https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ Recent content in Videos on Engineering Leadership in AI & Software Hugo en Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-a-shared-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-to-consistent-predictable-quality-in-agile-teams/ Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-a-shared-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-to-consistent-predictable-quality-in-agile-teams/ When teams lack a shared definition of done, quality and predictability suffer, leading to confusion, hidden risks, and technical debt. Aligning on a clear, organisation-wide standard ensures consistent delivery, builds trust, and reduces production risks. Development managers should prioritise creating and enforcing a common definition of done to achieve reliable outcomes and true agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-outsourcing-devops-fails-and-how-real-engineering-excellence-starts-with-your-team/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-outsourcing-devops-fails-and-how-real-engineering-excellence-starts-with-your-team/ Outsourcing DevOps often leads to vendor lock-in, legacy systems, and teams that cannot maintain or evolve their own tools. Real engineering excellence comes from building internal capability through partnership, where experts mentor and guide your team to modernize workflows and systems themselves. Invest in developing your engineers’ skills and mindset so your organization can achieve sustainable progress and avoid costly dependencies. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-technical-debt-without-halting-progress-smarter-ways-to-keep-your-team-moving-forward/ Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-technical-debt-without-halting-progress-smarter-ways-to-keep-your-team-moving-forward/ Technical debt slows teams down and hurts morale, but stopping all work to fix it is unrealistic. The most effective approach is to make technical debt visible, prioritize high-impact improvements, and embed continuous improvement into daily workflows. Development managers should focus on changing team practices and decision-making so that managing technical debt becomes a natural, ongoing part of delivering value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-done-only-counts-when-it-s-live-moving-beyond-fake-finishes-to-real-value-in-software-delivery/ Wed, 07 May 2025 11:46:58 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-done-only-counts-when-it-s-live-moving-beyond-fake-finishes-to-real-value-in-software-delivery/ Work is only truly done when it is live in production and delivering value to users, not just when code is written, tested, or demoed. Teams often mistake internal milestones for real progress, which delays learning and frustrates stakeholders; real feedback and value come only from live usage and telemetry. Development managers should redefine “done” as live in production, invest in automation to shorten release cycles, and focus on measuring and celebrating actual user impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-paying-the-hidden-costs-of-weak-delivery-why-a-strong-definition-of-done-transforms-your-team-s-results/ Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-paying-the-hidden-costs-of-weak-delivery-why-a-strong-definition-of-done-transforms-your-team-s-results/ Cutting corners on quality and having a weak definition of done leads to hidden costs like rework, production risks, and lost trust. A clear, shared, and enforceable definition of done ensures every increment is truly usable, reliable, and aligned with business goals. Make your definition of done visible, evidence-based, and strictly enforced to improve delivery outcomes and build stakeholder confidence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-legacy-pain-to-modern-devops-my-proven-roadmap-for-real-engineering-transformation/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-legacy-pain-to-modern-devops-my-proven-roadmap-for-real-engineering-transformation/ Transforming legacy engineering to modern DevOps requires a flexible, evidence-based approach focused on testing hypotheses, starting with the most challenging products, and automating every step from code commit to production. Involve all stakeholders to define essential requirements, automate approvals and deployments, and use phased rollouts with real-time feedback to minimize risk. Focus on one improvement at a time, build a culture of continuous learning, and scale successful practices across the organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-technical-debt-how-to-transform-challenges-into-opportunities-for-quality-and-efficiency/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-technical-debt-how-to-transform-challenges-into-opportunities-for-quality-and-efficiency/ Technical debt is the cost of future rework from prioritising speed over good design, and it is distinct from poor quality, which often causes bigger productivity losses. Long release cycles and mislabeling poor quality as technical debt can lead to unsustainable practices and higher costs. Development managers should set clear quality standards, encourage regular refactoring, and adopt continuous improvement to reduce technical debt, improve efficiency, and deliver better products. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engineering-excellence-isn-t-perfection-how-continuous-improvement-and-fast-feedback-drive-real-agile-and-devops-success/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engineering-excellence-isn-t-perfection-how-continuous-improvement-and-fast-feedback-drive-real-agile-and-devops-success/ Engineering excellence is not about achieving perfection or creating exhaustive plans, but about building systems that continuously adapt and improve through fast feedback and incremental change. Key practices include clean code, observability, automated testing, and CI/CD, which together enable teams to deliver high-quality software quickly and respond to real-world needs. Development managers should focus on removing manual bottlenecks and technical debt to shorten feedback loops, as this is the foundation of true Agile and DevOps success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-weapon-your-team-needs-to-win/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-weapon-your-team-needs-to-win/ Many teams struggle not with building software but with finishing it in a way that delivers real business value. A clear, evolving definition of done protects revenue, boosts customer satisfaction, reduces rework, and builds trust by ensuring work is truly complete and valuable. Make your definition of done visible, review it regularly with the whole team, and connect it to real outcomes to turn it into a competitive advantage. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/acceptance-criteria-vs-definition-of-done-why-getting-this-right-builds-trust-and-delivers-quality-faster/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/acceptance-criteria-vs-definition-of-done-why-getting-this-right-builds-trust-and-delivers-quality-faster/ Acceptance criteria specify what each backlog item must do, while the definition of done sets the minimum quality standards for all work. Confusing the two leads to missed requirements, technical debt, and loss of trust. Make both explicit and review them regularly to ensure faster delivery and consistent quality. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-engineering-excellence-the-power-of-naked-agility-in-quality-and-leadership/ Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-engineering-excellence-the-power-of-naked-agility-in-quality-and-leadership/ Prioritising quality from the start is essential to protect your brand and build customer trust, and this requires empowering engineering teams to take ownership, address technical debt openly, and integrate practices like continuous integration, user experience, and security early in development. Fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement leads to better products and stronger technical leadership. Invest in your teams’ skills and encourage shared responsibility for quality to drive lasting value for your customers and organisation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-crucible-of-learning-transforming-organizational-effectiveness-through-devops/ Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-crucible-of-learning-transforming-organizational-effectiveness-through-devops/ DevOps transformation delivers major benefits when organizations address technical debt, simplify systems, and empower teams to take ownership of change. Key outcomes include faster delivery, lower costs, and happier, more effective teams, but success requires upskilling and active participation rather than outsourcing the work. Development managers should prioritize regular refactoring and foster a culture of continuous improvement to achieve lasting results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-testing-quality-in-how-shifting-left-builds-better-software-faster/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-testing-quality-in-how-shifting-left-builds-better-software-faster/ Relying on testers to catch issues late in the process increases costs, slows feedback, and undermines product trust; instead, quality should be built in from the start by moving tests and feedback as close to the engineer as possible. Key practices include automating builds and tests, adopting continuous integration and delivery, using test-driven development, and incrementally improving code quality. Development managers should focus on empowering engineers to own quality, relentlessly shortening feedback loops, and making incremental improvements to achieve faster, more reliable releases. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-weapon-for-real-business-impact-and-agile-growth/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-the-secret-weapon-for-real-business-impact-and-agile-growth/ A strong definition of done is crucial for delivering real business value, not just completing tasks. When done means features are live, usable, and measured for impact, teams deliver value faster, reduce risk, and become more adaptable. Make your definition of done visible, connect it to measurable outcomes, and continuously refine it to drive growth and true agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-technical-excellence-in-agile-development/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-technical-excellence-in-agile-development/ Technical excellence is essential for delivering a usable, high-quality product at the end of every iteration, which reduces risk and enables faster, more valuable feature delivery. The Azure DevOps team at Microsoft dramatically increased their output by focusing on paying down technical debt and establishing a strong Definition of Done. Development managers should prioritize technical excellence, avoid sacrificing quality for speed, and ensure their teams have a clear Definition of Done to maximize value and stay competitive. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-holding-back-quality-agility-and-trust-and-how-to-raise-the-bar/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-your-definition-of-done-is-holding-back-quality-agility-and-trust-and-how-to-raise-the-bar/ Treating “done” as a vague checklist limits quality, agility, and stakeholder trust; instead, teams should define “done” as delivering thoroughly tested, production-ready, and valuable increments that work in the real world. Clear, objective standards for “done” reduce defects, speed up learning, and build confidence with stakeholders. Development managers should work with their teams to set and uphold a robust definition of “done” to drive better outcomes and long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/building-a-culture-of-quality/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/building-a-culture-of-quality/ A culture of quality cannot be built by one person; it requires everyone in the organization to demonstrate and model technical excellence and leadership. Focusing only on revenue, as seen in Boeing’s decline, undermines quality and can lead to dangerous outcomes, while a strong culture of quality leads to better, safer products. Development managers should prioritize building and reinforcing engineering excellence and technical leadership across teams, using frameworks and tools as enablers rather than solutions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-site-reliability-insights-from-azure-devops-on-building-a-resilient-live-site-culture/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:05:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-site-reliability-insights-from-azure-devops-on-building-a-resilient-live-site-culture/ The Azure DevOps team at Microsoft has built a resilient live site culture by prioritising transparency with customers, investing in comprehensive telemetry, and automating deployment processes. Cross-functional teams and structured incident response drive continuous improvement and reliability at scale. Development managers should focus on these practices to boost both agility and system robustness while maintaining customer trust. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-big-bang-rewrites-fail-how-sustainable-change-and-engineering-excellence-transform-legacy-systems/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-big-bang-rewrites-fail-how-sustainable-change-and-engineering-excellence-transform-legacy-systems/ Big Bang rewrites of legacy systems usually fail due to high costs, delays, and unchanged team mindsets, while incremental in-place improvements deliver ongoing value and reduce risk. Sustainable change comes from building a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence, where teams refactor and modernise systems piece by piece. Development managers should focus on fostering this culture and invest in gradual, disciplined transformation rather than risky all-at-once rewrites. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-evolve-your-definition-of-done-start-small-grow-smarter-and-build-lasting-momentum/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-evolve-your-definition-of-done-start-small-grow-smarter-and-build-lasting-momentum/ You do not need a perfect Definition of Done from the start; begin with what is usable, then gradually add quality, testing, and compliance standards as your team grows more capable. Trying to do everything at once can stall progress, so evolve your standards step by step to build momentum and resilience. Focus on essential requirements now and raise the bar as your team is ready. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-chaos-into-clarity-how-optimising-systems-fuels-engineering-excellence/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-chaos-into-clarity-how-optimising-systems-fuels-engineering-excellence/ Unmanaged chaos in software delivery leads to poor quality, technical debt, and wasted resources. Optimising systems and processes, as shown by Microsoft’s transformation of their DevOps team, enables faster delivery, higher productivity, and better products by reducing technical debt and improving testing practices. Development managers should prioritise system optimisation and technical leadership to empower teams and drive sustainable engineering excellence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-a-culture-of-quality-lessons-from-boeing-and-volkswagen-for-engineering-excellence/ Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-a-culture-of-quality-lessons-from-boeing-and-volkswagen-for-engineering-excellence/ A strong culture of quality and technical excellence is essential for building reliable and valuable software products, as shown by the negative consequences at Boeing and Volkswagen when profit was prioritised over quality. Relying solely on frameworks like Agile is not enough; the real difference comes from collective commitment to quality, ethical leadership, and applying sound engineering principles. Development managers should focus on fostering this culture within their teams to ensure long-term success and avoid costly mistakes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/detecting-agile-bs-lessons-from-the-department-of-defense/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/detecting-agile-bs-lessons-from-the-department-of-defense/ Adopting Agile development practices is not enough if the rest of your organization remains slow and bureaucratic; true agility requires continuous delivery, high product quality, and minimal manual or bureaucratic steps across the entire process. Use the Department of Defense’s six-question test to assess your real agility, and focus on automating testing, streamlining deployment, and building quality in from the start. Regularly review and improve your processes to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your whole ecosystem supports rapid, reliable delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/still-deploying-manually-why-automation-is-the-bare-minimum-for-modern-engineering-and-your-business-survival/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/still-deploying-manually-why-automation-is-the-bare-minimum-for-modern-engineering-and-your-business-survival/ Manual deployments put your business at serious risk due to inevitable human error, as shown by real-world failures that have caused massive financial losses. Automation of builds, deployments, tests, and quality checks is now the minimum standard for professional software development, enabling faster, safer, and more reliable releases. To protect your business and deliver value consistently, eliminate manual steps and automate every part of your delivery pipeline as soon as possible. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-firefighting-bugs-why-shifting-left-saves-time-money-and-your-reputation/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-firefighting-bugs-why-shifting-left-saves-time-money-and-your-reputation/ Catching bugs late in the process wastes time, increases costs, and damages your reputation, while most issues could be prevented much earlier. Shifting left by embedding quality checks, early validation, and security into every stage of development leads to faster fixes, fewer production surprises, and greater stakeholder trust. Start building quality in from the beginning to avoid last-minute firefighting and deliver more reliable software. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-sustainable-scaling-overcoming-product-development-challenges-with-naked-agility/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-sustainable-scaling-overcoming-product-development-challenges-with-naked-agility/ Scaling product development is complex and requires more than just adding people; it demands clear priorities, strong leadership, and systems designed for growth. Naked Agility helps organisations address common scaling challenges like alignment, technical debt, and slow feedback by eliminating bottlenecks, using data-driven decisions, and tailoring strategies to each team’s needs. To scale effectively without sacrificing speed or quality, focus on building a culture and systems that support sustainable growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-tackle-technical-debt-for-sustainable-growth/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-tackle-technical-debt-for-sustainable-growth/ Unchecked technical debt slows development, increases bugs, and reduces team productivity, making scaling risky and inefficient. Addressing weak points through sustainable architecture, automated testing, and continuous integration enables faster feedback, more reliable releases, and confident growth. Development managers should prioritize managing technical debt and automation to support sustainable scaling and maintain innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agility-how-azure-devops-went-from-two-year-releases-to-880-000-deployments/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:20:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agility-how-azure-devops-went-from-two-year-releases-to-880-000-deployments/ Azure DevOps transformed from two-year release cycles to 880,000 deployments per year by adopting continuous delivery, shortening feedback loops, and using real-time data to guide decisions. This shift enabled rapid response to customer needs and market changes, helping them stay ahead of competitors. Development managers should focus on frequent, small releases and data-driven improvements to maximise value and agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-hidden-costs-of-poor-quality-code-and-how-to-turn-it-into-a-superpower/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:58:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-hidden-costs-of-poor-quality-code-and-how-to-turn-it-into-a-superpower/ Poor-quality code leads to escalating costs, lost productivity, and damage to team morale and brand reputation, while also causing missed opportunities for innovation. Simplifying branching, limiting supported versions, and investing in engineering excellence and security can dramatically boost productivity and customer satisfaction. Development managers should prioritize code quality improvements now to unlock greater efficiency and long-term organizational success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agility-balancing-engineering-excellence-and-effective-processes-in-a-rapidly-changing-business-landscape/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:07:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agility-balancing-engineering-excellence-and-effective-processes-in-a-rapidly-changing-business-landscape/ Balancing strong engineering practices with effective processes is essential for thriving in today’s fast-changing business environment; neglecting either can lead to costly failures or products that miss user needs. Success with Agile requires more than process changes, it demands a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning, along with well-trained product owners and meaningful outcome-focused metrics. Development managers should invest in engineering excellence, support ongoing training, and adopt an experimental, evidence-based approach to drive real agility and business value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-flying-blind-why-telemetry-belongs-in-your-definition-of-done/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-flying-blind-why-telemetry-belongs-in-your-definition-of-done/ Shipping software without telemetry leaves teams guessing about usage, performance, and user behavior, which prevents learning and improvement. Teams that make telemetry a core part of their Definition of Done catch issues early, validate outcomes with real data, and make better decisions. To deliver real value, define telemetry needs upfront, automate data collection, review feedback regularly, and act on what you learn. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-hoping-for-quality-why-automated-pipelines-are-the-only-way-to-deliver-with-confidence/ Wed, 28 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-hoping-for-quality-why-automated-pipelines-are-the-only-way-to-deliver-with-confidence/ Relying on manual quality checks leads to inconsistency and risk because people inevitably forget or make mistakes, no matter their intentions. Embedding automated quality gates like security scans, static analysis, linting, and automated tests directly into your delivery pipeline ensures that nothing is missed and quality becomes the default. To deliver reliably and protect your team and customers, make all critical checks automatic and non-optional in your pipeline. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-change-how-architectural-adaptation-fuels-software-development-success/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:06:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-change-how-architectural-adaptation-fuels-software-development-success/ Adapting software architecture to meet changing demands is essential for long-term product success. Investing in teams, enabling incremental changes, and maintaining a long-term vision, like the Azure DevOps team’s four-year transformation, help reduce risk and support continuous improvement. Development managers should foster adaptability, prioritize architectural health, and clearly communicate long-term goals to ensure sustained progress. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unpredictability-of-software-development-embrace-agile-for-success/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unpredictability-of-software-development-embrace-agile-for-success/ Software development is inherently unpredictable, often leading to missed deadlines and budget overruns, but this can be managed by focusing on strong technical leadership and engineering excellence. Relying on a single best practice is a mistake; instead, adopting Agile principles like iterative development, continuous delivery, feedback, and testing helps teams adapt and deliver value. Development managers should foster these capabilities to navigate complexity and drive better project outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-technical-debt-strategies-to-transform-challenges-into-opportunities-for-your-development-team/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-technical-debt-strategies-to-transform-challenges-into-opportunities-for-your-development-team/ Technical debt results from choosing quick fixes over robust solutions, leading to future costs and risks that can hinder your team’s productivity. Proactively paying down technical debt, as shown by the Azure DevOps team’s shift to agile practices, can dramatically increase feature delivery and product quality. Make refactoring, short feedback loops, and a focus on quality part of your regular process to unlock long-term gains and sustainable success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-a-culture-of-engineering-excellence-the-essential-role-of-technical-leadership/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:53:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-a-culture-of-engineering-excellence-the-essential-role-of-technical-leadership/ Technical leadership is essential for building a culture of engineering excellence, which requires clear expectations, continuous learning, and practical application of knowledge. Leaders should tailor strategies to their organisation’s context, model desired behaviours, and foster collaboration and improvement. Prioritising these actions helps teams adapt, innovate, and achieve better results in a fast-changing environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/nkd-agility-your-partner-in-developing-engineering-excellence/ Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/nkd-agility-your-partner-in-developing-engineering-excellence/ NKD Agility helps organizations build engineering excellence and technical leadership by shifting key practices like testing, security, and architecture closer to development teams and actively addressing technical debt. This approach reduces the high costs of poor-quality products and supports a culture of quality and value creation. Development managers looking to improve software quality and team capability can partner with NKD Agility for modern engineering practices and support. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-development-teams-cultivating-an-agile-mindset-for-lasting-quality/ Tue, 07 Apr 2020 20:33:45 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-development-teams-cultivating-an-agile-mindset-for-lasting-quality/ Development teams often struggle with agile adoption due to a lack of intrinsic motivation and engagement with quality and customer feedback. Leadership must create an environment that fosters autonomy, mastery, and purpose, while bridging the gap between technical skills and mindset through practices like retrospectives, code reviews, and continuous feedback. Focus on building a culture that values quality and empowerment to achieve lasting agile transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-the-practical-path-to-modernising-legacy-systems-without-starting-over/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-the-practical-path-to-modernising-legacy-systems-without-starting-over/ DevOps enables organisations to modernise legacy systems without starting from scratch by introducing automation, continuous integration and deployment, and observability, which make change safer and more routine. These practices reduce bottlenecks, lower the cost of change, and help teams deliver improvements continuously. Development managers should focus on identifying friction points and adopting DevOps practices to make ongoing system improvements achievable and sustainable. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-deployment-frequency-the-key-to-faster-time-to-market-and-business-success/ Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:16:54 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-deployment-frequency-the-key-to-faster-time-to-market-and-business-success/ Increasing deployment frequency is key to reducing time to market and driving business success, but it only adds value if deployments reach production and enable fast learning from real user feedback. Focus on stable environments, end-to-end pipeline analysis, and shortening the time to learn so you can iterate quickly and align with business needs. Prioritise building trust with stakeholders, collecting actionable data, and enabling continuous delivery to respond rapidly to opportunities and deliver the right features at the right time. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-avoiding-common-pitfalls-for-agile-success/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-avoiding-common-pitfalls-for-agile-success/ Many teams misuse Azure DevOps by creating flat work item hierarchies, using custom work item types that do not fit agile practices, neglecting traceability, and overcomplicating processes, which reduces the platform’s effectiveness. Sticking to intended structures and keeping processes simple helps teams stay agile and productive. Review your team’s use of Azure DevOps to ensure alignment with agile principles and avoid these common pitfalls. