Can Ethnographic Methods Enhance the Effectiveness of Agile Coaching?

In my previous posts, I argued that agile coaching doesn’t just venture into ethnographic territory. I think it depends on it. Let’s dig deeper into why this is true, and what it means for anyone serious about leading change in complex organizations. Ethnographic methods can significantly enhance Agile coaching by providing deep, context-sensitive insights into team dynamics, cultural norms, … Read more

Agile Coaching: Why It Depends on Ethnographic Practice

In my last post, I argued that agile coaching doesn’t just venture into ethnographic territory. I think it depends on it. Let’s dig deeper into why this is true, and what it means for anyone serious about leading change in complex organizations. Agile and Ethnography: More Than Just Surface Similarities At first glance, agile and ethnography might seem worlds … Read more

Does Agile Coaching Venture Into Ethnographic Territory?

When people think of agile coaching, they often picture frameworks, ceremonies, and sticky notes. But beneath the surface, the most effective agile coaches are doing something deeper-something that looks a lot like ethnography. Agile Coaches as Organizational Ethnographers Ethnography is the study of people in their natural environments. Traditionally used by anthropologists, it’s about observing, listening, and … Read more

Winter Is Here: Surviving the Continuous Improvement Chill (and How to Bring Back the Spring)

I’ve been rewatching Game of Thrones lately. The epic American fantasy drama created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO, based on George R. R. Martin’s brilliant A Song of Ice and Fire novels. If you’re a fan, you know the phrase that echoes through every season: “Winter is coming.” Lately, I can’t help … Read more