fosters growth and development for everyone.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

As a response to the many emails that life coach Andrea Morton receives with requests for coaching feedback, she has launched a new part of the Infinite Capacity Podcast called “Ask Andrea” where listeners can write in with questions (that will be presented anonymously) and receive feedback on air about their dilemmas.

Today’s podcast features a letter from “Feeling Like Cinderella” who is trying to navigate a tricky relationship with her husband’s three older sisters.

In her response, Andrea Morton will highlight some great principles from the book, “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler.

The tips in this great podcast will help you improve your difficult relationships AND hone your ability to communicate and connect in 2023!

You can get your copy of “Crucial Conversations” here on Amazon or from your favorite local bookseller!


(Direct Link: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822)

Need some coaching feedback about your own life? Ask Andrea your question by emailing andrea@thinktothrivecoaching.com!

You can also reach out via Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn @thinktothrivecoaching

Jonny Craig talks with Pam Dykstra about Crucial Conversations.

Pam is an Experienced Master Trainer working in the professional training & coaching industry. Skilled in Customer Service, Coaching, Organizational Development, Team Building, and Public Speaking, she is on the team at VitalSmarts.com.

Take your free Style Under Stress Assessment here!

Don't listen to this episode with taking a few minutes after it to jot down some critical next steps you need to take in applying what you've learned!

The importance of communication in today's world can't be emphasized enough. We use communication in every walk of life. If you want to be successful in your professional or personal life, you must learn how to communicate effectively. There are many different types of communication ranging from verbal and non-verbal; both of these have their own significance and purpose and need the right skillsets to be used properly. Communication is one skill that everyone should have because it makes things easier for everyone involved, especially when working with others.

Hey everyone, in today's episode of The Mary Guirovich Show, we're joined by Amanda Box. Amanda is a communication coach with 20+ years of experience in business writing and customer service communications. She's also the self-proclaimed communication evangelist and her philosophy is the foundation for our conversation today.  Tune in to hear more!

Connect with Mary:

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Amanda’s Bio:

The success of your communication determines your success in every other aspect of your life. As the self-proclaimed communication evangelist, that philosophy is the foundation for Amanda Box while teaching and facilitating the fundamentals of communication. Her 25+ year career has been spent in a dual role of teaching on the college level and consulting with business and industry. She was a full-time college professor for 10 years and spent four years as the public relations professional for a non-profit. Her current career focuses on presentation skills, conflict management, communication through change, business writing and grammar, customer service, media training, team building, interpersonal communication, and listening skills.

The importance of communication in today's world can't be emphasized enough. We use communication in every walk of life. If you want to be successful in your professional or personal life, you must learn how to communicate effectively. There are many different types of communication ranging from verbal and non-verbal; both of these have their own significance and purpose and need the right skillsets to be used properly. Communication is one skill that everyone should have because it makes things easier for everyone involved, especially when working with others.

Hey everyone, in today's episode of The Mary Guirovich Show, we're joined by Amanda Box. Amanda is a communication coach with 20+ years of experience in business writing and customer service communications. She's also the self-proclaimed communication evangelist and her philosophy is the foundation for our conversation today.  Tune in to hear more!

In Today’s Episode We Discuss: 

• Who Amanda is [00:23]
• What is a communication coach and why do you need one?[01:33]
• What role does courage play in a conversation? [07:39]
• Nonverbal communication is more than the words [12:07]
• Why news anchor face is important [13:48]
• Disc training different personality types, different communication styles and the three to five sentence mark [17:39]
• Amazing tips for us to help us speak up more [19:58]
• Building confidence, earning credibility and creating a habit that works for you [23:45]
• How to deal with interruptions using the pocket phrases [24:27]
• Top five tips for handling a conflict [26:39]
• Ways to get more curious in a situation [31:31]
• How to communicate in a lower tone if your natural tone is higher [36:22]
• What unleashed awesome is [41:56]
• In Amanda's life, who have been her most significant mentors? [44:48]
• The voice of God in communication and self-promotion.[46:04]

• Amanda's advice to women who are interested in starting a career but have not yet been selected [47:52]

• About Amanda’s career struggles and misconceptions  [49:04

Connect with Amanda 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxCommunicationInc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-box-66493111/

box.amanda@icloud.com
601-896-4622

Resources Mentioned:

Follow the Podcast

Book: Crucial Conversations

Leadership Bootcamp at https://leadershipbootcampforwomeninministry.com/

Follow & Review on Apple Podcasts

Are you following my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today so you don’t miss any future episodes! I would also appreciate it if you would leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! I read each of them, and they help me make sure I am providing the content that you love to hear!

In this episode, Tara and Miranda have a follow-up discussion on the previous episode and answer the question "What do we do after we acknowledge how we feel?"   The ability to express ourselves productively is another way we can redefine control in our lives and your hosts break down a few tips and tricks they use for navigating even the toughest of conversations.   

In today's episode, we're going to be looking at those conversations that you need to have, but aren't necessarily looking forward to, often called crucial conversations, we'd like to think that they don't get to be crucial confrontations, but sometimes they get there too.

Here are the resources I mention:

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Crucial Confrontations by Kerry Patterson

Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Today we are going to talk about James 5:16. This can be misunderstood to believe that real healing happens when we confess our sins to each other. God still does the healing and forgiving of sins. We will discuss what it means not to hide from each other when there are difficult or crucial conversations to be had within the church. Let's not avoid or hide from each other but find the healing God has for us. 

Tabor website mentioned in the show for today: taborchicago.org 

The music on the podcast is by John Nugent. He is a musician in the Chicagoland area and has been a great blessing to Tabor Church.