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-engineering-excellence-how-azure-devops-transforms-traceability-transparency-and-the-developer-experience/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-engineering-excellence-how-azure-devops-transforms-traceability-transparency-and-the-developer-experience/ Azure DevOps is a comprehensive platform that enhances engineering excellence by providing end-to-end traceability, transparency, and an integrated developer experience across planning, code, builds, and testing. Key benefits include instant visibility into what is deployed where, streamlined audit and compliance processes, and reduced friction between developers and testers. Development managers should ensure their teams fully leverage Azure DevOps’ capabilities to improve collaboration, accountability, and product quality. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-guessing-how-to-make-work-visible-and-drive-real-improvement-with-azure-devops-flow-metrics/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-guessing-how-to-make-work-visible-and-drive-real-improvement-with-azure-devops-flow-metrics/ Relying on gut feeling leads to mediocre results, so making work visible with real data is essential for improvement. Azure DevOps provides a strong data foundation but its built-in metrics and visualisations are basic; using tools like Flow Viz or Actionable Agile Metrics gives deeper insights and actionable flow data. To drive better outcomes, move from guesswork to evidence-based decisions by leveraging these tools to make your team’s work and bottlenecks visible. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/where-agile-went-wrong-understanding-the-competence-crisis/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 07:00:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/where-agile-went-wrong-understanding-the-competence-crisis/ Agile has struggled because its founders assumed widespread competence and commitment to continuous learning, but most organizations lack enough skilled practitioners, especially in key roles like Scrum Master. This competence gap is worsened by low hiring standards and overreliance on basic certifications, leading to ineffective teams and missed opportunities for improvement. Development managers should prioritize hiring and promoting individuals with proven learning habits, deep contextual understanding, and advanced expertise to build high-performing Agile teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-elevating-your-organization-s-performance-through-bespoke-solutions/ Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:18:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-elevating-your-organization-s-performance-through-bespoke-solutions/ Tailoring DevOps to your organization’s unique needs starts with assessing your current state, streamlining processes, and choosing the right tools, which leads to higher quality and more frequent software deliveries. Key actions include conducting solo interviews to uncover real issues, automating and rationalizing tools, and empowering teams with end-to-end ownership while ensuring compliance does not block DevOps practices. Start with small, controlled deployments and strategic timing to minimize risk and maximize efficiency. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-for-success-the-key-to-thriving-product-development/ Tue, 07 May 2024 11:02:49 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-for-success-the-key-to-thriving-product-development/ Successful product development depends on empowered, engaged, and happy teams who understand the value of their work and are trusted to make decisions. Key drivers include fostering collaboration, providing continuous feedback, investing in skills development, and enabling direct customer engagement. Development managers should focus on creating an environment where team members feel valued and supported, as this leads to higher quality products and greater innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/if-a-client-hasn't-considered-devops-consulting-as-part-of-their-agile-consulting-needs-why-should-they/ Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/if-a-client-hasn't-considered-devops-consulting-as-part-of-their-agile-consulting-needs-why-should-they/ Relying on Agile alone limits your team’s ability to deliver quality software quickly and efficiently; integrating DevOps consulting breaks down silos, accelerates time to market, and embeds quality from the start. DevOps is more than tools, it is a culture shift that harmonizes development and operations, enabling continuous improvement and resilient deployments. To maximize Agile’s benefits, development managers should invest in DevOps consulting to create a truly high-performing, adaptable software delivery process. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-scrum-team-in-90-days-strategies-for-continuous-delivery-and-empowerment/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-scrum-team-in-90-days-strategies-for-continuous-delivery-and-empowerment/ In the first 90 days, a Scrum team can move from limited delivery to continuous delivery by focusing on frequent releases, clarifying business value, integrating user feedback, and empowering team members to take ownership. Success depends on organisational support and team readiness. Managers should prioritise building a delivery culture and enabling the team to sustain progress independently. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/legacy-systems-aren-t-the-enemy-friction-is-how-to-unblock-innovation-and-accelerate-agile-delivery/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/legacy-systems-aren-t-the-enemy-friction-is-how-to-unblock-innovation-and-accelerate-agile-delivery/ Legacy systems are only a problem when they create friction that slows delivery, increases fragility, and blocks innovation. The real issue is not system age but lack of ongoing maintenance and improvement, which leads to bottlenecks for both engineers and management. To accelerate agile delivery, focus on identifying and removing friction points, prioritising continuous improvement, and communicating the value of these efforts to the business. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-stop-chasing-tech-hype-and-start-making-smarter-evidence-based-decisions/ Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-stop-chasing-tech-hype-and-start-making-smarter-evidence-based-decisions/ Chasing every new technology trend wastes resources, demoralises teams, and creates technical debt. Instead, use structured, evidence-based frameworks to evaluate tech choices based on strategic fit, ROI, team capability, and timing. Make disciplined decision-making a repeatable part of your process so you lead with intent rather than react to hype. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-legacy-systems-how-to-embrace-automation-and-drive-innovation/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-legacy-systems-how-to-embrace-automation-and-drive-innovation/ Legacy systems can and should be automated, with the main barrier being mindset rather than technology. By encouraging a culture that questions old processes and starting with small, incremental automation efforts, teams can reduce bottlenecks and unlock significant efficiency gains. Development managers should identify manual pain points and begin automating them to drive innovation and continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/shifting-left-quality-from-the-start/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:00:26 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/shifting-left-quality-from-the-start/ Automating code reviews and quality checks as early as possible in the development process reduces defects and speeds up delivery by minimizing manual bottlenecks. Manual code reviews should be a safety net, not the primary method for ensuring quality, and no code should reach the main branch without passing automated checks. Development managers should invest in robust automation for code validation to improve quality and accelerate value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-competence-crisis-in-scrum-master-roles-a-call-for-excellence/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-competence-crisis-in-scrum-master-roles-a-call-for-excellence/ There is a widespread lack of competence among Scrum Masters due to high demand, low entry barriers, and insufficient experience, which undermines team and organizational effectiveness. Effective Scrum Masters need deep practical experience, a solid understanding of software development and DevOps, and the ability to support both teams and Product Owners while driving organizational change. Development managers should prioritize hiring or developing Scrum Masters with real-world experience and a commitment to continuous learning, rather than relying on certifications alone. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-flow-metrics-for-scrum'-course/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-flow-metrics-for-scrum'-course/ The “Applying Flow Metrics for Scrum” course teaches Scrum teams how to use Kanban metrics to improve value delivery, transparency, and continuous improvement. Key benefits include better visibility into workflow, data-driven decision-making, and more predictable outcomes for stakeholders. Development managers should consider this course if their teams need to deliver value more consistently and want practical tools for ongoing improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-trends-how-real-agility-and-devops-build-resilient-adaptable-teams/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-trends-how-real-agility-and-devops-build-resilient-adaptable-teams/ Focusing on real agility and DevOps means building adaptable teams and resilient systems, not just adopting the latest tools or trends. Key outcomes include smoother delivery, better feedback, and teams that can handle change without disruption. Prioritise embedding adaptability into your culture and processes so your teams can lead rather than react to change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/technical-debt-management-for-long-term-quality/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/technical-debt-management-for-long-term-quality/ Technical debt results from choosing quick fixes over long-term solutions and can be both intentional and unintentional, eventually limiting your team’s ability to deliver value. The Azure DevOps team dramatically increased their feature delivery by prioritizing and paying down technical debt, showing that addressing it leads to faster delivery and higher product quality. Development managers should actively identify and pay back technical debt to maximize long-term productivity and value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/bridging-the-gap-understanding-the-true-meaning-of-done-in-agile-teams/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/bridging-the-gap-understanding-the-true-meaning-of-done-in-agile-teams/ Many Agile teams misunderstand what “done” really means, leading to gaps in quality and unmet expectations. Clearly defining “done” with input from both leadership and the team ensures consistent quality, reduces rework, and builds trust with stakeholders. Development managers should regularly review and refine their team’s definition of done to align with evolving business needs and maintain high standards. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/free-workshop-04-introduction-to-sprint-reviews-review-retrospective/ Sat, 18 Sep 2021 13:32:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/free-workshop-04-introduction-to-sprint-reviews-review-retrospective/ The workshop introduced key concepts of Sprint Reviews using interactive tools and received very positive participant feedback, despite technical audio issues during the live stream. The main learning was to check both music and voice before sessions to avoid similar problems, and future events will use a new community platform for easier access. Development managers should ensure thorough technical checks before virtual workshops and consider leveraging interactive formats for better engagement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-simplicity-how-to-transform-complexity-into-continuous-delivery-success/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-simplicity-how-to-transform-complexity-into-continuous-delivery-success/ Complexity is not a valid excuse for avoiding continuous delivery; with organisational commitment and a willingness to modernise, even legacy systems can be transformed for faster, more reliable releases. Key steps include honestly assessing your product, investing in ongoing improvement, and addressing technical debt rather than ignoring warning signs. Leaders should prioritise resources and foster a culture that values continuous improvement to avoid costly failures and achieve lasting delivery success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-legacy-system-dilemma-balancing-stability-and-innovation-for-modernisation-success/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-legacy-system-dilemma-balancing-stability-and-innovation-for-modernisation-success/ Balancing stability and innovation in legacy systems is challenging, as rapid changes can cause technical debt and confusion, while inaction leads to stagnation. Gradual, collaborative modernisation focused on engineering best practices allows for progress without disrupting what works. Consider incremental improvements to maintain resilience and competitiveness while modernising. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-crucial-role-of-competence-how-knowledgeable-scrum-masters-drive-team-success/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:32:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-crucial-role-of-competence-how-knowledgeable-scrum-masters-drive-team-success/ Scrum Masters need deep knowledge of both agile practices and the technical work of their teams to drive real improvement in product delivery. Without this competence, teams stagnate and fail to deliver business value, while skilled Scrum Masters elevate team capabilities and outcomes. Development managers should ensure their Scrum Masters have practical expertise, not just facilitation skills, to maximize team impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-agile-banditry-why-story-points-and-velocity-are-misleading-metrics/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-agile-banditry-why-story-points-and-velocity-are-misleading-metrics/ Story points and velocity often distract teams from delivering real customer value and can lead to counterproductive behaviors, especially when used as performance measures or written into contracts. Instead, focus on metrics like throughput and cycle time, which better reflect actual progress and value delivery. Use story points only for internal team discussions, then discard them, and never include them in contracts or external reporting. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-rapid-delivery-overcoming-common-devops-challenges-for-agile-success/ Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-rapid-delivery-overcoming-common-devops-challenges-for-agile-success/ Many teams struggle to deliver products quickly due to slow feedback loops, limited automation, and resistance to change. Key improvements include automating processes, engaging compliance teams early to challenge assumptions, and fostering a culture open to experimentation. Development managers should review their delivery pipelines for bottlenecks and actively involve stakeholders to enable faster, more agile releases. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-agile-why-story-points-team-sizes-and-emergent-architecture-need-a-fresh-perspective/ Wed, 13 May 2020 05:03:57 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-agile-why-story-points-team-sizes-and-emergent-architecture-need-a-fresh-perspective/ Story points often create confusion and unpredictability, so focusing on throughput and cycle time gives teams clearer insights and better delivery. Slightly larger teams with diverse roles can handle complex work and maintain quality more effectively. Embracing emergent architecture helps teams stay flexible and competitive, so consider shifting your metrics and team structures to support adaptability and faster value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-azure-devops-wins-for-governance-security-and-scale-right-out-of-the-box/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-azure-devops-wins-for-governance-security-and-scale-right-out-of-the-box/ Azure DevOps provides integrated governance, security, compliance, and scalability out of the box, eliminating the need for complex tool setups and manual integration. Its seamless traceability, audit trails, and ability to handle thousands of users make it ideal for large-scale, secure software development. Development managers should consider Azure DevOps to reduce operational friction and focus on delivering value rather than managing disparate tools. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-continuous-delivery-why-best-practices-don't-exist-in-complex-environments/ Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:30:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-continuous-delivery-why-best-practices-don't-exist-in-complex-environments/ There are no universal best practices for continuous delivery in complex environments; instead, teams should adopt flexible, situation-specific approaches. Key strategies include audience-based delivery for rapid feedback, testing in production to validate real-world performance, and a commitment to quickly finding and fixing issues. Development managers should focus on continuous improvement and adaptability rather than rigid processes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/code-reviews-for-quality-assurance/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:25 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/code-reviews-for-quality-assurance/ Automating code validation before pull requests speeds up delivery, catches defects earlier, and ensures consistent quality, allowing manual reviews to focus on architecture and business alignment instead of minor issues. Development managers should invest in automated testing, static analysis, and security checks, making pull requests mandatory and using manual reviews strategically. This approach reduces bottlenecks and helps teams deliver high-quality software faster. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-shift-key-strategies-for-a-successful-transition-to-microservices/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:41 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-shift-key-strategies-for-a-successful-transition-to-microservices/ Transitioning from monolithic systems to microservices can improve flexibility and delivery speed, but success depends on clear business goals, careful planning to avoid unnecessary complexity, and an iterative approach that considers both technical and team dynamics. Focus on strategic decomposition and ensure each service is independently deployable and maintainable. Take time to assess your needs and plan the transition step by step to achieve real business value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/special-sprints-agile-banditry-or-risk-management/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:09:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/special-sprints-agile-banditry-or-risk-management/ Special sprints like bug-fix or hardening sprints undermine Agile by encouraging teams to defer work and accumulate risk, rather than delivering usable products every sprint. The Azure DevOps team found that relying on a safety net led to overwhelming undone work, but shifting to shipping every sprint improved quality and reduced technical debt. Development managers should eliminate special sprints, ensure each sprint delivers a shippable product, and address issues as they arise to maintain true agility and reduce risk. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-an-agile-coach-what-to-look-for-in-both-technical-and-leadership-engagement/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-an-agile-coach-what-to-look-for-in-both-technical-and-leadership-engagement/ When hiring an Agile coach, prioritize candidates who can engage deeply with both technical teams and leadership, as this is key to a successful Agile transformation. Look for strong technical understanding relevant to your industry, business acumen to connect Agile practices to strategic goals, and excellent communication skills to influence at all levels. Choose a coach who fits your culture and can bridge gaps across the organization to drive real business outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engineering-culture-that-thrives-how-to-build-teams-ready-for-change-not-just-the-next-fire-drill/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:00:51 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engineering-culture-that-thrives-how-to-build-teams-ready-for-change-not-just-the-next-fire-drill/ Engineering teams need a culture that embraces and adapts to change, not just one that reacts to emergencies or chases trends. The most effective teams learn quickly, reflect on their practices, and align with business goals, making continuous improvement and evidence-based decisions part of their routine. Development managers should focus on building a learning culture that expects and measures adaptation, ensuring teams remain resilient and relevant as technology evolves. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cloud-migration-without-the-mayhem-how-to-move-legacy-systems-safely-and-set-your-teams-up-for-success/ Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cloud-migration-without-the-mayhem-how-to-move-legacy-systems-safely-and-set-your-teams-up-for-success/ Cloud migration works best when approached gradually, using a hybrid model to reduce risk and avoid simply moving existing problems to the cloud. Success depends on understanding both your technology and how your teams work, aligning people and processes, and focusing on long-term maintainability. Treat migration as an ongoing journey, not a rushed project, and invest in shared understanding and continuous improvement to ensure a smooth transition. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-visualizing-your-work-in-a-kanban-strategy/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-visualizing-your-work-in-a-kanban-strategy/ Visualizing work in Kanban is essential for team clarity, transparency, and accountability, but its real value comes from aligning everyone on shared workflows and rules. Teams should collaboratively define what gets visualized, map out each workflow stage, and document these agreements to avoid misalignment and inefficiencies. Prioritize team alignment over optimization, and consider using flow metrics and workshops to continuously improve your process. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-the-hottest-tech-stack-why-context-driven-choices-win-every-time/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-the-hottest-tech-stack-why-context-driven-choices-win-every-time/ Choosing technology based on trends rather than your team’s needs often leads to wasted effort and complexity. Focus on your business goals, team maturity, and constraints to shape a tech strategy that truly fits. Prioritise what delivers value for your context instead of chasing the latest tools. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-roi-in-software-development-unlocking-value-through-quality-and-expertise/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-roi-in-software-development-unlocking-value-through-quality-and-expertise/ Maximising ROI in software development requires treating code as a valuable asset, investing in quality, and ensuring regular reviews to maintain standards. Bridging the gap between business and technical expertise is essential, so equip your leadership with the right knowledge and consider external coaching if needed. Prioritise quality, technical skill, and hypothesis-driven practices to ensure your teams deliver the most value for your investment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/building-a-high-performance-delivery-engine-unlocking-success-through-competence-and-collaboration/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/building-a-high-performance-delivery-engine-unlocking-success-through-competence-and-collaboration/ To build a high-performing software delivery team, focus on developing both technical and business competence across all members, encouraging everyone to think like product developers rather than just coders. Embrace Agile, DevOps, Lean, and Scrum philosophies, adapt practices as needed, and ensure due diligence before making structural changes. Prioritise collaboration, open communication, and continuous improvement to maximise value delivery and drive business success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditching-the-myth-of-special-sprints-embrace-true-agile-practices-for-usable-products/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:14:45 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditching-the-myth-of-special-sprints-embrace-true-agile-practices-for-usable-products/ Relying on special Sprints like Sprint Zero or bug fix Sprints undermines true Agile practices by encouraging risky behavior, diluting focus, and creating a false sense of security. Teams should instead prioritize delivering a usable product at the end of every Sprint, foster accountability, and integrate quality assurance into regular work. Development managers should avoid safety nets and focus on continuous improvement and value delivery each Sprint. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-trust-joanna-to-deliver-scrum-org-classes-for-nkd-agility/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-trust-joanna-to-deliver-scrum-org-classes-for-nkd-agility/ Joanna delivers Scrum.Org classes that combine deep technical expertise with clear, practical Agile training, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply. Her sessions focus on real-world problem-solving, continuous improvement, and effective leadership, helping teams and individuals level up their Agile skills. Development managers should consider her training to boost team performance and confidently navigate Agile transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/modernising-legacy-systems-how-to-tackle-security-risks-without-breaking-your-business/ Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/modernising-legacy-systems-how-to-tackle-security-risks-without-breaking-your-business/ Modernising legacy systems is essential for security, but rushing the process can create new risks; instead, map your workflows, embed security throughout development, empower teams, and focus on maintainability and compliance. Treat security as an ongoing mindset, not a one-time task, and continuously adapt as threats evolve. Start by assessing how work and security practices flow in your organisation before making changes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-innovation-and-value-through-quality-product-delivery/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:01:52 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-innovation-and-value-through-quality-product-delivery/ Technical debt is more than just a cost; it represents missed opportunities for innovation and value. Allowing technical debt to persist leads to higher maintenance costs, slower delivery, and lower team morale, while prioritising high-quality product delivery enables greater agility, consistent value, and innovation. Development managers should regularly assess and address technical debt, foster a culture of quality, and communicate its impact to stakeholders to unlock their teams’ full potential. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-kaizen-continuous-improvement-in-scrum-and-beyond/ Sun, 25 Aug 2024 22:00:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-kaizen-continuous-improvement-in-scrum-and-beyond/ Kaizen means making small, ongoing improvements that add up to big results over time, and it fits naturally into Scrum through practices like Sprint Retrospectives and workflow optimization. Focusing on incremental changes, measuring their impact, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement can lead to better team collaboration, reduced cycle times, and higher efficiency. Start by encouraging your team to identify and act on small improvements each sprint, measure outcomes, and celebrate progress to build momentum. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-improvement-how-metrics-and-visual-tools-transform-your-workflow/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:04:39 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-improvement-how-metrics-and-visual-tools-transform-your-workflow/ Using clear metrics and visual tools helps teams identify improvement areas, increase transparency, and make better decisions. Regularly reviewing processes, experimenting with small changes, and focusing on relevant, actionable data are key to ongoing improvement. Development managers should ensure their teams use these practices to drive meaningful and continuous workflow enhancements. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-the-silence-how-to-combat-the-hidden-dangers-in-agile-teams/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-the-silence-how-to-combat-the-hidden-dangers-in-agile-teams/ Silence in Agile teams can lead to poor communication, lack of accountability, and misleading commitments, which undermine value delivery, erode trust, and stall growth. Managers should actively foster open communication, model vulnerability, and set clear expectations to prevent these issues. Prioritising honest dialogue and celebrating those who speak up will help teams deliver better results and maintain a healthy, agile culture. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-antichrist-of-agile-how-fake-agilists-are-undermining-true-innovation/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-antichrist-of-agile-how-fake-agilists-are-undermining-true-innovation/ Relying on certified but inexperienced Agile practitioners can harm teams by leading to poor leadership, stifled innovation, and loss of trust. Real-world experience and ongoing learning are more important than credentials alone. Development managers should prioritize hiring Agile coaches with proven practical backgrounds and foster open communication to maintain genuine Agile practices. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-important-is-devops-in-continuous-delivery-of-value-to-customers/ Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-important-is-devops-in-continuous-delivery-of-value-to-customers/ DevOps is essential for delivering value to customers because it enables teams to quickly and effectively turn ideas into working software, closely aligning with agile principles. Both DevOps and agile focus on rapid feedback, continuous improvement, and adapting to customer needs, making them deeply interconnected. Development managers should ensure their teams integrate DevOps practices to accelerate delivery, validate value, and reduce risk. