Agile Diary

 Week 5 already. Another busy week and I'm currently working on my assignments before I go Annual Leave. I created a facilitation canvas, which was excellent timing. I have been preparing to do a team lift-off and the canvas helped me gather my thoughts in one place and allowed me to share it with my fellow cohort, Andy. I also got to design an interesting retrospective. I'm planning on using this when after I return from Annual Leave :) Reading is always in abundant in this program. This week  Signal That You Have No Authority - https://newtechusa.net/signal-that-you-have-no-authority/ Positioning Is Signaling - https://newtechusa.net/positioning-is-signaling/ Use Your Body When Facilitating - https://newtechusa.net/use-your-body-when-facilitating/ Invite Facilitation - https://newtechusa.net/invite-facilitation/ It was an interesting read by I really prefer to see this in real life. See it in action so to speak. In our weekly session, we learned about dysfunctional personas ...

 One of our assignments this week (in the Agile Coaching Lab) was to read and reflect on Daniel Mezick series of blog posts called Agile Coaching Lessons. As it is 1.21am in the morning, I'm not even sure if I'll be making much sense. So I'm supposed to think how I could use the lessons in my facilitation? What could I try straightaway?  Mezick writes - "Signal That You Have No Authority"  It is ironic that Agile Coaches are called Agile Coaches (whom are Servant Leaders) - a great example of an oxymoron.  However, the lesson here is to relinquish authority not matter how logical or tempting it may be. But what does that really look like I wonder?  I think, perhaps by adopting a Facilitator's Neutral (Unbiased) Stance may help the team understand that I have no hidden agenda (not am I pushing one). That I come from a place of neutrality. I'm not the subject matter expert nor am I there to tell them what to do.  The neutral stance may look something lik...

Yet another 'rush-of-my-feet'. And I did not get as much done as I had hope. Once again, I am exhausted as I type this. Our Tuesday class did not go as well, as I had hoped. That was because I had not completed my part of a group exercise. I read the material quickly but did not do the activity. And that set the tone for the entire session (for me anyway). I felt quite rebellious that evening. One of our exercise this week was to create a micro-training program with two of my fellow cohort. Had to use Loom again, which didn't turn out very well this time. I couldn't seem to get the camera working, so had to do audio only. I got there in the end (managed to hand assignment in on time, at least). We had to apply what we learned from our Tuesday session (training from the back of the room). As a coach, there will be times when we will have to teach and train. We had learned about the 'Six Trumps' - it definitely trumps traditional learning . Here they are -  Moveme...

This week has been normal so far. Nothing like last week. Feeling a little calmer. We received feedback on our pitch. Great constructive feedback from my fellow cohort members. Stuff that I can really use. What a great place to practice and feel safe at the same time (thanks to everyone). I really enjoyed our workshop this week.  Two things this stood out for me in the Tuesday workshop was GROW and AWE.  Easy to remember, and simple to put into practice. And I already have with some success. Yay! 'I see you. I hear you. And what you say matters to me' - active LISTENING and MIRRORING skills. This actually requires a lot more practice. It requires a lot of conscious effort. And I'm thankful that I get to practice this everyday (although this is all very consciously at the moment). I also found the agile coaching dojo very useful . I got to know Rasha, a little more. After recording our coaching session, we had a chance to talk a little more. I found this relaxing and enjoy...

Only week 2, I don't think I'm going to make it. Work has been full-on and with Agile Coaching Lab assignments, I'm about to throw the towel in. I'm not sure if this level of commitment to work, lab assignments and family is sustainable. I haven't had any time to wind down all week. Okay ... enough with the self pity now. On the positive side. I learned to use a new cool tool called Loom, to record my very dry elevator pitch. I'm not sure if I even convinced myself. But at least, its done and submitted. I can't wait to see team members submissions. I had the opportunity to work with Rasha and Jas, on the presentation slides this week. I thought, we worked really well together. Okay, the above was written last night. Just after I posted my elevator pitch. Not feeling so great today either.

Spend some time reflecting on what you have learned about feedback - both receiving and giving.  What was new, what was surprising, what you already knew?  Radical Candor is new to me. However, the description of behaviours, I am familiar with. It's communication and not a conversation. What could you apply straightaway? And what would require some practice? I tend to try and find the right words (that tends to drag things out). Using something like BSI and getting ready beforehand will certainly help with delivery. What would you like to change in the way how you receive and give feedback? I've appreciate honest feedback. I endeavour to do the same (for the person I provide feedback to). This has not changed except perhaps delivery (using BSI feedback guidance). What else did you learn? What would you like the world to know about feedback? Ask for permission to give feedback. No everyone is interested in feedback or want it. If they agree, that already opens the door better c...