Many teams have a relatively easy time adopting the tactical aspects of agile methodologies. Usually a few classes, some tools’ introduction, and a bit of practice lead teams toward fairly efficient execution. However, these teams are quite often simply going through the motions—neither maximizing their agile performance nor delivering as much value as they could. Borrowing from their experience and lean software development methods, Bob Galen and Mary Thorn explore high-performance team patterns, which are the thinking models of mature agile teams, including large-scale emergent...
Bob Galen
An agile methodologist, practitioner, and coach, Bob Galen helps guide leaders and teams in their pragmatic adoption and organizational shift toward Scrum and other agile methods. Bob is often called “a Coach of Coaches” because of his deep and broad experience in the agile arena. He is director, agile practices at Zenergy Technologies; president of RGCG, LLC; and a frequent speaker at international conferences and professional groups on topics of agile software development. Bob authored Three Pillars of Agile Quality and Testing, Scrum Product Ownership, and Agile Reflections. A prolific writer, blogger, and podcaster, Bob can be reached at [email protected] or at LinkedIn.
Speaker Presentations
Learning How to Lead High-Performing Agile Teams
Sold Out!Currently much of agile adoption—coaching, advice, techniques, training, and even the empathy—revolves around the agile teams. Leaders are typically ignored, marginalized at best, and in the worst cases even vilified. But Bob Galen and Mary Thorn contend that there is a central and important role for managers and leaders within agile environments. Join Bob and Mary as they explore the patterns of mature agile managers and leaders. Examine why those who understand servant leadership know how to effectively support, grow, coach, and empower their agile teams in ways that increase the team's...
Lightning Strikes the Keynotes
Lightning Talks consist of a series of five-minute talks by different speakers within one presentation period. Lightning Talks are the opportunity for speakers to deliver their single biggest bang-for-the-buck idea in a rapid-fire presentation. Some of the best-known experts will step up to the podium and give you their best shot of lightning. Get multiple keynote presentations for the price of one—and have some fun at the same time.
Clone of Lightning Strikes the Keynotes
Lightning Talks consist of a series of five-minute talks by different speakers within one presentation period. Lightning Talks are the opportunity for speakers to deliver their single biggest bang-for-the-buck idea in a rapid-fire presentation. Some of the best-known experts will step up to the podium and give you their best shot of lightning. Get multiple keynote presentations for the price of one—and have some fun at the same time.
Agile Leadership Conversations in the Fishbowl
It can be lonely at the top. Trying to find other leaders who are having the same problem and issues you have and are willing to take a few minutes and help solve problems is really hard. One solution that Bob Galen has found works well is the "fishbowl" conversation. The fishbowl activity is also great for keeping a focused conversation while in a large group of people. At any time, only a few people have a conversation—the fish in the fishbowl. The remaining people are listeners—the ones watching the fishbowl. The caveat is that the listeners can join the discussion at any moment. In...
Shu-Ha-Ri Applied to Agile Leadership
Far too many agile instances either fail or underperform because the leadership team members don’t sufficiently understand agility and their role within it. They don’t understand the fundamentals or how to map them to effective execution. But the larger problem is that they (and the organization) are unaware of the gaps. In this session, we’ll explore a basic assessment model for determining agile leadership maturity as a means of gauging and improving leadership's understanding and your overall effectiveness in applying agile. You'll break into small groups and assess the leadership...
Solution Group Discussion Part I
Problem Definition—We'll be breaking out into small, collaborative groups that will work on brainstorming. In this 1-hour session, we'll be focusing on accurately defining the problem and establishing clear acceptance criteria to laser focus the problem you're trying to solve.
Solution Group Discussion Part II
Brainstorming & Solutioning—Within the groups, you'll brainstorm a set of potential solutions (experiments, ideas, tactics, changes, etc.) as a way of attacking the problem you identified in Part-1. The goal will be to present these solutions outward to the larger group, so clear articulation of your solution strategy is required.
Solution Group Discussion Part III
Results Sharing—Each group will share their strategies. Not only presenting results, but being open to group-based questions, feedback, and challenge. We will be looking to "strengthen" each group's ideas by adding in those from the larger group.
Solution Group Discussion Wrap–Up
Final Wrap-up—Agile leadership Summit chair Bob Galen, will explore a quick set of idea & techniques for helping you engage and accelerate some of the strategies you've discovered as you land back in your home organizations.