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-agile-transformation-empowering-teams-for-success-in-a-rapidly-changing-landscape/ Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:57:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-agile-transformation-empowering-teams-for-success-in-a-rapidly-changing-landscape/ To succeed with Agile transformation, focus on empowering teams through servant leadership, prioritising valuable product outcomes over feature lists, and fostering continuous improvement to manage technical debt. Enable product owners to drive value, build cross-functional teams, and measure results by customer impact rather than activity. Start with small changes to build momentum and consider expert support if needed. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/getting-started-with-kanban/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/getting-started-with-kanban/ Kanban helps teams improve workflow and productivity by visualizing work, setting clear processes, and using metrics like cycle time and throughput to drive continuous improvement. Start with a small, willing team, define and visualize your workflow, and use data to identify and address bottlenecks. Begin with a pilot, focus on collaboration and regular feedback, and use metrics to build credibility and guide ongoing enhancements. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-hiring-the-right-agile-coach-building-credibility-with-teams-and-leadership/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-hiring-the-right-agile-coach-building-credibility-with-teams-and-leadership/ When hiring an Agile coach, prioritize candidates who can build credibility with both teams and leadership by demonstrating hands-on technical experience, strong communication skills, and emotional intelligence. Coaches who understand your tools and culture, and who can balance support across all levels, are more likely to drive real and lasting Agile transformation. Focus your search on those who have proven they can foster trust, adapt to your environment, and bridge gaps between teams and executives. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-3-essential-strategies-to-boost-your-team's-sprint-success/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-3-essential-strategies-to-boost-your-team's-sprint-success/ To improve your team’s Sprint outcomes, clearly define what “done” means for every task, avoid overcommitting by leaving room for technical debt and unexpected issues, and make backlog refinement a regular priority to catch blockers early. These steps help align expectations, reduce surprises, and create a smoother workflow. Review your current practices and adjust to ensure these strategies are in place. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-sprint-planning-transform-your-agile-approach-for-success/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-sprint-planning-transform-your-agile-approach-for-success/ Effective Sprint planning can transform your team’s Agile approach by building shared understanding, enabling hands-on practice with real-time coaching, and fostering continuous improvement through feedback. As teams gain confidence, they should adapt Sprint planning to fit their unique needs and culture. Consider structured workshops with flexible delivery to empower your team to run impactful Sprint planning sessions independently. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-potential-of-scrum-why-professionalism-matters-in-agile-teams/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-potential-of-scrum-why-professionalism-matters-in-agile-teams/ Many software teams fall short of Scrum’s true potential because organizations prioritize speed over professionalism, leading to shortcuts and unprofessional practices. Achieving real value with Scrum requires a commitment to transparency, production-ready increments each iteration, and honest assessment of current capabilities, often revealing significant gaps. Development managers should focus on fostering a professional work ethic and closing these gaps to unlock Scrum’s full benefits. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-scrum-training-how-real-world-insights-empower-agile-teams-at-great-calm/ Thu, 27 Jul 2017 18:16:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-scrum-training-how-real-world-insights-empower-agile-teams-at-great-calm/ Great Calm improved team alignment and agility by investing in Scrum training led by a trainer with real engineering experience, which fostered open dialogue and practical learning. The training is expected to enhance communication, align teams with business goals, and empower them to own their processes. Development managers should consider similar real-world-focused training to drive meaningful change and continuous improvement in their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-an-agile-coach-what-you-need-to-know/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:00:46 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-an-agile-coach-what-you-need-to-know/ When hiring an Agile coach, look for someone who can teach, mentor, and inspire your teams, not just coach them. The right coach will help teams deeply understand Agile practices, foster growth and accountability, and motivate continuous improvement, leading to better alignment, autonomy, and engagement. Prioritize candidates with hands-on experience, strong communication skills, and a good cultural fit to maximize the impact on your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beware-the-fake-agilists-how-to-protect-your-team-from-the-agile-apocalypse/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 07:36:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beware-the-fake-agilists-how-to-protect-your-team-from-the-agile-apocalypse/ Relying on leaders with only Agile certifications but no real software development experience can harm team trust, stifle growth, and lead to ineffective processes. To protect your teams, prioritize practical experience over credentials, encourage ongoing learning, and focus on delivering value rather than just following procedures. Ensure Agile leadership is grounded in genuine expertise to maintain team effectiveness and resilience. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-the-scrum-master-from-boss-to-empowering-facilitator/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-the-scrum-master-from-boss-to-empowering-facilitator/ The Scrum Master should not act as a boss or micromanager but as a facilitator who empowers the team to self-organise and take ownership of their work. Key points include avoiding micromanagement, focusing on support and facilitation rather than control, and promoting collaboration and continuous learning. Development managers should ensure Scrum Masters adopt a coaching mindset to help teams thrive and deliver better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-the-transformative-power-of-teaching-the-why/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-the-transformative-power-of-teaching-the-why/ Helping teams understand the reasons behind Agile practices is key to real engagement and lasting change. When team members grasp the value and purpose of what they do, they collaborate better, adapt more easily, and drive continuous improvement. Development managers should focus on explaining the “why” behind processes to empower teams and boost performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/story-points-a-ghost-of-agile-past/ Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/story-points-a-ghost-of-agile-past/ Story points have become a source of dysfunction in Agile teams, shifting focus from delivering value to hitting arbitrary targets and enabling misleading comparisons between teams. These issues are worsened when contracts tie performance to story point delivery, leading to counterproductive behaviors. Development managers should move away from story points and instead adopt flow metrics like cycle time and throughput, which provide more accurate, value-focused insights into team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unmasking-agile-how-to-spot-genuine-practices-amidst-the-myths/ Wed, 18 Mar 2020 13:56:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unmasking-agile-how-to-spot-genuine-practices-amidst-the-myths/ Most organizations claim to be agile, but few actually follow core practices like short iterations, ordered backlogs, and regular retrospectives, which limits their ability to deliver value and improve. Cultural resistance and outdated management styles are major barriers to genuine agility. Development managers should honestly assess their teams against key agile principles and take action to remove obstacles, empower teams, and focus on rapid feedback and continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-software-architecture-the-game-changing-impact-of-tdd-and-pair-programming/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:55:41 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-software-architecture-the-game-changing-impact-of-tdd-and-pair-programming/ Test-driven development and pair programming lead to cleaner, more maintainable software architectures by focusing on essential functionality and fostering collaboration. While pair programming may seem slower at first, it improves code quality, reduces costly bugs, and enhances team skills, resulting in long-term productivity gains. Development managers should consider adopting these practices to build more resilient and scalable systems that align with business goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-problem-with-incompetent-scrum-masters-why-lack-of-skills-in-team-context-results-in-poor-roi/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-problem-with-incompetent-scrum-masters-why-lack-of-skills-in-team-context-results-in-poor-roi/ Hiring Scrum Masters without the right skills leads to poor returns because they fail to drive team focus, innovation, and product quality. Key metrics like innovation rate, on-product index, usage index, and installed version index reveal how much value your teams actually deliver, often much less than assumed. To improve ROI, measure these metrics regularly and hold Scrum Masters accountable for tangible progress. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-there-any-scrum-courses-that-teach-you-how-to-scale-scrum/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-there-any-scrum-courses-that-teach-you-how-to-scale-scrum/ There is no single course that teaches you exactly how to scale Scrum, but courses like Scaled Professional Scrum from Scrum.org provide tools and techniques to help you build a scaling framework tailored to your organization. Key to success are starting small, focusing on dependency management and alignment, and iterating based on feedback. Development managers should invest in team education, select relevant practices, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to scale Scrum effectively. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-the-essential-role-of-a-scrum-master-in-agile-success/ Mon, 22 May 2023 14:00:41 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-the-essential-role-of-a-scrum-master-in-agile-success/ A Scrum Master is essential for team effectiveness because they guide teams by understanding business needs, technical practices like DevOps, and organisational change. Without this role, teams often struggle to deliver value quickly and improve continuously. Development managers should ensure their teams have access to a skilled Scrum Master or equivalent expertise to maximize productivity and quality. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-enterprises-how-devops-drives-collaboration-and-continuous-improvement/ Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:16:52 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-enterprises-how-devops-drives-collaboration-and-continuous-improvement/ DevOps can transform enterprise software teams by fostering collaboration, encouraging continuous improvement, and enabling automation, which together lead to faster delivery and higher quality. Focusing on a customer-centric approach helps teams respond quickly to feedback and market changes. Development managers should prioritize building a culture that supports these principles to drive meaningful organizational change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-key-insights-on-definition-of-done-spikes-and-managing-ad-hoc-work/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:33:42 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-key-insights-on-definition-of-done-spikes-and-managing-ad-hoc-work/ Focus on team productivity rather than just feature count, and ensure everyone understands the difference between Definition of Done, which sets quality standards, and acceptance criteria, which specify requirements for each item. Use backlog refinement to address unknowns instead of relying on spikes, and plan sprint capacity to accommodate some ad hoc work while maintaining transparency and continuous improvement. Review your team’s approach to these areas to improve delivery and reduce disruptions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cto-leadership-isn-t-about-knowing-everything-it-s-about-knowing-what-matters-most/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 06:00:24 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cto-leadership-isn-t-about-knowing-everything-it-s-about-knowing-what-matters-most/ CTOs do not need to keep up with every new technology or trend; effective leadership is about identifying and focusing on what truly matters for your business and teams. By mapping how value flows through your organization and filtering out distractions, you can make better decisions and lead with clarity. Prioritize understanding your key constraints and empower your teams to deliver value rather than trying to know everything yourself. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-firefighting-to-focus-how-ctos-can-lead-with-clarity-instead-of-chasing-the-next-big-thing/ Fri, 23 May 2025 06:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-firefighting-to-focus-how-ctos-can-lead-with-clarity-instead-of-chasing-the-next-big-thing/ CTOs should stop chasing every new technology and instead focus on making their systems and decision-making processes visible to identify real improvement opportunities. Effective leadership means building a clear, context-driven strategy and fostering sustainable innovation by investing in team learning and system evolution. Take action by stepping back from survival mode, clarifying how work happens, and leading with intention for long-term value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-organisational-culture-unlocking-engineering-excellence-through-system-optimisation/ Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-organisational-culture-unlocking-engineering-excellence-through-system-optimisation/ To achieve engineering excellence, focus on understanding and measuring your current delivery system, then use those insights to optimise for maximum value rather than just cutting costs. Transparent metrics and iterative improvements help control costs and drive technical leadership. Start by assessing your workflows and processes to identify where changes will have the most impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-common-challenges-of-adopting-devops-practices/ Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:04:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-common-challenges-of-adopting-devops-practices/ Adopting DevOps brings challenges like managing new types of risk and avoiding setbacks, especially as teams shift from long, structured cycles to rapid, continuous delivery. Success depends on quickly closing feedback loops, acting on real-world data from production, and adapting processes to maintain quality and flexibility. Development managers should focus on integrating feedback into daily workflows and using modern tools to manage risk without slowing down delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-improvement-how-metrics-and-visualisation-drive-workflow-success/ Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-improvement-how-metrics-and-visualisation-drive-workflow-success/ Continuous improvement relies on using the right metrics and clear visual tools to identify patterns, increase transparency, and drive meaningful workflow changes. Teams should focus on measuring what truly matters and ensure their visualisations support understanding and collaboration. Regularly reviewing and adjusting processes based on these insights is essential for ongoing success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-project-ecosystem-truly-agile/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-project-ecosystem-truly-agile/ Having Agile development teams is not enough if your deployment processes remain slow and bureaucratic, as this creates delays, reduces value, and frustrates teams. Automating deployment and testing, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and shortening feedback loops are essential to achieving true end-to-end agility and maximizing stakeholder value. Review your current processes for bottlenecks, start automating where possible, and involve stakeholders early and often to ensure your entire project ecosystem is genuinely Agile. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-are-a-scrum-team-better-served-by-an-agile-consultant-than-a-professional-coach/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-are-a-scrum-team-better-served-by-an-agile-consultant-than-a-professional-coach/ Scrum teams benefit more from Agile consultants than professional coaches because consultants provide the technical and practical guidance teams often lack, especially in the early stages. Teams need help understanding what they do not know and how to apply effective engineering practices, not just support in finding their own solutions. Development managers should consider bringing in Agile consultants to build foundational knowledge and accelerate team capability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-automation-the-key-to-transforming-your-development-process-and-boosting-confidence/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-automation-the-key-to-transforming-your-development-process-and-boosting-confidence/ Embracing automation in testing, deployment, and validation is essential for faster, more reliable software delivery and increased team confidence. The Azure DevOps team drastically reduced feedback loops and technical debt by shifting to automated, efficient testing and empowering developers with local testing tools. Prioritizing automation and quality builds trust both within teams and with customers, so development managers should focus on automating as much as possible to enable continuous delivery and rapid improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-code-quality-the-transformative-power-of-frequent-deployments/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-code-quality-the-transformative-power-of-frequent-deployments/ Frequent deployments lead to higher code quality, faster feedback, and better alignment with user needs, while infrequent deployments cause larger, riskier changes and more technical debt. Breaking work into smaller pieces and deploying regularly encourages maintainable code and enables quick pivots based on real user data. Development managers should focus on reducing batch sizes, increasing deployment frequency, and investing in observability to improve both product quality and team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-chaos-to-clarity-my-journey-through-devops-and-the-three-key-challenges-to-overcome/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:34:59 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-chaos-to-clarity-my-journey-through-devops-and-the-three-key-challenges-to-overcome/ The author describes moving from chaotic, manual development practices to adopting DevOps, highlighting three main challenges: shifting culture and collaboration, integrating and automating toolchains, and fostering continuous learning. Success requires systems thinking, strong feedback loops, and a culture of experimentation. Development managers should focus on supporting people, streamlining processes, and encouraging ongoing learning to deliver better products faster. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-sprint-planning-why-burndown-charts-are-agile-banditry-and-what-to-do-instead/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-sprint-planning-why-burndown-charts-are-agile-banditry-and-what-to-do-instead/ Relying on burndown charts leads to excessive upfront planning, which is ineffective given the high uncertainty and frequent changes in software development. Instead, start each Sprint with only enough planning to begin work, then reassess and adjust daily to stay flexible and focused on delivering value. Shift your team’s approach to minimal, just-in-time planning to reduce overhead and respond better to change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-pitfalls-of-routine-agile-questions-avoiding-the-ghosts-of-agile-past/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-pitfalls-of-routine-agile-questions-avoiding-the-ghosts-of-agile-past/ Focusing daily meetings on routine status questions leads to disengagement and distracts from delivering real value. Instead, teams should use these meetings to track progress toward sprint goals, manage aging tasks before they become bottlenecks, and adapt ceremonies to support value delivery and continuous improvement. Review your Agile practices and shift the focus from individual updates to team outcomes for better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-waste-into-value-how-to-boost-roi-with-agile-metrics/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-waste-into-value-how-to-boost-roi-with-agile-metrics/ Most organisations lose significant value due to waste and lack of focus on engineering excellence, with metrics showing that only a small fraction of development investment results in features customers actually use. Key insights include low innovation rates, poor feature usage, and lagging version adoption, all of which drastically reduce ROI. Development managers should measure and act on innovation and usage metrics, close feedback loops, and focus on delivering value rather than just reducing costs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-evolution-of-my-journey-with-azure-devops-lessons-and-insights/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:21:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-evolution-of-my-journey-with-azure-devops-lessons-and-insights/ Azure DevOps has evolved from TFS to a powerful, flexible platform that can transform team workflows, but successful adoption and migration require careful planning and sometimes custom solutions. Key lessons include the importance of assessing your environment, choosing the right migration tools, and leveraging expert guidance for complex needs. Development managers should ensure their teams are trained and consider consulting support to maximize the benefits and scalability of Azure DevOps. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-caman-strategy-how-to-leverage-azure-devops-for-effective-visualisation-in-hybrid-work-environments/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:42:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-caman-strategy-how-to-leverage-azure-devops-for-effective-visualisation-in-hybrid-work-environments/ Using Azure DevOps to implement a Caman strategy helps hybrid teams visualise and manage work more effectively by establishing shared workflow rules, customising boards and columns, and tracking key metrics like lead and cycle time. Involving the whole team in defining and refining these rules improves transparency and reduces local optimisations that can harm overall flow. Development managers should ensure their teams collaborate on workflow setup in Azure DevOps and regularly review it to optimise efficiency and clarity. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-essential-insights-for-new-teams-from-a-scrum-master's-journey/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:00:49 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-essential-insights-for-new-teams-from-a-scrum-master's-journey/ New Scrum teams succeed when they deeply understand Scrum principles, empiricism, and core values, which the Scrum Master should actively teach and reinforce. Practical workshops, real-world examples, and a focus on continuous learning help teams build trust, adapt to change, and improve over time. Development managers should ensure their teams have ongoing support and a safe environment to foster growth and agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-product-value-the-power-of-hypothesis-driven-engineering/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximising-product-value-the-power-of-hypothesis-driven-engineering/ Focusing on hypothesis-driven engineering helps teams maximise product value by testing ideas with small experiments, measuring outcomes, and quickly adapting based on real customer feedback. The Azure DevOps team’s experience showed that even costly initiatives can provide critical learning, allowing resources to be redirected before larger losses occur. Development managers should encourage rapid experimentation and validation at all levels to ensure investments deliver real value and support agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-small-experiments-transformed-feature-delivery-from-25-to-150-in-software-development/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:02:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-small-experiments-transformed-feature-delivery-from-25-to-150-in-software-development/ A team increased their annual feature delivery from 25 to 150 by breaking down work into smaller experiments, enabling faster feedback, reduced risk, and continuous learning without increasing headcount. This approach allowed them to quickly identify and focus on features that mattered most to customers, leading to better products. Development managers should consider adopting small, frequent experiments to drive both speed and quality in feature delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-agile-apocalypse-how-to-combat-judgment-and-foster-team-growth/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:30:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-agile-apocalypse-how-to-combat-judgment-and-foster-team-growth/ Judging teams by metrics like velocity, bug counts, or code volume can create fear and stifle growth, undermining Agile principles. Instead, focus on goals that reflect real progress, encourage open discussion about challenges, and regularly review metrics to ensure they support a healthy team environment. Review your current metrics and team culture to ensure they foster collaboration and innovation rather than fear or competition. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/biggest-contribution-from-a-product-owner-that-you-know-of/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:32:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/biggest-contribution-from-a-product-owner-that-you-know-of/ Brian Harry and Aaron Bjork at Microsoft transformed product development by shifting from slow, two-year release cycles to rapid, three-week feedback loops, driving a major cultural and process shift toward Agile across the organization. Their leadership and collaboration, supported by executive buy-in, embedded sustainable Agile practices and set a new industry standard for balancing scale with agility. Development managers should recognize the impact that visionary Product Owners can have in driving both process and cultural change, and prioritize empowering such leaders within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-chaos-into-collaboration-how-a-common-framework-can-revolutionise-your-team's-dynamics/ Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:55:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-chaos-into-collaboration-how-a-common-framework-can-revolutionise-your-team's-dynamics/ Introducing a common framework and structured backlog helped transform a chaotic team environment into one marked by better collaboration, clearer communication, and increased trust. Teams benefited from a shared language, improved confidence, and more effective problem-solving, while regular feedback channels boosted morale and engagement. Development managers should consider adopting structured frameworks and open communication practices to drive positive change and sustain team momentum. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/futureproof-leadership-how-ctos-can-cut-through-the-noise-and-lead-with-clarity-confidence-and-culture/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/futureproof-leadership-how-ctos-can-cut-through-the-noise-and-lead-with-clarity-confidence-and-culture/ CTOs should focus on what matters by making work systems visible, using evidence to guide decisions, and fostering a resilient, adaptable culture rather than chasing every new trend. Building clarity, confidence, and the right team habits enables better alignment with business goals and reduces stress. Consider partnering with an experienced coach to help navigate change and build a system that evolves with your needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-the-scrum-master-role-moving-beyond-misconceptions-to-true-accountability/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:02:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-the-scrum-master-role-moving-beyond-misconceptions-to-true-accountability/ Many Scrum Masters misunderstand their true responsibilities, focusing on tools and rituals instead of the core principles and accountabilities defined by Scrum. Effective Scrum Masters balance support for the team, Product Owner, and organisation, acting as coaches and mentors rather than process enforcers. Development managers should ensure Scrum Masters are competent in Scrum’s philosophies and adapt practices to fit their context, not just follow common routines. