Work moves only between recurring sessions. Actions picked up right before the meeting, clarified during it, stalled until the next slot. Calendar inertia, not flow. Why this matters: Classic Lean waste: delays, over-processing, rework, bloated WIP. Decisions depend on people who may or may not attend. Leadership capacity burns on synchronisation rather than value. We’ve … Read more
So very true, Daniel Pink. When leaders see autonomy as a core part of their strategy—not just a “nice to have”—they unlock higher engagement, better results, and a thriving culture. Over the last three decades, I’ve come to view autonomy as essential to business agility. It’s a direct influence on how effectively teams and organizations … Read more
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
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
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
In today’s fast-paced world, smarter working is the name of the game. It’s time to ditch the old-school mentality of “butts in seats” and embrace a culture of trust and autonomy. When we focus on outcomes rather than physical presence, we create an environment where teams can truly thrive. (what do I know, I’ve been … Read more