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How I Memorised the Scrum Values
When Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland added the five values of Scrum to the Scrum Guide in the 2016 iteration, it created a new, rich dimension to the framework. Much like the Agile Manifesto, having a set of values as well as more detailed principles gives the reader a sense of direction. In conditions so…
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The Chatham House Rule
A simple but powerful facilitation technique developed at a unique and fascinating institution…
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Writing with (Economist) Style
I’ve said elsewhere that I used to be an intelligence analyst in a risk mitigation company based in their Lloyds of London office (and occasionally in Baghdad, Aberdeen and Dubai). This role was where I first became a Product Owner (for an intelligence portal). A Cool Delivery Framework It was also where I first stumbled…
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EXTERNAL POST: Goal, Role & Soul – HBR reviews meetings
I could paraphrase the many great points of this article, and I could link so many points back to the role of a facilitator Scrum Master, but I’m just going to let you read the article for yourself. Here is the Harvard Business Review report on meetings and the power of conversations. Be purposeful about…
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What is Scrum?
The Scrum Framework is a simple and popular Agile approach to organising teams to help them create valuable things in complex environments on an adaptable, regular and collaborative basis. Origins It was first theorised in Japan by business professors Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka in 1986, before being put into practise and codified in the…
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Laws, Principles and Paradoxes to Back You Up in Discussions (and Debates)
Banish impostor syndrome with this list of concepts, rules, effects and other scientific observations that seem to hold true across society, nature and technology.
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Introduce Scrum to your Organisation with a Hackathon
Agile adoptions can be messy, especially in larger organisations with a broad range of people, job roles and experiences (including bad experiences of Agility). A hackathon can offer a fast-paced, engaging and high profile experiment that can help tip the balance towards more dynamic, collaborative ways of working.
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Complex vs Complicated: what’s the difference?
An easy-to-remember guide that draws on Latin etymology – and carpets!
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The Ocean Cure
Content warning: linked article mentions suicidal thoughts For years I’ve known that a swim in the sea can reduce my PTSD symptoms. I’ve particularly felt the benefits from colder waters. The most effective results I felt came from the Baltic sea in winter. Some readers might find this unbelievable. But trust me, a cold plunge…
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Mike Cohn’s Last User Story Webinar: 27 May 2026
Despite not being an original signatory of the Agile Manifesto, I regard Mike Cohn as an Agile God. I’ve wondered if the manifesto and Agile transformation of the globe might’ve been different had he been there because he’s such a compelling and easy-to-follow storyteller and explaining of Agile concepts, regardless of your level of familiarity.…
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10 more ways to make your workplace more PTSD friendly
More hints and tips for creating a supportive workplace for PTSD-sufferers.
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Rebel Scrum Post: Scrum Master Interviews 2026
Timely advice (as ever) from Mary Iqbal and the Rebel Scrum website.
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Join late on your first day!
Starting a new job can be anxiety-inducing; this one management policy can be a simple-but-effective game-changer.
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Controversial: Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, DevOps, whatever – it doesn’t matter. Here’s one thing that does:
This mindset approach will eventually fix everything.
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Minimise Threats and Double Down on Workplace Incentives
Supportive management can boost productivity, enabling healthier workplaces and better performance.
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LPM: My Favourite Transformation Metric
A gut-feel data point that has always served me well, even if you might accuse it of being a little “wooly”
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Veterans Work Well
Hiring ex-military personnel can enrich workplace culture with unique perspectives, powerful experiences and strong mindsets.
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10 ways to make your workplace more PTSD-friendly
Create a PTSD-friendly workplace by minimising triggers and promoting supportive practices.
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A Fisherman’s Metaphor for Scrum
The Scrum framework, like a fishing net, requires balance and a healthy tension between strength and flexibility to succeed effectively.
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The Three Amigos
Backlog refinement allows team members to analyse upcoming work, but you don’t always need the whole team involved.
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Feedback Friday
A fast way to build trust, generate oxytocin and help one another improve in the workplace.
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Disclaimer
The site shares personal experiences with PTSD, not professional medical advice. Please seek qualified professionals for any mental health assistance.