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-to-tailor-their-processes-a-path-to-true-agility/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-to-tailor-their-processes-a-path-to-true-agility/ Empowering teams to adapt their processes to their specific needs leads to greater value, less waste, and more innovation, while rigid, one-size-fits-all processes can cause delays, unnecessary costs, and frustration. Development managers should assess whether their teams have the freedom to experiment, minimize bureaucracy, and focus on delivering customer value rather than just following procedures. To achieve true agility, encourage teams to tailor their ways of working and continuously improve based on what they learn. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-your-team-why-quick-fixes-in-agile-and-devops-are-a-myth/ Thu, 09 May 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-your-team-why-quick-fixes-in-agile-and-devops-are-a-myth/ There are no quick fixes for Agile or DevOps transformation; relying on external parties or contractors to deliver ready-made solutions does not build lasting capability. Sustainable change comes from empowering your own team through learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with consultants serving as guides rather than doers. Invest in developing your people and culture to achieve real, long-term agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-3/ Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-3/ Scrum does not inherently lead to micromanagement; this misconception arises when organizations misapply Scrum by imposing top-down control instead of empowering teams. True Scrum gives developers autonomy over their work, encourages open collaboration, and relies on trust and technical expertise. Development managers should focus on enabling team decision-making and fostering a culture of trust to realize the full benefits of Agile. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/can-you-align-devops-and-software-engineering-teams-through-scrum/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:30:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/can-you-align-devops-and-software-engineering-teams-through-scrum/ Scrum can effectively align DevOps and software engineering teams by promoting transparency, regular delivery of usable products, and continuous feedback. Achieving this alignment requires discipline and integrating DevOps practices into Scrum workflows. Development managers should focus on embedding these practices to drive better collaboration and higher-quality outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-value-in-devops-my-role-as-a-consultant-in-driving-change-and-overcoming-bottlenecks/ Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-value-in-devops-my-role-as-a-consultant-in-driving-change-and-overcoming-bottlenecks/ As a DevOps consultant, my main focus is helping teams rethink how they deliver value by identifying and addressing both technical and process bottlenecks, such as slow builds or approval delays. I do this by asking targeted questions and encouraging teams to examine their workflows, which leads to continuous improvement and better customer outcomes. Development managers should regularly review their processes to spot and resolve the biggest sources of delay. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beyond-the-rituals-embracing-the-core-principles-of-scrum-for-true-agile-success/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beyond-the-rituals-embracing-the-core-principles-of-scrum-for-true-agile-success/ Focusing on Scrum rituals instead of its core principles, empiricism, transparency, and delivering value, can hinder true agile success. Overemphasis on mechanics leads to misplaced priorities, reduced creativity, and lower team engagement. Development managers should encourage open dialogue, support experimentation, and regularly assess whether practices are truly delivering value, adapting or discarding those that do not. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-remote-work-key-insights-for-agile-teams-to-thrive-in-a-digital-world/ Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:30:42 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-remote-work-key-insights-for-agile-teams-to-thrive-in-a-digital-world/ Remote work requires strong communication, the right tools, and a focus on delivering value, even when teams are not co-located. Improving feedback loops, observing team dynamics through activities like games, and integrating UX early in Agile processes all help teams collaborate better and build the right products. Development managers should prioritize open communication, continuous process improvement, and shared accountability for user experience to help their teams thrive in a digital environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-process-improvement-how-understanding-scrum-transformed-a-developer's-mindset/ Thu, 27 Jul 2017 19:14:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-process-improvement-how-understanding-scrum-transformed-a-developer's-mindset/ Understanding and embracing Scrum processes can transform developer mindsets, leading to better collaboration, higher quality product delivery, and more empowered teams. Taking time to learn and refine processes is essential for sustainable success, not just individual productivity. Development managers should encourage their teams to invest in process improvement to drive long-term value and team growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/modernising-legacy-systems-a-practical-low-risk-strategy-for-real-business-transformation/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/modernising-legacy-systems-a-practical-low-risk-strategy-for-real-business-transformation/ Modernising legacy systems should be a strategic, low-risk process focused on understanding both technical and workflow bottlenecks, not a risky full replacement. Incremental changes, targeted automation, and addressing process issues often deliver the best results while minimising disruption. Development managers should map how work flows through their systems, prioritise fixes that offer the most value, and shift from reactive firefighting to proactive improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-legacy-system-labyrinth-strategies-for-modernisation-success/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-legacy-system-labyrinth-strategies-for-modernisation-success/ Modernising legacy systems is complex because they are deeply tied to business processes, compliance, and fragile integrations, making change risky and disruptive. Security vulnerabilities and lack of scalability add to the challenge, so a clear strategy focused on incremental improvements and strategic replacements is essential. Development managers should assess their systems holistically and pursue manageable, stepwise changes to enable long-term organisational success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-how-to-shift-from-blame-to-systemic-solutions-for-better-team-dynamics/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-how-to-shift-from-blame-to-systemic-solutions-for-better-team-dynamics/ Problems in agile teams are usually caused by flawed measurement systems and processes, not individual intent. Metrics drive behavior, so focusing on changing how people are evaluated and incentivized is more effective than trying to change culture directly. Review your team’s metrics and processes to remove barriers and foster adaptability, which will lead to better collaboration and innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-to-maximize-value-and-return-on-investment/ Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:45:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-to-maximize-value-and-return-on-investment/ Empowering teams to adapt their own processes is essential for maximizing value and return on investment in Agile environments. Teams that have autonomy, leadership support, and a culture of continuous improvement consistently outperform those forced to follow rigid, standardized processes. Development managers should trust teams to tailor their workflows, provide the necessary tools and support, and focus on outcomes rather than strict process adherence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-in-the-past-the-man-has-been-first-in-the-future-the-system-must-be-first-frederick-winslow-taylor/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-in-the-past-the-man-has-been-first-in-the-future-the-system-must-be-first-frederick-winslow-taylor/ The Industrial Revolution shifted focus from individuals to systems for productivity, but in Agile environments, it is essential to balance effective systems with the needs of people. Systems should empower teams and not become obstacles, so regularly review and adapt them based on team feedback. Development managers should ensure systems support collaboration and productivity rather than hinder them. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effectively-does-an-aps-prepare-a-team-to-do-a-solid-professional-scrum/ Sat, 12 Aug 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effectively-does-an-aps-prepare-a-team-to-do-a-solid-professional-scrum/ The Applied Professional Scrum (APS) course helps teams focus on delivering a working product every iteration and sheds unhelpful habits that slow progress. Through practical exercises like the “Barnacle Exercise,” teams identify and remove outdated practices, leading to more effective Scrum adoption. Development managers should consider APS to build teams that consistently deliver value and embody true Scrum principles. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/celebrating-jernimo-palacios-a-beacon-of-mentorship-and-community-in-agile-practices/ Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/celebrating-jernimo-palacios-a-beacon-of-mentorship-and-community-in-agile-practices/ Jernimo Palacios has played a key role in advancing agile practices in Spain by sharing his expertise, building a collaborative community, and mentoring others. His openness and support have helped many navigate agile challenges and encouraged continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Development managers should foster similar mentorship and collaboration within their teams to drive growth and adaptability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/evidence-based-management-the-four-key-value-areas-in-scrum/ Fri, 13 Sep 2024 07:00:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/evidence-based-management-the-four-key-value-areas-in-scrum/ Evidence-based management in Scrum focuses on four key value areas, current value, unrealized value, ability to innovate, and time to market, to guide data-driven decisions and balance innovation with stability. Tracking metrics in these areas helps teams improve customer satisfaction, identify growth opportunities, manage technical debt, and speed up delivery. Development managers should start measuring these areas to align teams with evidence-based management and drive sustainable product success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overcoming-the-plague-of-rigidity-embracing-true-agility-in-your-team/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overcoming-the-plague-of-rigidity-embracing-true-agility-in-your-team/ Rigidly sticking to tools and processes can cause teams to stagnate, resist change, and miss out on innovation. True agility comes from regularly reassessing practices, encouraging experimentation, and focusing on outcomes rather than methods. Development managers should foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability to keep their teams responsive and effective. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-top-3-things-a-scrum-master-needs-to-bear-in-mind-when-adopting-the-coaching-stance/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-top-3-things-a-scrum-master-needs-to-bear-in-mind-when-adopting-the-coaching-stance/ A Scrum Master adopting a coaching stance should focus on guiding teams toward self-organisation, building trust and influence through expertise and empathy, and adapting their approach to the team’s unique context and culture. Key outcomes include stronger collaboration, empowered decision-making, and higher team satisfaction. To be effective, Scrum Masters should actively listen, foster a positive environment, and continuously develop their own skills. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-how-empirical-models-transform-project-outcomes/ Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:08:59 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-how-empirical-models-transform-project-outcomes/ Agile methods significantly increase project success rates, especially for larger teams, by maintaining ongoing visibility, enabling flexibility, reducing operational risk, and delivering value incrementally. Unlike traditional models, Agile allows for regular feedback and adaptation, which keeps projects aligned with customer needs and reduces wasted effort. Development managers should consider adopting empirical Agile practices to improve outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-be-an-effective-agile-coach-agnosticism-in-practice/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:50 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-be-an-effective-agile-coach-agnosticism-in-practice/ Effective Agile coaching means being flexible and not pushing one framework; instead, help teams understand core Agile, Lean, and Scrum principles so they can choose what works best for their context. Encourage experimentation, educate teams on different approaches, and support their decision-making process. Focus on enabling teams to own their process and continuously improve rather than prescribing solutions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-free-from-the-plagues-of-agility-how-to-cultivate-flexibility-and-innovation-in-your-team/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:42:43 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-free-from-the-plagues-of-agility-how-to-cultivate-flexibility-and-innovation-in-your-team/ Teams often lose true agility by becoming too attached to specific tools and processes, which leads to stagnation, inefficiency, and lower morale. Encouraging experimentation, holding regular retrospectives to review practices, and empowering teams to adapt workflows are key to maintaining flexibility and innovation. Development managers should regularly assess whether current methods still serve the team’s needs and foster a culture of continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-plague/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-plague/ Many organizations are undermined by unqualified Agile coaches and Scrum Masters who lack real understanding and experience, leading to harmful practices, lost trust in Agile, and reduced team performance. Key issues include rigid rule enforcement, lack of inclusivity, and prioritizing process over people. To avoid these pitfalls, prioritize hiring experienced, continuously learning Agile leaders who embody true Agile values and focus on team empowerment and value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cutting-through-the-red-tape-how-eliminating-committees-can-boost-your-time-to-market/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cutting-through-the-red-tape-how-eliminating-committees-can-boost-your-time-to-market/ Committees often slow down decision-making and stall teams, leading to missed business opportunities and delayed time to market. Empowering teams to make decisions and adopting modern collaboration tools can significantly improve speed, accountability, and innovation. Review your current processes and consider reducing committee involvement to stay competitive and agile. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-much-of-an-impact-can-scrum-have-in-a-devops-environment/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-much-of-an-impact-can-scrum-have-in-a-devops-environment/ Combining Scrum and DevOps creates a powerful approach that boosts speed, collaboration, and product quality in software development. Scrum provides structure and problem-solving strategies, while DevOps brings automation and efficient delivery. Development managers should consider integrating both to maximize team performance and deliver better products faster. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-power-of-continuous-delivery-how-automation-transforms-software-development/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-power-of-continuous-delivery-how-automation-transforms-software-development/ The main benefit of continuous delivery is the automation it brings, which increases consistency, reliability, and risk mitigation in software deployments. Real-world examples like Azure DevOps and Windows teams show that automation shortens feedback loops, reduces errors, and enables faster, higher-quality releases without increasing team size. Development managers should focus on embedding automation throughout their delivery process to protect the business and empower teams to deliver better software more efficiently. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/security-by-design-building-secure-software/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:35:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/security-by-design-building-secure-software/ Shifting left means building quality and security into software from the start by making developers responsible for testing, integrating expertise early, and using practices like test-driven development and continuous feedback. Although it may feel slower at first, this approach reduces long-term costs, technical debt, and enables faster, higher-quality delivery as shown by Azure DevOps’ transformation. Development managers should invest in shift-left practices now to empower teams, improve products, and accelerate innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-is-not-new-a-journey-back-to-the-basics/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:48:56 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-is-not-new-a-journey-back-to-the-basics/ Agile is rooted in centuries-old practices focused on human connection and adaptability, but mass production and Taylorism shifted work toward efficiency at the cost of empathy and craftsmanship. The Agile movement aimed to restore these values, yet many organizations now face a competence gap, hiring for Agile roles without ensuring the necessary skills, which leads to disappointing results. Development managers should prioritize building real competence and continuous learning in their teams to realize Agile’s true benefits and prepare for a coming reset that emphasizes value, empathy, and adaptability over rigid processes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/detecting-agile-bs-lessons-from-the-us-department-of-defense/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/detecting-agile-bs-lessons-from-the-us-department-of-defense/ Many organizations claim to be Agile but often fall short of true Agile practices, as highlighted by the US Department of Defense’s “Detecting Agile BS” guide. The guide recommends six key questions to assess real Agile maturity, focusing on frequent delivery to users, regular production releases, adapting to feedback, clear product vision, team empowerment, and a culture of continuous improvement. Development managers should honestly assess their teams against these criteria, start small with improvements, and foster a culture of feedback and learning to achieve genuine Agile transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/illuminate-your-workflow-harnessing-candan-strategies-for-continuous-improvement-and-transparency/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/illuminate-your-workflow-harnessing-candan-strategies-for-continuous-improvement-and-transparency/ Adopting a Candan strategy helps teams achieve continuous improvement and greater transparency by using flow metrics to identify workflow issues and inefficiencies. Visualising these metrics enables more informed decisions and motivates action, especially for Scrum teams that lack built-in measurement tools. To maximise benefits, integrate flow metrics into your processes and seek expert support or training if needed. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-long-does-it-take-to-transition-from-project-management-to-kanban/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-long-does-it-take-to-transition-from-project-management-to-kanban/ Transitioning from traditional project management to Kanban is a gradual process that starts by documenting your current workflow, collecting and analyzing data, and making incremental improvements based on evidence. Kanban allows teams to identify and address bottlenecks at their own pace, reducing disruption and avoiding the pitfalls of rushed Agile adoption. Development managers should consider starting with Kanban to enable continuous improvement without overwhelming their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-measure-your-organization's-ability-to-improve-value-through-innovation/ Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-measure-your-organization's-ability-to-improve-value-through-innovation/ To improve your organization’s ability to deliver value, focus on measuring and enhancing your capacity for innovation using evidence-based management and key metrics like active branches, technical debt, innovation rate, and complexity overhead. Regularly monitor these metrics, set clear innovation goals, and foster a culture of continuous improvement to identify bottlenecks and drive better outcomes. Take action by simplifying processes, managing technical debt, and increasing time spent on new features to boost your team’s innovation and long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-overlooked-virtue-of-agility-diligence/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-overlooked-virtue-of-agility-diligence/ Diligence, or consistently following through on quality standards like the definition of done, is often overlooked in Agile teams but is essential for reliable delivery and long-term success. Without diligence, teams risk inconsistent quality and increased rework, while a strong focus on it leads to better products and faster delivery over time. Development managers should ensure the definition of done is clear, visible, and enforced, and foster a culture of accountability and perseverance to make diligence a team habit. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-in-agile-why-your-definition-of-done-is-essential-for-quality-delivery/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:56:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-in-agile-why-your-definition-of-done-is-essential-for-quality-delivery/ A clear and shared Definition of Done is essential for delivering quality products in Agile and Scrum, as it sets the standard for what is considered complete and ensures transparency across the team. Without it, teams risk miscommunication, unfinished work, and features that do not meet user needs. Development managers should regularly review and reinforce the Definition of Done with their teams to improve quality and reduce risk. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-burnout-to-breakthrough-how-ctos-can-lead-with-clarity-resilience-and-real-innovation/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:00:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-burnout-to-breakthrough-how-ctos-can-lead-with-clarity-resilience-and-real-innovation/ CTOs and tech leaders cannot drive innovation if they are overwhelmed and constantly reacting to demands. Sustainable leadership requires stepping back to gain clarity, focusing on what truly matters, and building deliberate strategies that align with business goals. To move from burnout to breakthrough, prioritise reflection, consistent decision-making, and resilience rather than simply doing more. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-for-agile-success/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:17:24 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-for-agile-success/ Evidence-Based Management helps Agile teams make better decisions by using data from four key areas: current value, unrealized value, ability to innovate, and time to market. By collecting and analyzing relevant metrics, teams can prioritize improvements, boost innovation, and deliver more value to customers. Start by tracking a few key metrics with simple tools, then use those insights to guide your team’s next steps. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-starting-and-start-finishing-the-key-to-team-success/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:26:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-starting-and-start-finishing-the-key-to-team-success/ Trying to do too many tasks at once reduces team productivity due to context switching and leads to slower delivery and burnout. Focusing on finishing work before starting new tasks, limiting work in progress, and prioritizing by business value helps teams deliver faster and more predictably. Development managers should ensure their teams complete current work before taking on new tasks to maximize efficiency and business impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-chaos/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-chaos/ Chaos in agile transformations often arises from unclear product vision and poor communication, leading to misalignment and confusion. To overcome this, development managers should establish a clear strategic direction, break it down into actionable goals, and reinforce it through ongoing communication and feedback. Focus on principles that empower teams and ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to shared objectives. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/conquering-sloth-in-agile-6-signs-your-team-might-be-stalling/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:01:48 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/conquering-sloth-in-agile-6-signs-your-team-might-be-stalling/ Many teams claim to be Agile but stall due to issues like not delivering working software each Sprint, lacking clear goals, ignoring user feedback, slow deployments, rigid requirements, and resistance to process change. These signs indicate a lack of true agility and hinder progress. Development managers should honestly assess their teams for these problems and take action to empower teams, streamline feedback and deployment, and adapt processes as needed. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-judgement/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-judgement/ Rigid, judgmental application of Agile frameworks stifles creativity and innovation, turning teams into rule-followers instead of problem-solvers. True agility comes from empowering teams with autonomy, transparency, and principles rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules. Development managers should focus on fostering a culture of openness and continuous learning, allowing teams to adapt practices to their unique needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-less-is-more-true-or-false/ Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-less-is-more-true-or-false/ Focusing on fewer, high-value tasks rather than trying to do everything leads to better productivity and higher quality in Agile teams. Regularly refining the backlog and planning sprints around essential work helps eliminate waste and ensures efforts align with project goals. Development managers should encourage teams to prioritize what matters most to maximize results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-decide-on-a-sprint-goal/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-decide-on-a-sprint-goal/ A Scrum team decides on a Sprint goal through early and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, aligning the goal with business strategy, market needs, and team capacity. The goal is crafted during Sprint planning by the product owner and developers together, ensuring it is clear, measurable, and agreed upon by all. To improve outcomes, start goal discussions before planning, maintain open communication, and make the goal visible to keep the team focused and adaptable. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-scrum-insights-from-the-scaled-professional-scrum-course/ Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:53:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-scrum-insights-from-the-scaled-professional-scrum-course/ The Scaled Professional Scrum course helps teams address common challenges in scaling Scrum, such as managing cross-team dependencies, maintaining self-management, and ensuring transparency. Through hands-on, interactive sessions, participants gain practical techniques and tools to structure and manage large agile projects effectively. Development managers looking to scale Scrum without unnecessary overhead should consider this course to equip their teams with proven practices and ongoing support. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-outcomes-how-evidence-based-management-transforms-your-project-success/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:46:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-outcomes-how-evidence-based-management-transforms-your-project-success/ Defining clear, measurable outcomes and using both leading and lagging metrics are essential for project success. Evidence-based management helps teams make informed decisions by consistently collecting and analyzing data, then iterating based on insights. Development managers should focus on setting SMART goals, tracking the right metrics, and using data to guide continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-the-power-of-just-enough-and-no-more-for-optimal-efficiency/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-the-power-of-just-enough-and-no-more-for-optimal-efficiency/ Applying the principle of “just enough and no more” across backlog management, team size, refinement, and planning helps teams stay focused, efficient, and adaptable. Prioritising value, embracing simplicity, and iterating regularly reduces wasted effort and maximises productivity. Development managers should encourage teams to do only what is necessary to deliver value and continuously improve. