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In this episode of the Definitely, Maybe Agile podcast, hosts Peter Maddison and Dave Sharrock are joined by special guest Kate Megaw to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of remote and hybrid work. The trio delves into the challenges leaders face in transitioning from traditional management styles to more adaptive, trust-based approaches. They discuss the importance of empathy, outcome-focused leadership, and the need for organizations to invest in developing leadership skills at all levels. The conversation touches on the complexities of maintaining team engagement, the value of in-person interactions, and strategies for effective remote leadership.

This week´s takeaways:

• Leaders must shift from managing work to leading people, focusing on coaching and building trust rather than micromanaging tasks, especially in remote and hybrid environments.
• Effective leadership, particularly in remote settings, requires increased emphasis on empathy, regular check-ins, and building relationships with team members beyond work-related discussions.
• Companies need to invest more in leadership training and development, recognizing that leadership is a skill set that requires ongoing support and education, not just a title or promotion.

Don't miss this episode! Tune in now to discover how leaders can adapt and thrive in the modern work environment. Listen to it today!

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In this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock dive into the often misunderstood concept of "Definition of Done" and its crucial role in measuring and maintaining quality in agile teams. They explore how this simple yet powerful tool can significantly impact team discipline, product quality, and overall project success. The hosts discuss common challenges teams face in adhering to their Definition of Done and offer insights on effectively implementing and maintaining this practice.

This week´s takeaways:

• The true value lies in developing team discipline to consistently meet the agreed-upon criteria, not just in creating the list itself.
• Should be viewed as a "tax on delivery" - a necessary investment in quality that may slightly reduce immediate output but prevents future rework and technical debt.
• The implementation requires buy-in from the entire team, including product owners, and should be kept to a manageable 5-10 items to ensure consistent adherence.

Whether you're a seasoned agile practitioner or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable lessons on the balance between quality and commitment, ensuring your team's work stands the test of time.

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In this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, hosts Peter Maddison and David Sharrock explore the complex dynamics between rational and emotional decision-making in organizations, particularly when implementing new ways of working at scale. They discuss the challenges of presenting data-driven solutions and the often unexpected emotional responses these can trigger. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of decision-making, including the impact of past experiences, and the importance of recognizing and addressing emotional responses in professional settings. Peter and Dave offer insights on effective communication strategies, the significance of timing and presentation methods, and the need to understand hidden incentives that may influence reactions to proposed changes.

This week´s takeaways:

• Recognize when a discussion is becoming unproductive due to emotional responses, and be willing to step back, listen, and allow time for tensions to dissipate before proceeding.
• Tailor your presentation of data and information to your audience, keeping it simple and clear.
• Be aware of hidden incentives or underlying factors that may be influencing someone's response to a proposed change. Listen actively to understand their perspective and concerns beyond the surface-level reaction.

Don't miss this episode brimming with practical advice and actionable strategies for navigating the intricate landscape of organizational decision-making.