Kyle Aretae: Is Agile compatible with the North American culture?

In this episode, we reflect on the fit between North American culture and Agile culture. We discuss some of the characteristics that define North American culture, and how that contrasts with other cultures. Specifically, we discuss why Lean, something that came from Japan, might be completely different in the way the individual is part of the approach to work.

In this episode, we refer to Ceremony: A Profound New Method for Achieving Successful and Sustainable Change by Kyle Aretae and Thomas Meloche, and The Scrum Princess by Kyle and Demi Aretae, which explains Scrum to children.

About Kyle Aretae

Kyle has been programming since ’81. Teaching since ’91. Practicing Agile (Extreme Programming – XP) since 2000. Kyle is always interested first in better ways to understand things and systems. Especially interested in Complex (CAS/VUCA) Systems like building software or the economy at large.

You can find Kyle Areate at DiamondAgile.com, or link with Kyle Areate on LinkedIn.

Kyle Aretae on the success metrics that help Scrum Masters improve

In this episode, Kyle contributes some of his thoughts on metrics, and how they can help Scrum Masters measure their own, and the team’s success. This reflection has led him to define a set of metrics to assess the Agility in a team. Listen in to learn about the metrics that Kyle defines as the success barometer for him as Scrum Master, as well as for the team.

Featured Retrospective for the Week: Repeatable and focusing on positive energy

When Kyle reaches for his favorite retrospective formats he wants one that he is familiar with, and that improves the positive energy in the team. In the retrospective, as well as in other Scrum ceremonies he facilitates he asks 3 questions designed to assess how well that particular instance of the ceremony delivered value. Listen in to learn what are Kyle’s 3 questions.

About Kyle Aretae

You can find Kyle Areate at DiamondAgile.com, or link with Kyle Areate on LinkedIn.

Kyle Aretae on change models, and change practice for Scrum Masters

Kyle’s own journey when learning about change led him to understand the importance of focusing on the organizational aspects, not just the team he was working with. In this episode, we explore several different change models and end up with a set of tips that Kyle has learned over time work for organizational, not just team-level, change.

In this episode we refer to John Kotter’s 8-step process for change, Organization Change: Theory and Practice by W. Warner Burke, and David Cooperrider’s Appreciative Inquiry.

About Kyle Aretae

You can find Kyle Areate at DiamondAgile.com, or link with Kyle Areate on LinkedIn.

Kyle Aretae on how Scrum Masters can help teams address conflict without a blow-up

For Kyle, Agile solves 2 problems. One is the building of software in a better, more sustainable manner. The other is to create a functioning organization, which will become a better place to work. In this episode, Kyle also explains how a simple technique can help the team address behavior that negatively affects the team without ever making that a personal conflict.

Featured Book of the Week: Darwin’s Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennet

Kyle was struck by the book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennet. It helped him understand the enormous difference between plannable systems and evolutionary systems. That helped him understand the impact that Agile could have on organizations. During his research after reading that book he also came across Interactual Ritual Chains by Randall Collins, which helped him understand the role of (Scrum) ceremonies in the development of the team, and ultimately led him to write one of his own books: Ceremony: A Profound New Method for Achieving Successful and Sustainable Change by Kyle Aretae and Thomas Meloche

About Kyle Aretae

You can find Kyle Areate at DiamondAgile.com, or link with Kyle Areate on LinkedIn.

Kyle Aretae on what Scrum Masters must focus on, beyond the teams

Kyle’s background as a developer has informed his view of how teams can achieve the level of collaboration needed to be successful in an Agile environment. Having read Kent Beck’s Extreme Programming Explained book, he started to work with developers, helping them improve their ways of working. But that wasn’t enough. In this episode, we explore what is beyond the team that can make or break an Agile transition.

About Kyle Aretae

You can find Kyle Areate at DiamondAgile.com, or link with Kyle Areate on LinkedIn.