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-your-entrepreneurial-spirit-key-strategies-for-product-owners-to-drive-team-success/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-your-entrepreneurial-spirit-key-strategies-for-product-owners-to-drive-team-success/ Product owners should connect their teams to the value they create by clearly communicating vision and goals, and foster evidence-based decision-making using data and user feedback rather than intuition. Focusing on metrics like time to market and balancing innovation with maintenance helps teams deliver better results faster. Encourage regular dialogue and rapid prototyping to keep teams engaged and responsive to user needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-a-psm-ii-course-in-60-seconds/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-a-psm-ii-course-in-60-seconds/ The PSM II course helps experienced Scrum Masters deepen their expertise, empower teams, and better support product owners, leading to higher team performance and organizational agility. It offers practical tools, advanced facilitation techniques, and access to a professional community, all aimed at driving real change. Consider enrolling to accelerate your career growth and make a greater impact in your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-software-engineer-to-scrum-trainer-how-my-journey-shapes-effective-devops-training/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-software-engineer-to-scrum-trainer-how-my-journey-shapes-effective-devops-training/ The author’s journey from software engineer to Scrum trainer, including recognition as a Microsoft MVP and extensive DevOps consulting across multiple industries, shapes a practical and relatable training style. Key insights include the value of learning from both successes and failures, the motivational power of real-world stories, and the belief that any team can move toward continuous delivery. Development managers should consider leveraging trainers with hands-on experience to inspire teams and drive meaningful change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beyond-the-agile-illusion-embracing-true-agility-in-a-world-of-taylorism/ Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:00:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/beyond-the-agile-illusion-embracing-true-agility-in-a-world-of-taylorism/ Many teams claim to be agile but still operate with outdated management mindsets that stifle autonomy and engagement, leading to low adoption of core agile practices like short iterations and retrospectives. True agility requires transparency, regular feedback, and a focus on delivering value rather than just completing tasks. Development managers should assess whether their teams meet these criteria and actively foster a culture that supports genuine agile principles. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-tech-hype-how-evidence-based-decisions-empower-real-leadership/ Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:00:44 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/stop-chasing-tech-hype-how-evidence-based-decisions-empower-real-leadership/ Chasing technology trends because competitors do is not a real strategy; instead, focus on making your systems visible, use evidence to guide decisions, and choose tools that fit your actual needs. This approach helps you defend your roadmap with confidence and creates sustainable results for your teams and business. Prioritise clarity and alignment over hype to lead effectively and avoid unnecessary complexity. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-delivering-working-software-every-iteration/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-delivering-working-software-every-iteration/ Delivering working software to real users every iteration is essential for true agility because it enables rapid feedback, validates assumptions early, and maximizes value for stakeholders. Key practices include starting with a minimal viable product, prioritizing user stories for value, involving stakeholders regularly, automating testing and deployment, and fostering continuous improvement. To ensure your team is truly Agile, focus on releasing usable software each iteration and use real user feedback to guide development and avoid wasted effort. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-master-or-agile-coach-motivate-a-scrum-team/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-master-or-agile-coach-motivate-a-scrum-team/ Scrum Masters and Agile coaches play a key role in keeping teams motivated by aligning goals with stakeholder value, celebrating achievements, and fostering open communication. Teams lose motivation when goals are misaligned or stakeholder engagement is lacking, so it is important to set achievable objectives, involve stakeholders, and encourage autonomy and continuous learning. Regularly review team morale, connect work to its broader impact, and create feedback loops to maintain a resilient and high-performing team. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agility-how-eps-immersive-learning-transforms-your-team's-performance/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agility-how-eps-immersive-learning-transforms-your-team's-performance/ The EPS immersive learning experience offers structured, ongoing coaching and feedback that helps teams improve agility and effectiveness with minimal time investment. Through iterative assignments, tailored feedback, and additional coaching, teams can continuously adapt and enhance their practices. To get the most value, managers should actively engage with the process and integrate learnings into daily work. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-favourite-devops-consulting-outcome/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-favourite-devops-consulting-outcome/ A fragmented, multi-billion-dollar software project with 80 to 90 teams across nine countries was transformed by unifying processes and source control onto Azure DevOps, greatly improving collaboration and efficiency. The key outcomes were simplification, system unification, and a shift toward a ‘One Engineering System’ approach. Development managers should consider consolidating tools and processes to drive similar improvements in productivity and teamwork. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-would-you-advise-a-scrum-team-to-do-in-their-first-4-weeks/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-would-you-advise-a-scrum-team-to-do-in-their-first-4-weeks/ In the first four weeks, a scrum team should focus on practicing scrum correctly, learning both what works and what does not, and experimenting to find the best fit for their context. Teams should document obstacles and improvements, address one key change per sprint, and use retrospectives to drive continuous improvement. This approach builds a strong foundation and helps make organizational issues visible for future action. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/challenging-the-tyranny-of-taylorism-embracing-true-agility-in-the-workplace/ Wed, 24 Jun 2020 17:48:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/challenging-the-tyranny-of-taylorism-embracing-true-agility-in-the-workplace/ Many organizations still follow outdated management styles that prioritize efficiency over creativity, which stifles innovation and true agility. Overemphasis on metrics, lack of team autonomy, and rigid processes are signs of this problem and can lead to superficial agile adoption. Development managers should focus on fostering genuine collaboration, flexibility, and a culture that values creativity to achieve real agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-the-seven-deadly-sins-of-agile-transform-your-organisation-for-true-agility/ Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:17:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-the-seven-deadly-sins-of-agile-transform-your-organisation-for-true-agility/ Achieving true agility requires more than adopting Agile practices; organisations often fall into seven common traps such as seeking quick fixes, overloading backlogs, focusing on resource utilisation over value, lacking accountability, fostering blame, copying others blindly, and letting pride block learning. These behaviours hinder innovation, value delivery, and team effectiveness. Development managers should regularly assess and address these pitfalls, tailor Agile to their context, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and honest reflection. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-every-scrum-master-needs-an-immersive-training-experience/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-every-scrum-master-needs-an-immersive-training-experience/ Immersive training is essential for Scrum Masters who already have hands-on experience, as it deepens practical skills, sharpens leadership abilities, and drives better team outcomes. Unlike standard courses, immersive classes focus on real-world challenges, immediate feedback, and peer learning, helping Scrum Masters maximize team value and effectiveness. Development managers should encourage experienced Scrum Masters to pursue immersive training to foster continuous improvement and stronger team leadership. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-famine/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-famine/ Resource scarcity in Agile organizations, such as lack of trust, funding, training, and tools, often stems from rigid, top-down management and can severely limit team performance and growth. Empowering teams with decision-making authority, flexible budgets, and a culture of trust and continuous learning leads to better outcomes and avoids costly mistakes. Development managers should prioritize investing in people and resources to enable agility and long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-i-estimate-that-75-of-those-organisations-using-scrum-will-not-succeed-in-getting-the-benefits-that-they-hope-for-from-it-ken-schwaber/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-i-estimate-that-75-of-those-organisations-using-scrum-will-not-succeed-in-getting-the-benefits-that-they-hope-for-from-it-ken-schwaber/ Most organisations using Scrum do not achieve the benefits they expect because they focus on team-level practices instead of making broader organisational changes. Success requires adopting an agile mindset across the whole company, securing management support, and continuously improving processes. Development managers should drive holistic transformation beyond just the development team to increase the chances of real Scrum success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-scrum-master-journey-key-insights-from-the-advanced-psm-course/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-scrum-master-journey-key-insights-from-the-advanced-psm-course/ Many Scrum Masters focus too much on administrative tasks like Jira management instead of empowering their teams and supporting the Product Owner and organization. The Advanced PSM course highlights the importance of enabling team accountability, facilitating value delivery, and addressing organizational barriers. Development managers should encourage Scrum Masters to move beyond admin work and focus on building team capability and organizational agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-hardest-part-of-working-with-a-brand-new-scrum-team/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-hardest-part-of-working-with-a-brand-new-scrum-team/ The hardest part of working with a new scrum team is overcoming their misconceptions about scrum and their focus on superficial practices instead of core principles. Teams often concentrate on the mechanics rather than embracing empiricism and rapid feedback loops, which are essential for high performance. Development managers should guide teams to master foundational agile concepts and use evidence-based learning to drive improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-kaizen-unlocking-continuous-improvement-for-personal-and-team-success/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:04:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-kaizen-unlocking-continuous-improvement-for-personal-and-team-success/ Kaizen is a philosophy of making small, ongoing improvements that can lead to significant gains in team performance, collaboration, and personal growth. By regularly observing, measuring, and refining processes, teams can boost productivity and quality while fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to suggest changes. Development managers should encourage open communication, celebrate small wins, and be patient as continuous improvement is a long-term journey. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-future-of-scrum-training-immersive-learning-for-lasting-change/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:30:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-future-of-scrum-training-immersive-learning-for-lasting-change/ Immersive learning is more effective than traditional Scrum training because it provides ongoing support, real-time problem solving, and peer collaboration over several weeks, helping participants apply new skills in real situations. This approach leads to gradual, sustainable change and builds confidence through shared learning and continuous improvement. Development managers should consider immersive learning to achieve lasting transformation in their teams and organizations. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-1/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:50:42 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-1/ Scrum events are not just meetings but purposeful activities designed to drive inspection, adaptation, and real progress. Misunderstanding them as empty ceremonies leads to missed opportunities for team alignment, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Development managers should focus on using Scrum events to foster transparency and action, not just to fill calendars. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-the-aps-course-help-people-apply-scrum-effectively/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:57:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-the-aps-course-help-people-apply-scrum-effectively/ The APS course uses hands-on simulations to help participants deeply understand scrum, recognize common dysfunctions in traditional and current agile practices, and learn how to apply scrum effectively even within organizational constraints. It highlights how traditional mindsets and policies can block team success and shows the value of aligning with scrum principles for better problem-solving and outcomes. Managers are encouraged to attend so they can see firsthand how their decisions impact teams and identify changes needed to support effective scrum adoption. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-validation-in-product-development-a-strategic-approach/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:30:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-validation-in-product-development-a-strategic-approach/ Prioritizing features to close sales can fragment your product and lead to long-term costs that outweigh short-term gains. Shifting to a hypothesis-driven approach, where you define, track, and validate the value of new features using data, helps ensure you invest in what truly benefits users and the business. Equip product managers with the right telemetry and authority to make evidence-based decisions, and avoid building features that do not deliver measurable value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-trait-in-unskilled-scrum-masters/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-trait-in-unskilled-scrum-masters/ The worst traits in unskilled Scrum Masters are acting like a boss, micromanaging, and allocating all work, which go against the true role of a Scrum Master as a facilitator who empowers and guides teams. Effective Scrum Masters enable self-organization and foster a supportive environment rather than controlling every detail. Development managers should ensure their Scrum Masters focus on facilitation and team empowerment, not command and control. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-embrace-continuous-forecasting-and-transform-your-training-experience/ Thu, 21 May 2020 05:26:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-embrace-continuous-forecasting-and-transform-your-training-experience/ Continuous forecasting in Agile, supported by metrics and tools like Monte Carlo simulations, enables teams to plan flexibly and adapt quickly rather than committing to a full sprint plan upfront. Virtual training with interactive tools and follow-up sessions has improved learning and engagement. Development managers should consider adopting continuous forecasting and leveraging available training resources to enhance team performance and responsiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-leadership-the-power-of-evidence-based-management-in-agile/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-leadership-the-power-of-evidence-based-management-in-agile/ Evidence-based management helps Agile leaders make better decisions by using data on team performance, customer satisfaction, and product quality, leading to continuous improvement and stronger collaboration. Real-world examples show that adopting EBM can improve delivery times, morale, and outcomes. Development managers should invest in EBM training, encourage data-driven practices, and support experimentation to drive team success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-the-scrum-master-from-misconceptions-to-empowering-leadership/ Fri, 12 May 2023 14:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-the-scrum-master-from-misconceptions-to-empowering-leadership/ The Scrum Master role is often misunderstood as tool administration or problem-solving, but its true value lies in empowering teams to self-organize and operate independently. Key insights include fostering team autonomy, guiding rather than controlling, and committing to continuous learning. Development managers should support Scrum Masters in becoming facilitators who enable teams to thrive without constant oversight. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-ctos-can-cut-through-the-noise-building-real-clarity-and-confidence-in-a-world-of-ai-hype-and-microservices-madness/ Fri, 16 May 2025 06:00:22 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-ctos-can-cut-through-the-noise-building-real-clarity-and-confidence-in-a-world-of-ai-hype-and-microservices-madness/ CTOs face constant pressure to adopt new technologies like AI and microservices, but chasing every trend often leads to confusion and technical debt. The key is to focus on understanding your organisation’s real challenges, build decision-making capability at all levels, and invest in clarity rather than hype. Partnering with experts who help you see your true constraints and strengths can enable you to set your own pace and lead with confidence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditch-the-agile-bandit-mentality-how-to-prioritise-value-over-estimates-for-team-success/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditch-the-agile-bandit-mentality-how-to-prioritise-value-over-estimates-for-team-success/ Focusing on estimates instead of value delivery can harm team morale and undermine Agile principles. Shifting attention to outcomes, fostering psychological safety, and using metrics that reflect real customer impact lead to better products and a more engaged team. Development managers should prioritise value and team well-being over tracking estimates to achieve lasting success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-complexity-in-scrum-transform-your-team-with-agile-product-strategy-insights/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-complexity-in-scrum-transform-your-team-with-agile-product-strategy-insights/ Understanding and managing complexity is essential for Scrum teams to plan and execute effectively, especially as unpredictability increases. Emphasizing transparency, inspection, and adaptation helps teams navigate complex work, improve processes, and foster continuous improvement. Consider investing in training or discussions that deepen your team’s grasp of these principles to boost effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-naked-agility-select-associate-scrum-trainers/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:35:57 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-naked-agility-select-associate-scrum-trainers/ Naked Agility selects associate Scrum Trainers based on real-world agile experience, proven problem-solving skills, and the ability to engage and inspire teams, not just theoretical knowledge. Trainers are evaluated through co-training and must demonstrate deep expertise as practitioners, coaches, or consultants who can address industry-specific challenges and empower teams to apply agile effectively. If you need agile training or coaching from experienced professionals who understand complex environments, consider reaching out to Naked Agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-leadership-driving-cultural-change-for-agile-success/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-leadership-driving-cultural-change-for-agile-success/ Leadership is crucial for enabling agile success by setting a clear vision, investing in automation, supporting architectural improvements, fostering continuous learning, and breaking down silos. These actions help teams align with organisational goals, deliver more reliably, and adapt to change. Development managers should prioritise these areas to create a culture that supports frequent, high-quality delivery and ongoing improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/focusing-beyond-agile-building-true-capability-in-organizations/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/focusing-beyond-agile-building-true-capability-in-organizations/ Focusing only on Agile as a label limits organizational growth; instead, prioritize building real capability, hiring and promoting competent people from within, and fostering continuous learning. Many teams struggle because key roles are filled by underqualified individuals, often due to poor hiring practices and a lack of investment in development. To improve effectiveness and value delivery, hire for potential, promote proven team members, and create a culture where learning and leadership are central. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-evidence-based-management-transform-your-decision-making-with-data-driven-insights/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:12:45 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-evidence-based-management-transform-your-decision-making-with-data-driven-insights/ Evidence-based management helps you make better decisions by using data to inform, not control, your actions and team behaviours. Focus on choosing the right metrics that align with your business goals, understand the context behind the numbers, and engage with teams to uncover root causes. Use data as a guide for continuous improvement and be ready to adapt your strategies as new insights emerge. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/taming-the-chaos-factor-how-to-align-your-agile-teams-for-success/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/taming-the-chaos-factor-how-to-align-your-agile-teams-for-success/ Chaos in Agile teams often results from unclear goals, poor communication, and lack of alignment, leading to disjointed work, low morale, and ineffective decisions. To address this, set clear objectives, ensure open communication, and align teams with the organisation’s vision. Focus on fostering collaboration and regularly reinforcing shared goals to create a more productive and unified environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/combatting-the-agile-apocalypse-how-to-overcome-the-famine-of-feedback-and-engagement/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/combatting-the-agile-apocalypse-how-to-overcome-the-famine-of-feedback-and-engagement/ A lack of feedback and engagement from stakeholders, especially the product owner, leads to disengaged teams, poor product alignment, and increased risk of failure. Regular feedback sessions, open communication, and early stakeholder involvement are essential to keep teams motivated and ensure products meet business needs. Development managers should prioritise active stakeholder participation to maintain team morale and deliver better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-greed/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:00:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-greed/ Focusing on resource utilisation over value in Agile leads to busywork, burnout, and reduced innovation, undermining true productivity. Teams should prioritise delivering customer value, balance workloads, and foster open communication and trust to enable creativity and continuous improvement. Development managers should shift from maximising activity to nurturing a value-driven, healthy Agile culture that supports learning and adaptation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-satya-nadella-a-better-example-of-agile-leadership-than-steve-jobs/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-satya-nadella-a-better-example-of-agile-leadership-than-steve-jobs/ Satya Nadella is a stronger example of agile leadership than Steve Jobs because he built a culture of innovation and empowered teams across Microsoft, rather than centralizing decision-making and innovation in one person. Nadella decentralized authority, focused on meaningful metrics that drive customer value, and fostered continuous improvement and collaboration throughout the organization. Development managers should consider enabling team autonomy and aligning incentives with customer outcomes to drive sustainable innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-delivery-how-feature-flags-transform-software-development/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-continuous-delivery-how-feature-flags-transform-software-development/ Feature flags enable teams to release new features incrementally, gather user feedback early, and quickly respond to issues, supporting safer and more frequent deployments. Real-world examples like Azure DevOps show that this approach allows for controlled rollouts, continuous monitoring, and ongoing improvements based on user input. Development managers should consider adopting feature flags to improve delivery speed, reduce risk, and ensure features better meet user needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-future-of-software-development-why-automation-is-your-key-to-success/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-future-of-software-development-why-automation-is-your-key-to-success/ Automation is essential for faster, more reliable software development, reducing human error and enabling consistent, rapid deployments. Real-world failures like Knight Capital show the high cost of manual processes, while leading teams achieve quick, high-quality releases by building automation into every step. Development managers should prioritize automating all possible tasks to improve quality, speed, and adaptability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-in-agile-inform-don-t-control/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:36:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-in-agile-inform-don-t-control/ Evidence-Based Management helps you use data to guide decisions and understand team behaviors, but it should inform rather than control actions. Define clear outcomes, choose metrics that align with those goals, and use data as a conversation starter to uncover challenges and drive improvement. Regularly review metrics with your teams to stay aligned and focus on delivering real value, not just hitting targets. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-patience-the-secret-ingredient-for-thriving-agile-teams/ Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/cultivating-patience-the-secret-ingredient-for-thriving-agile-teams/ Patience is essential for agile teams to build trust, avoid blame, and support growth, leading to better collaboration and outcomes. Leaders should set realistic expectations, encourage open communication, and model patient behavior to foster a healthy team environment. Take time to invest in team development and celebrate progress to enable long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/training-a-bridge-to-knowledge-and-growth/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/training-a-bridge-to-knowledge-and-growth/ Investing in training and continuous learning is key to team growth and long-term success, helping teams stay relevant and engaged while demonstrating organizational commitment. Leaders should focus on creating a supportive environment that encourages experimentation, celebrates small wins, and addresses systemic barriers to learning. Prioritize ongoing development and adapt to new technologies to boost morale, performance, and retention. