Product or Service?

This week, I had an interesting conversation about strategy and organisational design. The key question was: “Are we a product or a service company?” Which led me to think about the difference between a product and a service. In my experience, both perspectives have been helpful, so I thought it’s just a “yes, and…” thing. […]
Meet Olaf in London
Over the next five months, I’ll be in London quite regularly. I was invited to give two trainings and speak at two conferences! That provides opportunities to meet, to work … If you’re in London or the UK and want to meet, these are your options: April 27/28: Clean Language for Agile Coaches with Judy […]
Self-Facilitation Cards

For some years, I’ve used a simple trick to greatly increase effectiveness in meetings: Let everyone draw a “1” on a sticky note, then give them this instruction: One Minute Card “Raise this card whenever you feel the current conversation or speaker should come to an end within one minute.” When first introduced, this […]
Surprisability
In the past we’ve built businesses and organisations to last. We were afraid. We needed predictability to feel safe. Now we have the confidence to grow businesses that offer less safety yet more creativity, serendipity and fun. We foster the surprisability of organisations: Our ability to grow from surprises, to rise strong from falling. This […]
State of Agile Retrospective

Within a longer process of change, maybe an agile transformation, you might at some point want to reflect where you are, and what to do next. A side-effect of boosting engagement, creating a sense of movement and purpose, might be beneficial. This is an example of a retrospective I’ve done in such a situation. Make Sense […]
Pair Programming Economics
I’m at OOP this week and had the pleasure yesterday to meet James Grenning for the first time. We had an inspiring conversation last night exchanging tips and strategies on how we inspire developers to try XP practices like TDD and pair programming. I really like his approach for TDD. James asks devs at the […]
Agile: a Courageous Choice (pecha kucha)

My submission to ScrumGathering Phoenix SGPHX next year. Today is the last day to submit sessions for #SGPHX!! Submit your session today and share your #scrum knowledge! http://t.co/QCqupQtN6c — Scrum Alliance (@ScrumAlliance) November 30, 2014 Agile—A Courageous Choice Agile is a courageous choice. To leave the comfort zone of the known and explore the boundaries […]