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-war/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:00:46 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-war/ Unchecked conflict in agile teams can escalate from healthy debate to destructive infighting, undermining collaboration and progress. Leaders must foster open communication, empathy, and clear conflict resolution processes to keep disagreements constructive and aligned with shared goals. Proactively managing conflict is essential to prevent team dysfunction and support ongoing innovation and growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-sprint-review-workshop-and-how-will-it-help-organisations/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-sprint-review-workshop-and-how-will-it-help-organisations/ The Sprint Review workshop helps teams align product development with stakeholder needs, adapt to market changes, and drive continuous improvement. It offers practical guidance on running effective reviews, boosting stakeholder engagement, and turning feedback into actionable improvements. Development managers should consider this workshop to enhance team performance and ensure products deliver real value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-hard-is-it-to-transition-from-being-a-developer-to-a-scrum-developer/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:25 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-hard-is-it-to-transition-from-being-a-developer-to-a-scrum-developer/ Transitioning from a traditional developer role to a Scrum developer is challenging but rewarding, requiring a shift to continuous delivery, testing, and improvement, along with strong engineering practices. Success depends on embracing ongoing learning and aligning coding with Agile principles. Development managers should support their teams with training and opportunities to practice Scrum to ensure high-quality, sustainable product delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-teams-how-to-foster-innovation-without-falling-into-bureaucracy/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-teams-how-to-foster-innovation-without-falling-into-bureaucracy/ Scaling teams does not automatically lead to more innovation; it often results in bureaucracy, slower decision-making, and communication issues. To avoid this, focus on empowering teams, streamlining processes, and improving communication so growth enhances agility and innovation rather than stifling it. Development managers should reassess their scaling strategies to prioritize adaptability and team ownership for better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-doesn't-solve-problems-it-reveals-them-how-and-why-is-that-valuable/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-doesn't-solve-problems-it-reveals-them-how-and-why-is-that-valuable/ Scrum does not fix problems but makes them visible, helping teams identify bottlenecks, communication gaps, and inefficient processes. This transparency enables continuous learning and improvement, encourages collaboration, and prompts organizations to address root causes. Development managers should use Scrum’s insights to drive real change and foster a culture of problem-solving and adaptation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-the-power-of-empiricism-transform-your-decision-making-with-data-driven-insights/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harnessing-the-power-of-empiricism-transform-your-decision-making-with-data-driven-insights/ Using data to guide decisions helps teams make better choices, improve continuously, and build trust with stakeholders. The key is to ensure access to relevant data, act deliberately, and monitor results in a cycle of experimentation and learning. Development managers should foster a culture where decisions are based on evidence, not assumptions, and regularly review outcomes to adapt and improve. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-did-so-many-of-the-early-agile-transformations-fail/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-did-so-many-of-the-early-agile-transformations-fail/ Many agile transformations fail because decisions are made top-down without involving the teams who do the actual work, leading to poor fit and lack of buy-in. Teams have the best understanding of their environment and should be included in selecting and shaping agile solutions to ensure success. To improve outcomes, involve your teams in decision-making from the start rather than imposing off-the-shelf frameworks. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-more-teams-won't-speed-up-delivery-the-truth-about-scaling-effectively/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 07:59:43 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-more-teams-won't-speed-up-delivery-the-truth-about-scaling-effectively/ Adding more teams does not automatically speed up software delivery; it often creates more dependencies, coordination overhead, and technical debt, which can slow progress. Effective scaling focuses on reducing friction, structuring teams to minimize dependencies, and prioritizing quality over quantity. Development managers should ensure teams are set up to work independently and efficiently rather than simply increasing headcount. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-5/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-5/ Scrum does not mean abandoning governance; instead, it requires teams to balance agility with necessary regulatory and organizational standards. Applying “just enough governance” ensures compliance and quality without stifling innovation, especially in regulated or complex environments. Development managers should regularly review and adapt governance practices to support both compliance and Agile delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-you-can't-connect-the-dots-looking-forward-you-can-only-connect-them-looking-backwards-steve-jobs/ Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:00:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-you-can't-connect-the-dots-looking-forward-you-can-only-connect-them-looking-backwards-steve-jobs/ Steve Jobs’ idea that you can only connect the dots looking backward highlights the value of learning from past experiences in Agile environments. Development managers should regularly reflect on previous outcomes, use data to inform decisions, and remain flexible to adapt strategies as new information emerges. Encourage your teams to balance lessons from the past with ongoing validation and iterative improvement to stay effective in a changing landscape. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hardest-part-of-becoming-a-professional-scrum-master/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hardest-part-of-becoming-a-professional-scrum-master/ The biggest challenge in becoming a professional Scrum Master is the widespread lack of true professionalism in the role, as many focus on titles rather than mastering the underlying principles and continuous learning. Success requires a deep understanding of Scrum theory and its real-world application, not just surface-level knowledge. Development managers should encourage their teams to prioritize professionalism and ongoing skill development to raise industry standards. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-best-application-of-scrum-in-the-world/ Fri, 26 May 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-best-application-of-scrum-in-the-world/ Microsoft’s Azure DevOps team successfully transitioned from waterfall to Scrum, dramatically reducing build times from over 20 hours to just 3.5 minutes and delivering a product that better meets customer needs. This highlights how effective Scrum can be when applied well, especially in overcoming technical debt and improving efficiency. Development managers should consider how adopting Scrum could drive similar improvements in their own teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-the-critical-role-of-user-feedback-in-requirement-changes/ Fri, 19 Jul 2024 06:45:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-the-critical-role-of-user-feedback-in-requirement-changes/ Empowering teams to change requirements based on real user feedback is essential for true agility, yet many organizations are held back by rigid contracts, complex change processes, and lack of team autonomy. Teams must be able to quickly adapt, discard outdated features, and act on feedback to keep products relevant and valuable. Development managers should streamline change processes, build flexibility into contracts, and foster a culture of trust so teams can respond rapidly to evolving business needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/debunking-the-top-5-myths-about-scrum-unlocking-agile-success-in-your-organisation/ Mon, 06 May 2024 14:12:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/debunking-the-top-5-myths-about-scrum-unlocking-agile-success-in-your-organisation/ Many common beliefs about Scrum, such as it being just meetings, requiring story points, encouraging micromanagement, lacking planning, or having no governance, are misconceptions that hinder its effectiveness. Scrum events are purposeful, story points are optional, teams should self-organise, planning is integral, and governance is flexible to business needs. Development managers should challenge these myths to help teams fully benefit from Agile and deliver greater value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-agile-s-core-beyond-rituals-and-procedures/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/redefining-agile-s-core-beyond-rituals-and-procedures/ Agile is not about following rituals or procedures but about delivering value and adapting to change to maximize business outcomes. Teams that focus only on rituals risk losing sight of continuous improvement and ownership, while over-automation can miss the need for human judgment in complex situations. Development managers should prioritize outcomes, encourage critical thinking about processes, and adapt Agile practices to their unique context rather than just checking boxes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-pitfalls-of-agile-burndowns-stop-being-agile-bandits/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:00:51 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-pitfalls-of-agile-burndowns-stop-being-agile-bandits/ Relying on burndown charts leads to excessive upfront planning, false confidence, and wasted effort, as most plans quickly become outdated and only a fraction of features are actually used. Instead, focus on minimal, just-in-time planning and continuous flow to adapt quickly, reduce overhead, and deliver real value. Encourage your teams to plan only what is needed for the next day, adjust daily, and prioritize delivering value over maintaining detailed charts. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-leadership-empowering-managers-with-the-right-skills/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-leadership-empowering-managers-with-the-right-skills/ Managers often struggle to transition into effective leadership roles without proper training, especially in agile environments where servant leadership and data-driven decision making are key. Investing in Professional Agile Leadership and Evidence-Based Management training helps managers empower teams, align work with organizational goals, and make informed decisions. Consider prioritizing these training programs to boost both team performance and organizational success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-decide-whether-to-pivot-or-stay-the-course-nokia-story/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:59:54 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-decide-whether-to-pivot-or-stay-the-course-nokia-story/ Product owners must confidently make pivotal decisions, often with incomplete information, by balancing data, instinct, and alignment with long-term goals. Success depends on staying connected with teams and stakeholders, monitoring market trends, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. To lead effectively, embrace change, value feedback, and be prepared to pivot or persevere based on evidence rather than sunk costs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-power-of-agile-embracing-change-and-collaboration-for-team-success/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:38:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-true-power-of-agile-embracing-change-and-collaboration-for-team-success/ Agile works best when teams focus on collaboration, embrace change, and prioritize delivering real value to customers rather than rigidly following processes. Regular reflection, empowering team members, and experimenting with new approaches help teams adapt and improve. Development managers should foster a growth mindset and lead by example to create an environment where teams can thrive and continuously deliver better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-an-ineffective-scrum-master's-day-look-like/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-an-ineffective-scrum-master's-day-look-like/ An ineffective Scrum Master spends too much time on reports instead of supporting the team, treats daily meetings as status checks rather than collaboration opportunities, and blocks communication between developers and the business. These behaviors hinder progress and team growth. Recognizing and addressing these habits is crucial for improving team effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-big-is-the-gap-between-an-average-developer-and-a-great-agile-developer/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-big-is-the-gap-between-an-average-developer-and-a-great-agile-developer/ The main difference between an average and a great Agile developer is deep engagement and a commitment to continuous learning and practice. Great Agile developers are proactive, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and thrive in environments that support self-directed and interactive learning. To close the gap, managers should foster a culture that encourages ongoing practice, flipped learning, and autonomy in professional development. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-sprint-planning-key-principles-for-agile-success/ Fri, 26 May 2023 14:00:37 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-sprint-planning-key-principles-for-agile-success/ Effective Sprint planning depends on everyone understanding the product backlog and having a clear product goal, which ensures alignment, informed decisions, and true teamwork. Without these, teams risk misalignment and reduced collaboration. Make sure your team is prepared and focused on shared objectives to achieve better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-scrum-master-an-agile-micromanager/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-scrum-master-an-agile-micromanager/ A Scrum Master is not meant to micromanage but to facilitate, support, and empower the team to make decisions and own their work. When Scrum Masters focus on mentoring and creating a culture of trust and continuous improvement, teams become more effective and innovative. Development managers should ensure Scrum Masters act as catalysts for growth rather than as traditional project managers who direct every detail. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-why-understanding-product-vision-is-key-to-success/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-agile-teams-why-understanding-product-vision-is-key-to-success/ Teams that clearly understand the product vision and strategic goals are more aligned, empowered, and able to make decisions that deliver greater value. Regularly communicating the vision, involving the team in its development, and providing context and feedback opportunities foster ownership and agility. Development managers should ensure their teams know and connect with the product vision to maximize effectiveness and adaptability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-naked-agility-how-happy-teams-drive-exceptional-products/ Fri, 10 May 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-naked-agility-how-happy-teams-drive-exceptional-products/ Happy, engaged teams are essential for building exceptional products; when people have autonomy, opportunities for growth, and a clear sense of purpose, their motivation and output improve significantly. Managers should empower decision-making, invest in skill development, and clearly communicate the vision to foster this environment. Prioritising team well-being leads to better products and more satisfied customers, so focus on creating a culture where your teams can thrive. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-evidence-based-management-in-agile-environments/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-evidence-based-management-in-agile-environments/ Evidence-based management helps Agile teams make smarter decisions by tracking key metrics like value delivered, time to market, and ability to innovate, ensuring changes actually lead to improvement. Without data, teams risk wasting time and resources on ineffective changes, but with regular measurement and analysis, they can adapt quickly and foster continuous improvement. Start by identifying and tracking a few important metrics, involve your team, and use the insights to guide your next steps. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-key-strategies-for-agile-success/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-key-strategies-for-agile-success/ Effective product backlog management is crucial for Agile success; prioritising tasks, limiting work in progress, and holding regular refinement sessions help teams stay focused and deliver more value. Engaging stakeholders and using visual tools can further improve clarity and alignment. Development managers should regularly review their backlog practices to ensure they are working on the most valuable items and maintaining a manageable, focused backlog. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-elevating-scrum-mastery-in-your-organization/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-elevating-scrum-mastery-in-your-organization/ Immersive learning is more effective than traditional training for developing Scrum Masters because it emphasizes hands-on assignments, real-world application, and knowledge sharing, which lead to lasting improvements in team performance. Teams immediately apply what they learn, receive real-time feedback, and benefit from collective insights, making Scrum practices like the Definition of Done part of daily work. To boost Scrum mastery and see real impact, prioritize immersive learning for your organization’s training programs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-is-an-aps-course-appropriate-for-a-scrum-team/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:32:45 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-is-an-aps-course-appropriate-for-a-scrum-team/ An APS course is valuable for Scrum teams that want to deepen their understanding of core Scrum principles and shed ineffective practices that may have accumulated over time. It helps teams focus on delivering a working product each iteration and provides practical exercises, like the Barnacle Exercise, to identify and remove process inefficiencies. Consider APS if your team needs to realign with authentic Scrum practices and drive meaningful agile transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-the-scrum-master-s-true-power-lies-in-influence-not-authority/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-the-scrum-master-s-true-power-lies-in-influence-not-authority/ The Scrum Master’s effectiveness comes from their ability to influence and build trust within the team, not from formal authority. By consistently providing value and fostering a collaborative environment, they help teams thrive and drive continuous improvement. Development managers should focus on supporting Scrum Masters in developing their leadership and relationship-building skills rather than granting them traditional authority. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-agile-success-lies-in-principles-not-tools-a-shift-in-focus/ Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-agile-success-lies-in-principles-not-tools-a-shift-in-focus/ Focusing on Agile principles rather than tools leads to better decision-making, consistency, and long-term team success. Overreliance on tools can create rigid, ineffective processes, while principles support adaptability and collaboration. Development managers should reflect on whether their teams are prioritising principles and consider shifting their focus to foster continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-effective-planning-and-prioritisation-for-agile-success/ Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-scrum-effective-planning-and-prioritisation-for-agile-success/ Effective Scrum planning and prioritisation require aligning work with business goals, regularly communicating with stakeholders, and keeping the product backlog lean and focused on near-term priorities. Use a simple value, risk, and size formula to help order backlog items, and continuously adjust based on customer data and outcomes. Keep your backlog manageable and iterate often to ensure your team delivers meaningful results that support business objectives. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-metrics-why-pal-ebm-is-essential-for-your-organization/ Sat, 27 Jan 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-metrics-why-pal-ebm-is-essential-for-your-organization/ The PAL-EBM class helps leaders and teams understand how to use metrics effectively to drive organizational success by focusing on real data, transparency, and the human impact of measurement. Participants learn through real-world stories why some metrics fail, how to avoid negative behaviors like those seen with Microsoft’s stack ranking, and how to foster strategic conversations that lead to better outcomes. Leadership teams are encouraged to take the class together to align on measuring success, iteratively strategize, and make informed decisions that support long-term goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-true-role-of-a-scrum-master/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-true-role-of-a-scrum-master/ The true role of a Scrum Master is to maximize the effectiveness of the Scrum team, which may differ from how organizations define the job. Key to success are teaching the team Scrum principles and empiricism, using complementary practices, and actively working with the wider organization to remove obstacles. Development managers should ensure Scrum Masters are empowered to focus on these priorities and invest in ongoing training to drive both team and organizational improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-silence/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-silence/ Silence during agile sprint reviews signals deeper issues like lack of engagement, unclear goals, and poor product ownership, which can derail team effectiveness. To address this, focus on building trust, communicating clear objectives, and actively involving all stakeholders through inclusive practices and open discussions. Development managers should ensure product owners foster transparency and engagement to transform passive meetings into collaborative, value-driven sessions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-wrath/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-wrath/ Wrath in Agile teams shows up as blame and fear of mistakes, which stifles innovation and learning. Shifting from blame to shared accountability creates a safer environment for risk-taking and continuous improvement. Development managers should encourage open discussion of mistakes and support a culture where learning from errors is valued over perfection. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-organizational-structure/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-harbingers-of-the-agile-apocalypse-organizational-structure/ Traditional top-down management structures block true agility by centralizing decision-making and limiting team empowerment, especially for key roles like Product Owner. To become more agile, organizations need to decentralize authority, promote transparency, and adopt servant leadership, allowing teams closer to the customer to make decisions. Leaders should drive this shift by supporting teams and gradually implementing changes that focus on delivering customer value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-you-do-if-your-sprint-review-delivers-harsh-scathing-feedback/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-you-do-if-your-sprint-review-delivers-harsh-scathing-feedback/ Harsh feedback in Sprint reviews signals a need for immediate attention and should be seen as an opportunity to realign with stakeholder needs. Investigate the root causes, engage stakeholders more effectively, and be ready to halt, pivot, or persevere based on what you learn. Use open communication and flexibility to turn negative feedback into actionable improvements for your product and process. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/who-should-lead-the-sprint-review-unpacking-the-role-of-the-product-owner-in-agile-success/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/who-should-lead-the-sprint-review-unpacking-the-role-of-the-product-owner-in-agile-success/ The Product Owner should lead the Sprint Review because they are accountable for maximising value and are best positioned to gather insights from stakeholders. The review should focus on aligning everyone on the product vision, showcasing progress, encouraging feedback, and updating the product backlog with new information. Development managers should ensure the Product Owner leads this process and experiment with review formats to keep the backlog relevant and guide the team’s next steps. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-scrum-master's-potential-embracing-broader-responsibilities-for-agile-success/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-scrum-master's-potential-embracing-broader-responsibilities-for-agile-success/ Scrum Masters have a broader responsibility beyond supporting their teams; they also need to engage with the Product Owner and the wider organisation to remove obstacles and drive agility. Encouraging Scrum Masters to question outdated processes and model collaborative behaviours can lead to meaningful organisational change. Development managers should empower Scrum Masters to challenge the status quo and support their growth in these expanded roles. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-training-into-action-experimentation-and-engagement-in-the-workplace/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-agile-training-into-action-experimentation-and-engagement-in-the-workplace/ Agile training is most effective when participants actively experiment with new tools and techniques in their own work environments, adapting them to fit their team’s context. Techniques like “One, Two, Four, All” foster inclusive engagement and help turn group ideas into actionable plans, even in virtual settings. Development managers should encourage their teams to try these approaches and create safe spaces for sharing, which leads to better collaboration and practical results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-market-leadership-the-power-of-frequent-product-releases/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:02:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-market-leadership-the-power-of-frequent-product-releases/ Frequent product releases help you lead the market by allowing rapid response to user feedback and emerging trends. Teams that adopt this approach see higher user engagement and improved morale, as they can quickly deliver value and adapt to change. To stay competitive, focus on releasing updates regularly and listening closely to your users. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-product-management/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:03:43 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-product-management/ Immersive learning helps product management teams move beyond traditional training by combining extended, practical assignments with real-world application and reflection, leading to deeper understanding and organizational change. Focusing on outcome-based tasks and evidence-based metrics, rather than vanity measures, sparks valuable conversations and continuous improvement within teams. Development managers should consider adopting immersive learning approaches to drive lasting value and empower teams to deliver better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-your-teams-empowered-to-change-requirements-based-on-user-feedback-if-not-you-re-probably-not-very-agile/ Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/are-your-teams-empowered-to-change-requirements-based-on-user-feedback-if-not-you-re-probably-not-very-agile/ Empowering teams to update or delete requirements based on user feedback is essential for true agility and delivering maximum value. Regularly engaging with the product team, keeping the backlog dynamic, and being willing to pivot or remove features ensures your product stays relevant and user-focused. Review your processes to make sure your teams have the authority and support to make these changes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-discover-unrealized-value-in-your-product/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:00:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-discover-unrealized-value-in-your-product/ Evidence-Based Management helps you find hidden opportunities to improve your product by using metrics like customer satisfaction, market share, and innovation to identify gaps between current performance and potential value. By adding these insights to your product backlog and prioritizing improvements, you can boost user satisfaction, reduce churn, and stay competitive. Regularly review feedback and involve stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement and maximize your product’s value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-sprint-reviews-how-to-engage-stakeholders-and-secure-meaningful-feedback/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-sprint-reviews-how-to-engage-stakeholders-and-secure-meaningful-feedback/ Sprint reviews often fail to engage stakeholders or generate useful feedback because stakeholders do not see the value or feel emotionally connected to the work. To address this, communicate the benefits of participation early, use visuals, create a safe space for feedback, engage stakeholders before reviews, and tailor your approach to their interests. Development managers should focus on making Sprint reviews relevant and personal to stakeholders to drive better engagement and product outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/debunking-the-scrum-myth-why-twice-the-work-in-half-the-time-is-a-misleading-promise/ Thu, 02 Feb 2023 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/debunking-the-scrum-myth-why-twice-the-work-in-half-the-time-is-a-misleading-promise/ The idea that Scrum enables teams to do twice the work in half the time is misleading and sets unrealistic expectations; Scrum is about delivering greater value to customers, not just increasing output. Focusing on outcomes rather than the number of features helps teams avoid burnout and frustration, and practices should be adapted to each team’s context rather than following so-called best practices. Development managers should prioritize value delivery and continuous improvement over chasing productivity slogans. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-leadership-transform-your-skills-with-scrum-org's-essentials-workshop/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:10:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-leadership-transform-your-skills-with-scrum-org's-essentials-workshop/ The Scrum.org Professional Agile Leadership Essentials workshop helps leaders shift from traditional management to effective agile leadership by providing hands-on learning, practical coaching skills, and tools for driving cultural change. It emphasises organisational alignment and collaboration, enabling leaders to support agile teams and measure the impact of agility. Attending this workshop can help you guide your teams through agile transformation and improve your organisation’s responsiveness and performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-in-a-distributed-world-tools-and-strategies-for-effective-team-management/ Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:35:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-agile-in-a-distributed-world-tools-and-strategies-for-effective-team-management/ Managing distributed Agile teams is effective when you choose tools that fit your team’s needs, such as GitHub for open-source, Microsoft Planner for simple task management, or Azure DevOps for comprehensive Agile support. Success depends on adapting practices, experimenting with tools, and maintaining regular feedback loops. Encourage continuous learning and collaboration to keep improving team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-agility-navigating-the-dragons-of-change-in-the-future-of-work/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:17:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-agility-navigating-the-dragons-of-change-in-the-future-of-work/ Scaling agility is about more than just expanding frameworks like Scrum or Nexus; it requires focusing on core practices, using meaningful metrics, and adapting to new ways of working such as virtual training. Key insights include the importance of revisiting Scrum fundamentals, tailoring metrics to your context, and leveraging technology for effective remote collaboration. Development managers should prioritize continuous learning, experiment with virtual tools, and stay open to sharing experiences to navigate the challenges of scaling in today’s changing work environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-the-essential-knowledge-every-coach-needs/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:01:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-the-essential-knowledge-every-coach-needs/ Effective Agile coaching relies on a deep understanding of both frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, and the principles behind them, along with strong technical knowledge. Continuous learning, community engagement, and practical experimentation are key to improving coaching skills and supporting teams. Development managers should prioritize ongoing education and active involvement to help their teams succeed with Agile. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-dictatorship-vs-democracy/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-dictatorship-vs-democracy/ Effective Agile leadership requires balancing clear direction from leaders with empowering teams to collaborate and make decisions. Relying solely on top-down control limits innovation and engagement, while pure democracy can slow progress. Leaders should set the vision, encourage open dialogue, and trust teams to act, creating a more innovative and committed environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-a-poor-scrum-team-look-act-and-feel-like/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-a-poor-scrum-team-look-act-and-feel-like/ Poor scrum teams are marked by autocratic leadership, dysfunctional product ownership, lack of trust, and absence of transparency, which lead to low morale and failure to deliver value. High-performing teams are rare because most organizations create barriers that prevent true collaboration and growth. To improve outcomes, focus on removing organizational obstacles and fostering an environment where teams can develop trust, openness, and shared ownership. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-will-you-learn-on-the-professional-scrum-master-course/ Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-will-you-learn-on-the-professional-scrum-master-course/ The Professional Scrum Master course teaches the theory and practical skills needed to be an effective scrum master, focusing on serving developers, product owners, and the organization to maximize team value. Participants learn through real-world examples, discussions, and case studies about empiricism, delivering working increments each sprint, and overcoming common challenges. Development managers should consider this course to strengthen their teams’ ability to deliver value and navigate complexity. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-what-circumstances-is-agile-consulting-appropriate/ Fri, 06 Jan 2023 04:52:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-what-circumstances-is-agile-consulting-appropriate/ Agile consulting is most effective when used for short-term engagements that build internal leadership and agile capabilities, rather than relying on long-term external coaches which can create dependency and erode core competencies. The main value lies in helping teams quickly identify and solve key problems, enabling sustainable improvement and momentum. Development managers should focus on developing internal agile leaders and use consultants to kickstart transformation, not as a permanent solution. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-management-into-agile-leadership-the-power-of-virtual-training/ Sat, 25 Apr 2020 02:29:57 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-management-into-agile-leadership-the-power-of-virtual-training/ Virtual agile leadership training offers significant benefits, including fostering true leadership over traditional management, encouraging team self-organisation, and focusing on value delivery. Small, diverse virtual classes enable deeper engagement, richer learning, and cost-effective, flexible participation using effective technology. Development managers should consider virtual training to upskill teams, broaden perspectives, and support continuous learning in an evolving agile landscape. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/balancing-speed-and-stability-why-quality-should-always-come-first-in-delivery-management/ Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:30:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/balancing-speed-and-stability-why-quality-should-always-come-first-in-delivery-management/ Rushing to meet deadlines often leads to poor-quality products that can damage your brand and erode customer trust, so prioritising stability and quality is essential even if it means missing deadlines or incurring fines. The long-term costs of sacrificing quality far outweigh any short-term gains from speed, as seen in real-world cases like Zoom. Development managers should educate stakeholders about these risks and always choose quality over speed to protect both reputation and customer relationships. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-devops-crafting-unique-solutions-for-unique-organizations/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-devops-crafting-unique-solutions-for-unique-organizations/ DevOps success depends on tailoring solutions to your organization’s unique context rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Bringing in external experts can provide valuable new perspectives and help spark innovation, while long-term commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation is essential. Focus on developing a flexible DevOps philosophy, regularly refine your practices, and seek outside help when needed to sustain progress. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximizing-transparency-and-improvement-in-software-engineering-with-kanban/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximizing-transparency-and-improvement-in-software-engineering-with-kanban/ Kanban helps software teams gain transparency into their workflow, making it easier to spot bottlenecks and inefficiencies and enabling continuous improvement through data-driven decisions. By visualizing work and tracking key metrics like lead time and throughput, teams can adapt quickly, improve delivery speed, and foster better collaboration. Start small with Kanban, set clear work-in-progress limits, and regularly review your process to drive ongoing improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-your-team-truly-understand-your-product-vision-and-goals/ Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-your-team-truly-understand-your-product-vision-and-goals/ Many teams lack a true understanding of the product vision and strategic goals, which leads to misaligned decisions and reduced value for customers. Regularly communicating and reinforcing these goals helps team members see how their work contributes to the bigger picture, improving collaboration and decision-making. Development managers should frequently check team alignment and use practical strategies like workshops, visual roadmaps, and leadership engagement to ensure everyone is working toward shared objectives. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-don't-have-a-working-agreement/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-don't-have-a-working-agreement/ Not having a working agreement causes chaos, misalignment, and inefficiency in teams using Kanban or similar frameworks. Clear agreements on roles, goals, processes, and workflows are essential for team alignment and success. Development managers should ensure their teams regularly create and review working agreements to avoid confusion and improve outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-hierarchies-of-competence-how-respect-and-expertise-transform-workplaces/ Wed, 03 May 2023 09:30:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-hierarchies-of-competence-how-respect-and-expertise-transform-workplaces/ Prioritising respect and expertise over authority creates a workplace where skilled team members are valued, leading to better collaboration, more innovative solutions, and a culture of continuous learning. Recognising and leveraging individual strengths helps teams solve complex problems more effectively. Development managers should foster environments that reward competence and encourage knowledge sharing to drive team and organisational success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/if-you-could-teach-just-one-thing-about-scrum-what-would-it-be/ Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/if-you-could-teach-just-one-thing-about-scrum-what-would-it-be/ The most important thing to teach about Scrum is the principle of empiricism, which means making work transparent, inspecting progress frequently, and adapting based on what is learned. This approach helps teams navigate complex, uncertain environments where traditional project management falls short. Focus on building your team’s ability to learn and adapt quickly, as Scrum reveals problems but does not solve them for you. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-devops-and-how-is-it-different-to-agile/ Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-devops-and-how-is-it-different-to-agile/ DevOps and Agile are fundamentally the same, both aiming to deliver value to customers and organizations by focusing on rapid feedback, continuous improvement, and systems thinking. The main difference is perspective, with each emphasizing different aspects of the delivery process, but both require the right tools and practices to optimize the whole system. Development managers should ensure Agile and DevOps work together to maximize value and improve outcomes across the organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/addressing-systemic-issues-in-agile-organizations/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/addressing-systemic-issues-in-agile-organizations/ Many organizations adopting Agile focus on surface-level rituals instead of addressing deeper systemic issues, which limits real improvement. To drive true effectiveness, leaders should measure meaningful outcomes like ROI, profit per team member, and time to learn, and be willing to make bold organizational changes rather than incremental tweaks. The key takeaway is that lasting Agile success requires courage to tackle root problems and transform the entire business system, not just follow ceremonies. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-the-value-currently-delivered-in-your-organization/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-the-value-currently-delivered-in-your-organization/ Evidence-Based Management helps organizations measure and improve the value they deliver by using key metrics like customer satisfaction, employee engagement, revenue per employee, product cost ratio, and customer usage. This approach enables clearer goals, better decisions, and ongoing improvement by relying on data instead of assumptions. Start small with relevant metrics, involve your team, and regularly review results to drive meaningful change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-judgment-trap-how-to-foster-a-healthy-agile-environment/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:45:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-judgment-trap-how-to-foster-a-healthy-agile-environment/ Judgment in Agile teams, such as rigid rules and unhealthy metric comparisons, can lower morale, stifle innovation, and create a culture of blame. To avoid this, set meaningful goals, use adaptive metrics that encourage improvement, and foster open dialogue focused on learning. Development managers should prioritize creating a safe, collaborative environment where teams feel empowered to innovate and grow. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-thing-an-agile-coach-must-do-to-be-successful/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-thing-an-agile-coach-must-do-to-be-successful/ An Agile Coach must deeply understand the team’s processes, practices, and technologies to be effective, not just Agile theory. This knowledge allows coaches to guide, challenge, and help teams improve rather than simply supervise. Development managers should ensure their coaches are familiar with the team’s tools and context to drive real progress. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-contribution-from-a-product-owner-that-you-know-of/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:00:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-contribution-from-a-product-owner-that-you-know-of/ A product owner publicly blamed the development team during a sprint review instead of supporting them when stakeholders questioned product decisions, undermining trust and collaboration. Product owners should balance accountability to stakeholders with support for their teams, especially under pressure. Development managers should ensure product owners are prepared to defend team decisions and foster a collaborative environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-transformation-why-embracing-difficult-conversations-with-agile-consultants-is-key-to-success/ Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-transformation-why-embracing-difficult-conversations-with-agile-consultants-is-key-to-success/ Allowing agile consultants to ask tough questions and engage openly with teams is essential for real transformation, as it sparks critical thinking, learning, and accountability. Restricting dialogue stifles change and limits improvement. Development managers should foster a safe environment for open conversations and be ready to embrace discomfort to achieve lasting results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-developer-to-agile-advocate-how-my-journey-unveiled-the-power-of-scrum-and-devops/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-developer-to-agile-advocate-how-my-journey-unveiled-the-power-of-scrum-and-devops/ The author describes moving from traditional project management to Agile, highlighting that real change comes from rethinking processes and focusing on people rather than just adopting new tools. Key insights include the importance of simplifying workflows, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy, and empowering teams through Agile and Scrum principles. Development managers should focus on enabling team autonomy and streamlining processes to unlock better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-would-you-help-organizations-pitch-the-opportunity-of-agile-internally/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:15:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-would-you-help-organizations-pitch-the-opportunity-of-agile-internally/ To successfully pitch agile internally, tailor your message to leadership by focusing on business outcomes they care about, such as reduced costs, faster time to market, and improved customer satisfaction, using clear metrics and financial examples. When engaging teams, use a consultative approach that involves them in problem-solving and framework selection to build buy-in and reduce resistance. The key action is to align agile benefits with stakeholder priorities and measure progress with relevant data to make a compelling, evidence-based case. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-your-potential-transformative-training-for-aspiring-scrum-masters/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 18:45:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-your-potential-transformative-training-for-aspiring-scrum-masters/ Effective Scrum Master training combines interactive workshops, supplementary learning, and ongoing community support to build deep understanding and practical skills. Participants benefit from hands-on activities, access to assessments, and regular engagement with peers and trainers, which helps them apply Scrum principles in real-world settings. Investing in such training empowers Scrum Masters to foster collaboration and continuous improvement, so consider supporting your team’s development through similar opportunities. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-unrealised-value-the-key-to-elevating-your-product-development-strategy/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-unrealised-value-the-key-to-elevating-your-product-development-strategy/ Unrealised value, or the features your users need but you have not built or identified yet, is often overlooked but crucial for product success. To unlock this value, focus on understanding your users, validate assumptions with small experiments before full development, and increase deployment frequency to speed up feedback and learning. Make it a priority to continuously learn from your market and adapt your product strategy to stay relevant and maximise impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-the-silence-how-to-combat-communication-gaps-in-agile-teams/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:30:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-the-silence-how-to-combat-communication-gaps-in-agile-teams/ Communication gaps in Agile teams can lead to stagnation, loss of trust, and failure to deliver value. Silence often shows up as avoiding tough conversations, ignoring misalignment, withholding feedback, or making false promises. Development managers should actively foster open dialogue, model transparent communication, and create safe channels for feedback to keep teams aligned and effective. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-control-to-collaboration-how-project-managers-can-embrace-agility-and-thrive/ Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-control-to-collaboration-how-project-managers-can-embrace-agility-and-thrive/ Project managers need to move from controlling every detail to supporting and collaborating with their teams to succeed with agile approaches. Embracing uncertainty, focusing on outcomes instead of outputs, and fostering open communication are key to this shift. To thrive, managers should let go of the need to have all the answers, encourage continuous learning, and be patient as their teams adapt. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-greatness-how-the-right-scrum-master-transforms-teams-and-organisations/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-greatness-how-the-right-scrum-master-transforms-teams-and-organisations/ A great Scrum Master is defined by their fit with the team and their ability to build trust, which is best achieved when teams help select their own Scrum Master. Beyond supporting the team, the most effective Scrum Masters build relationships across the organisation to identify and address broader obstacles, empowering others to drive change. Development managers should involve teams in Scrum Master selection and support their efforts to connect with stakeholders for greater organisational impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-scrum-help-leadership-teams-pick-the-most-valuable-work-to-focus-on/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:15:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-scrum-help-leadership-teams-pick-the-most-valuable-work-to-focus-on/ Scrum does not help leadership teams choose the most valuable work; it highlights issues and provides feedback to inform decision-making, but leaders must set priorities based on business understanding. Agile frameworks like Scrum are most effective when leaders have a clear vision and use them to validate ideas, improve feedback loops, and optimize delivery. Leadership should focus on defining strategic goals, while Scrum helps teams deliver and refine solutions that align with those goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-scrum-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-values-roles-artifacts-and-events/ Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:13:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-scrum-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-values-roles-artifacts-and-events/ Scrum is a flexible framework that helps teams deliver value through transparency, clear roles, and structured events, all grounded in trust and five core values. Key elements include defined accountabilities, essential artifacts for decision-making, and regular events to inspect and adapt work. To get the most from Scrum, focus on building trust, maintaining transparency, and continuously improving team processes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-the-challenge-of-an-ineffective-product-owner-in-agile-teams/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:30:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-tackle-the-challenge-of-an-ineffective-product-owner-in-agile-teams/ Ineffective Product Owners, whether due to lack of skills or organisational constraints, can hinder team performance and product success. Development managers should support Product Owners through relationship-building, organisational education, and open dialogue, while ensuring the team continues to deliver quality work. Take action by fostering collaboration and advocating for clear role expectations to help Product Owners and teams succeed. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-scrum-master-struggling-discover-when-to-choose-an-agile-process-simulation-workshop/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-scrum-master-struggling-discover-when-to-choose-an-agile-process-simulation-workshop/ If your Scrum Master is struggling with the team, first assess whether the issue is with their approach or deeper team dynamics. An Agile Process Simulation workshop can help by engaging the team in open dialogue and tailored learning, empowering them to decide if Scrum fits their needs. Prioritize collaboration and self-discovery over imposing solutions to achieve better team outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-truth-about-newbie-vs-professional-scrum-masters-bridging-the-experience-gap/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-truth-about-newbie-vs-professional-scrum-masters-bridging-the-experience-gap/ The difference between a new and professional Scrum Master is less about labels and more about embracing accountability and a mindset focused on team effectiveness and value creation. Regardless of experience, a Scrum Master should guide the team, remove obstacles, and drive continuous improvement rather than micromanage. Development managers should support Scrum Masters in adopting a professional approach that prioritises team impact and organisational value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-the-chaos-transforming-scrum-learning-through-experience-and-minecraft/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:36:53 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embrace-the-chaos-transforming-scrum-learning-through-experience-and-minecraft/ Teaching Scrum through hands-on experience, including using Minecraft, helps participants move from initial chaos to a clear understanding of Scrum’s value. Students first experience confusion similar to real project starts, then learn to apply Scrum principles, leading to practical insights and improved teamwork. Development managers should consider experiential learning to help teams internalise agile practices and appreciate their real-world benefits. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-agile-strategies-to-maintain-agility-across-multiple-teams/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-agile-strategies-to-maintain-agility-across-multiple-teams/ Scaling agile across multiple teams introduces complexity and risks slowing down delivery, so it is crucial to choose a scaling approach that fits your organisation’s unique context. Key to success are mapping dependencies, proactively addressing communication pitfalls, and maintaining speed in delivering value as you grow. Consider a tailored, hands-on strategy to preserve agility and empower your teams as you scale. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-development-costs-empower-your-team-for-financial-success/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-development-costs-empower-your-team-for-financial-success/ Understanding and managing product development costs, especially people and infrastructure, is essential for financial success. Empowering teams with financial awareness helps them make better decisions, align work with value, and focus on profitable outcomes. Development managers should foster a culture where teams track costs, measure value delivered, and continuously improve processes to drive profitability and innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-synergy-between-product-management-and-product-development-in-agile-environments/ Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-synergy-between-product-management-and-product-development-in-agile-environments/ Product Management and Product Development must work closely together in agile environments to deliver products that meet current and future market needs. Product Management sets the vision and strategy, while Product Development brings these ideas to life through innovation, quality, and fast delivery, with both functions relying on continuous feedback and improvement. Development managers should ensure strong collaboration and feedback loops between these teams to maximize product value and long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-kindness-in-agile-a-core-virtue-for-success/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-kindness-in-agile-a-core-virtue-for-success/ Kindness is a strategic advantage in Agile, driving both customer loyalty and effective team collaboration by building trust through empathy and compassion. Focusing on employee well-being and understanding customer needs leads to better products and stronger relationships. Development managers should model kindness in daily interactions to foster a culture where teams and customers feel valued, directly impacting long-term success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-immersive-learning-transforms-aspiring-agile-leaders/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-immersive-learning-transforms-aspiring-agile-leaders/ Immersive learning experiences like the PAL-E class help aspiring agile leaders overcome common barriers by providing time, practical assignments, and peer feedback to apply and reflect on agile practices in real-world settings. Leaders gain actionable tools to empower teams, foster collaboration, and focus on value delivery rather than just process. Consider enrolling your leadership team in such a program to drive sustainable agile transformation and maximize organizational impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-community-becoming-an-awesome-agile-coach/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:00:37 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-community-becoming-an-awesome-agile-coach/ To be an effective Agile coach, it is essential to engage with a diverse community that challenges your thinking and provides honest feedback, rather than staying in a comfortable echo chamber. Growth comes from seeking out different perspectives, embracing critique, and continuously evolving your approach, which ultimately leads to delivering greater value to your teams and customers. Development managers should encourage their coaches to actively participate in varied Agile communities and prioritize learning and feedback to drive continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-hierarchies-of-competence-vs-control-why-does-this-matter/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:25:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-hierarchies-of-competence-vs-control-why-does-this-matter/ Traditional hierarchies based on control slow down decision-making and often promote people beyond their competence, while hierarchies based on competence allow the most capable individuals to lead in real time, enabling faster and more effective responses to market changes. Shifting to a competence-based structure can create a more agile, engaged, and market-responsive organisation. Development managers should consider moving away from rigid top-down models and foster dynamic leadership based on expertise to improve speed and adaptability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-tools-your-ultimate-guide-to-seamless-migrations/ Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:16:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-tools-your-ultimate-guide-to-seamless-migrations/ Azure DevOps Migration Tools enable experienced teams to move work items and related data between environments efficiently, supporting features like syncing changes during migration and extensive customization. For best results, set up a dedicated environment, migrate open work items first, use date-based queries for updates, and monitor API performance. Engage with the active open-source community for support and improvements to ensure a smooth migration. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-sustainable-growth-why-leadership-is-the-key-to-successful-scaling/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:12:43 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-sustainable-growth-why-leadership-is-the-key-to-successful-scaling/ Successful scaling in software development depends more on effective leadership than on technical solutions. Empowering teams, removing bottlenecks, and decentralising decision-making are key to sustainable growth. Development managers should focus on shaping leadership behaviours to create an environment where teams can scale effectively. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-how-long-it-takes-to-deliver-value/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:00:51 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-how-long-it-takes-to-deliver-value/ Measuring and improving Time to Market is essential for delivering value quickly and staying competitive. Key metrics like lead time, cycle time, time to pivot, time to learn, and time to fix help teams identify bottlenecks and make better decisions. Focus on streamlining processes, automating tasks, gathering fast feedback, and building cross-functional teams to reduce delivery times and ensure you are delivering what customers need most. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-essential-skills-for-product-owners/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-essential-skills-for-product-owners/ Effective product backlog management is critical for delivering value, and product owners remain accountable even when delegating tasks. Focus on managing risk, maximizing value, sizing items for quick delivery, and embracing learning through iteration; regular refinement and clear communication with the team and stakeholders are essential. Review your backlog often, break down large or risky items, and seek help if needed to ensure your team delivers the right outcomes efficiently. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-patience-and-trust-in-building-agile-organizations/ Fri, 08 Dec 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-patience-and-trust-in-building-agile-organizations/ Building a successful Agile organization requires patience and trust, as these enable teams to experiment, learn from failures, and innovate without fear of blame. Impatience leads to a blame culture, reduced quality, and stifled creativity, while patience supports empiricism and continuous improvement. Development managers should foster a culture that values learning from mistakes, sets realistic expectations, and avoids blame to strengthen trust and drive better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-team-conflict-from-healthy-disagreement-to-agile-harmony/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:30:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-team-conflict-from-healthy-disagreement-to-agile-harmony/ Team conflict is normal and can drive innovation, but if disagreements escalate unchecked, they can harm team dynamics and project outcomes. Managers should watch for signs of unhealthy conflict and use open communication, objective discussions, mediation, and clear team norms to de-escalate issues early. Addressing conflict directly helps maintain productivity and keeps teams focused on delivering value together. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/taming-the-chaos-how-to-align-your-agile-team-for-success/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:11:45 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/taming-the-chaos-how-to-align-your-agile-team-for-success/ Chaos in Agile teams is usually caused by unclear goals, lack of direction, and poor communication, which leads to inefficiency and confusion. Aligning teams through clear goals, regular check-ins, open communication, and visualising progress increases motivation, collaboration, and productivity. Development managers should prioritise establishing and communicating shared objectives to reduce chaos and drive team success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-gluttony/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:35:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-gluttony/ Excessive backlog items, overambitious sprint plans, and unnecessary product features can slow teams down and reduce focus. Regularly prioritise and trim the backlog, set realistic sprint goals, and remove unused features to keep the team agile and deliver real value. Focus on quality and relevance rather than quantity to improve productivity and morale. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-coach-versus-professional-coach/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-coach-versus-professional-coach/ An Agile coach offers deep expertise in Agile methods and brings new tools and perspectives that can significantly boost team effectiveness, while a professional coach helps teams work through challenges they already understand. For teams aiming to improve their Agile practices and innovate, bringing in an Agile coach provides added value beyond general coaching. Consider engaging an Agile coach if your goal is to advance Agile and Scrum capabilities within your organisation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-free-from-vendor-lock-in-how-to-regain-control-and-future-proof-your-business/ Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/breaking-free-from-vendor-lock-in-how-to-regain-control-and-future-proof-your-business/ Vendor lock-in from legacy contracts and proprietary systems limits your team’s ability to adapt, often forcing you to work around outdated decisions and maintain inflexible vendor models. To regain control, identify your real constraints, map dependencies, and enable transparent decision-making that prioritises your business needs. Focus on building flexibility into your systems and processes rather than simply replacing tools, and start by challenging existing assumptions and mapping where you are truly locked in. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-cost-cutting-during-recessions-is-counterproductive/ Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:45:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-cost-cutting-during-recessions-is-counterproductive/ Cutting costs during a recession, especially in areas like agile coaching and training, may offer short-term savings but undermines long-term business resilience and growth. Companies that invest in efficiency, team empowerment, and continuous improvement during downturns are better positioned to outperform competitors when the market recovers. Instead of layoffs and rigid controls, focus on building a culture of learning and value creation to ensure your organization thrives through uncertainty. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/say-do-metrics-avoiding-agile-banditry-in-your-organization/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 07:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/say-do-metrics-avoiding-agile-banditry-in-your-organization/ Relying on say-do metrics, which compare what teams promise to what they deliver, often leads to manipulated data, vanity metrics, and a focus on outputs instead of real value. This undermines psychological safety, encourages gaming the system, and disconnects leadership from actual progress. Development managers should shift their focus to measuring outcomes and value delivered, foster transparency, and create an environment where teams can be honest and adapt to change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-team-conflict-how-scrum-masters-can-prevent-'war'-in-agile-projects/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:30:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-team-conflict-how-scrum-masters-can-prevent-'war'-in-agile-projects/ Team conflict can quickly escalate from healthy debate to destructive arguments that harm collaboration and project outcomes. Scrum Masters play a key role in preventing this by fostering open communication, keeping discussions focused on issues rather than individuals, and de-escalating tensions early. Development managers should watch for early signs of conflict and support Scrum Masters in maintaining a productive team environment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-demystified-why-it's-more-than-just-tools-and-how-to-embrace-its-true-value/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-demystified-why-it's-more-than-just-tools-and-how-to-embrace-its-true-value/ DevOps is not just about tools like Azure DevOps but is a broader idea focused on improving engineering systems through collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement. Shifting your team’s mindset from tool selection to embracing DevOps principles will lead to better performance and product quality. Focus on how DevOps concepts can enhance your processes rather than relying solely on specific tools. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-feeling-on-creating-agile-apprenticeships/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-feeling-on-creating-agile-apprenticeships/ Creating Agile apprenticeships is a natural next step from immersive learning, as ongoing engagement with trainees has organically formed a community of Agile learners. Key initiatives include open invitations for informal discussions, bonus consulting time, and a mentor-apprentice model that supports continuous growth and knowledge sharing. Development managers should consider fostering similar environments to encourage ongoing learning and mentorship within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-scrum-so-easy-to-understand-but-incredibly-hard-to-master/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-scrum-so-easy-to-understand-but-incredibly-hard-to-master/ Scrum is challenging to master because true understanding and effective implementation require deep cultural change, transparency, and alignment with agile values, not just following the framework. Many teams struggle due to legacy mindsets, lack of comprehension, and misaligned organizational structures, leading to superficial adoption and missed opportunities for value creation. Development managers should focus on fostering a culture of transparency, learning, and value-driven collaboration to realize Scrum’s full benefits. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/2023-is-predicted-to-be-a-very-tough-year-what-do-you-think-will-be-needed-to-win-and-improve/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/2023-is-predicted-to-be-a-very-tough-year-what-do-you-think-will-be-needed-to-win-and-improve/ To succeed in a challenging year, organizations must clarify their strategy, focus on both customer and employee satisfaction, and invest in effective ways of working. Key actions include strengthening product ownership, conducting thorough market analysis, and providing agile training and practice for teams. Prioritizing these areas will help maintain competitiveness and performance even in tough market conditions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-complexity-why-agile-practices-are-essential-for-modern-product-development/ Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:41:41 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-complexity-why-agile-practices-are-essential-for-modern-product-development/ Agile practices are essential for modern product development because they help teams deliver value faster and adapt to constant change, unlike traditional methods that struggle with today’s complexity. Key insights include the unpredictability of requirements, technology, and people, and the importance of delivering working products regularly to reduce risk and waste. Development managers should focus on adopting agile approaches to improve responsiveness and ensure products better meet customer needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-the-'scaling-with-portfolio-kanban'-course/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:00:26 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-the-'scaling-with-portfolio-kanban'-course/ The “Scaling Portfolio Kanban” course helps development leaders move from team-level to organization-wide workflow management, enabling better visibility, predictability, and value delivery across multiple teams. Key outcomes include improved forecasting, data-driven decision-making, and optimized flow of high-value projects. If your current workflow lacks predictability or efficiency, consider applying these Kanban strategies to drive measurable improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-one-thing-that-no-agile-team-can-survive/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-one-thing-that-no-agile-team-can-survive/ No Agile team can survive a culture of contempt, which arises when team input is ignored and decisions are made without their involvement, leading to low morale and poor productivity. Leaders must foster open communication, include teams in decision-making, and address disconnects to build a positive, engaged workforce. If change is not possible, individuals may need to seek healthier environments to maintain well-being and performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agility-how-decentralisation-empowers-teams-to-maximise-value-in-any-organisation/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:09:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agility-how-decentralisation-empowers-teams-to-maximise-value-in-any-organisation/ Decentralising decision-making empowers teams to respond faster, innovate more, and feel greater ownership, which leads to higher value delivery. Involving team members in shaping the organisation’s goals and connecting their skills to outcomes boosts engagement and collaboration. Development managers should focus on pushing responsibility to teams and fostering a shared sense of purpose to maximise results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-think-agile-is-evolving-since-its-inception-in-2001/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-think-agile-is-evolving-since-its-inception-in-2001/ Agile has evolved since 2001, but many organizations still rely on top-down management rather than empowering teams to make decisions. The next major shift will be moving beyond just adopting frameworks like Scrum to building true agile capabilities across leadership, partners, and teams, focusing on adaptability and customer value. Development managers should revisit agile principles and work to remove barriers that prevent teams from responding quickly to change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-ebm-for-product-owners-maximizing-value-delivery/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-evidence-based-management-ebm-for-product-owners-maximizing-value-delivery/ Evidence-Based Management (EBM) helps product owners make better decisions by tracking key metrics like current value, unrealized value, ability to innovate, and time to market, ensuring teams focus on delivering the right value efficiently. Using EBM enables you to identify when to pivot, align stakeholders, and engage your team in the product’s success. Consider adopting EBM practices or training, such as the PAL-EBM course, to maximize value delivery and team effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-being-an-effective-agile-coach-understanding-the-team-s-context/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:00:55 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-being-an-effective-agile-coach-understanding-the-team-s-context/ Effective Agile coaching requires understanding your team’s specific work and context, not just Agile frameworks. Coaches with domain experience or those who actively learn about their team’s challenges can offer more relevant, practical advice and build trust. Development managers should ensure their coaches engage deeply with teams’ day-to-day realities to maximize impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/combatting-famine-in-agile-how-to-foster-stakeholder-engagement-and-boost-team-morale/ Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/combatting-famine-in-agile-how-to-foster-stakeholder-engagement-and-boost-team-morale/ A lack of stakeholder feedback in Agile leads to disengagement, low team morale, and misalignment with business goals. Regular check-ins, fostering a feedback culture, involving the product owner, and visualizing progress help keep stakeholders engaged and teams motivated. Development managers should prioritize active stakeholder involvement to ensure team purpose and deliver better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-be-top-of-mind-when-a-scrum-team-prepare-for-a-sprint-review/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-be-top-of-mind-when-a-scrum-team-prepare-for-a-sprint-review/ To get the most out of Sprint reviews, focus on engaging stakeholders by understanding their priorities, communicating value in clear and relevant terms, and encouraging active participation. Regular check-ins, feedback loops, and making information accessible to all stakeholders help build stronger relationships and increase involvement. Make Sprint reviews a collaborative opportunity rather than just a technical update to drive better outcomes and transparency. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-leadership-embrace-the-immersive-journey-to-agile-mastery/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:06:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-leadership-embrace-the-immersive-journey-to-agile-mastery/ Switching from traditional two-day workshops to shorter, regular agile leadership modules helps managers absorb information better, apply new skills in real time, and build stronger relationships with trainers. This immersive approach supports continuous growth and adaptation, making it easier for leaders to transition to agile practices. Consider adopting or supporting ongoing, modular training to empower your teams and improve leadership effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-consulting-transform-your-organisation-with-diverse-strategies-and-continuous-learning/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 07:30:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-consulting-transform-your-organisation-with-diverse-strategies-and-continuous-learning/ Agile consulting helps organisations improve by offering a range of strategies beyond a single framework, focusing on real-world challenges and maximising value through better feedback and collaboration. Success depends on engaging people at all levels, understanding the current state through interviews and reports, and fostering continuous learning and internal change. Development managers should consider diverse approaches and invest in building skills and relationships to drive meaningful transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/best-scrum-advice-you-ever-received/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/best-scrum-advice-you-ever-received/ The most valuable Scrum advice is to avoid rigidly following every rule and instead adapt Scrum principles to fit your team’s unique context. Flexibility and continuous improvement are more important than strict adherence to the framework, so use Scrum as a guide and modify it as needed to maximize value and innovation. Encourage your teams to experiment and iterate, focusing on what works best for your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum-training/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum-training/ Immersive learning in Scrum training uses shorter, interactive sessions that reduce fatigue and boost engagement, leading to better retention and collaboration compared to traditional long-format training. Key benefits include lower cognitive load, higher energy, and more meaningful participation. Development managers should break up training into focused, hands-on segments to improve learning outcomes and team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-double-loop-learning-transform-your-scrum-master-journey-with-immersive-training/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:51:59 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-double-loop-learning-transform-your-scrum-master-journey-with-immersive-training/ Immersive Professional Scrum Master training enables deeper learning by encouraging participants to question existing practices, apply new strategies, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. This approach helps Scrum Masters tackle real-world challenges, uncover organisational barriers, and continuously improve their methods. Consider enrolling in immersive training to foster a culture of reflection and shared problem-solving within your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-'starting-with-why'-simon-sinek-really-matter/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:22:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-'starting-with-why'-simon-sinek-really-matter/ Starting with a clear purpose is essential for Agile teams because it boosts motivation, engagement, and alignment. Focusing on intrinsic motivators like autonomy, mastery, and purpose leads to better results than relying on financial incentives. Development managers should ensure their teams understand the broader vision and regularly connect daily work to that purpose for sustained success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-critical-skill-for-a-scrum-master-and-why/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-critical-skill-for-a-scrum-master-and-why/ The most important skill for a Scrum Master is effective teaching, especially helping teams understand the reasons behind Agile practices rather than just the mechanics. When Scrum Masters focus on teaching the ‘why,’ teams become more engaged, motivated, and open to change. Development managers should encourage Scrum Masters to develop strong teaching abilities to drive successful Agile transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-product-development-why-adding-more-developers-isn't-the-answer/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:08:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-scaling-product-development-why-adding-more-developers-isn't-the-answer/ Adding more developers does not solve scaling challenges in product development; without fixing underlying system issues, it can actually slow progress. Key problems include lack of alignment, unmanaged technical debt, and slow feedback loops, which all hinder effective scaling. Focus on clarifying priorities, reducing process bottlenecks, and enabling fast, coordinated team movement before increasing headcount. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/turning-user-feedback-into-actionable-work-a-guide-to-maximizing-product-value/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/turning-user-feedback-into-actionable-work-a-guide-to-maximizing-product-value/ Turning user feedback into actionable work quickly is essential for delivering real product value and staying truly agile. Teams that engage users regularly, prioritize feedback effectively, and integrate it into each Sprint see higher satisfaction and better business results. Review feedback weekly, involve stakeholders, and empower your team to act fast so your product evolves in line with user needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-career-how-to-become-a-confident-scrum-master-through-real-world-learning-and-community-support/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:41:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-career-how-to-become-a-confident-scrum-master-through-real-world-learning-and-community-support/ This Scrum Master training focuses on immediate real-world application, building a supportive peer community, and flexible learning to help participants address actual workplace challenges as they learn. The program’s structure allows for ongoing feedback and shared problem-solving, which boosts confidence and competence. Development managers should consider this approach to accelerate team growth and foster lasting professional networks. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-devops-such-a-critical-element-of-software-engineering/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:30:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-devops-such-a-critical-element-of-software-engineering/ DevOps is essential in software engineering because it connects development and operations, enabling faster and more reliable delivery of value to customers. It acts as the glue that speeds up product releases and strengthens feedback loops, helping teams innovate and improve continuously. Development managers should consider adopting DevOps practices to accelerate delivery and enhance product quality. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-sprint-planning/ Wed, 24 May 2023 14:00:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-sprint-planning/ Sprint planning is a team meeting to align on what will be accomplished in the next sprint, ensuring everyone understands the goals and priorities, including new features, technical debt, and unexpected work. It provides clarity, flexibility, and a shared sense of direction, whether you use Scrum or Kanban. Make sure your team uses sprint planning to regularly evaluate priorities and maintain alignment for better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-psm-ii-certification-validation-of-your-skills-or-does-it-develop-your-skill-and-capability-as-a-scrum-master/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-psm-ii-certification-validation-of-your-skills-or-does-it-develop-your-skill-and-capability-as-a-scrum-master/ The PSM II course is designed to develop your skills and capabilities as a Scrum Master, not just validate what you already know. The class focuses on advanced facilitation techniques and deepens your understanding of Scrum Master accountability to the team, Product Owner, and organization. If you want to grow as a Scrum Master and apply practical tools with your teams, attending the course is recommended over just taking the assessment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-with-financial-insights-the-key-to-maximising-roi-and-fostering-ownership/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-teams-with-financial-insights-the-key-to-maximising-roi-and-fostering-ownership/ Giving your teams clear financial insights and ownership over their work leads to better decision-making and higher returns. When teams understand both the value they create and the costs involved, they align their efforts with business goals and are more motivated to improve. Start sharing financial context and encourage team-level profit and loss analysis to drive accountability and smarter product decisions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-product-development-unleash-the-power-of-experimentation-and-collaboration/ Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:00:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-product-development-unleash-the-power-of-experimentation-and-collaboration/ This course teaches development managers how to boost user value and ROI by using experimentation, agile practices, and better collaboration with stakeholders. Key outcomes include reducing waste, speeding up time-to-market, and unlocking creative solutions by focusing on real problems. Consider applying these methods to streamline your process, make data-driven decisions, and deliver higher-impact products. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-an-aps-course-in-60-seconds/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:30:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-an-aps-course-in-60-seconds/ An APS (Agile Professional Scrum) course helps teams new to Scrum get started effectively and provides experienced teams with a valuable refresher to ensure they are applying Scrum correctly. It aligns everyone on best practices and clarifies what professional Scrum should look like in your organisation. Consider enrolling your team to boost their Scrum skills and improve how you deliver software. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-if-you've-got-a-great-sprint-goal/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-know-if-you've-got-a-great-sprint-goal/ A great sprint goal excites and energizes both the team and stakeholders, sparking curiosity and engagement. If your team feels genuinely enthusiastic and eager to start, your sprint goal is likely effective. Aim to craft sprint goals that inspire interest and conversation, not just list tasks. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-agile-advice-you've-ever-heard/ Tue, 09 May 2023 09:30:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/worst-agile-advice-you've-ever-heard/ Rigid rules like requiring everyone to stand during daily meetings go against Agile’s core values of flexibility and respect for individuals. Teams should adapt processes to fit their unique needs and prioritize inclusivity and human-centric practices. Development managers should focus on outcomes and team well-being rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all routines. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-difference-between-a-newbie-scrum-master-and-a-professional-scrum-master/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-difference-between-a-newbie-scrum-master-and-a-professional-scrum-master/ There is no real distinction between a newbie and a professional Scrum Master; once someone takes on the role and is accountable for the team’s effectiveness, they are expected to act professionally and add value. The key is to fully embrace the responsibilities, focus on improving team productivity, and avoid ineffective practices. Development managers should ensure Scrum Masters are empowered to take the role seriously and support their ongoing learning. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-complexity-how-to-foster-agility-and-innovation-in-business-decision-making/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-complexity-how-to-foster-agility-and-innovation-in-business-decision-making/ There are no universal rules for making good business decisions in complex environments, so teams must focus on adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning to stay competitive. Relying on standard tools or processes can lead to bureaucracy and stifle innovation, so regularly reassess what adds value and be ready to change approaches as needed. Encourage a culture that questions the status quo and adapts quickly to new information or challenges. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-a-step-by-step-guide-for-seamless-project-transfers/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:47:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-a-step-by-step-guide-for-seamless-project-transfers/ Migrating projects in Azure DevOps can be straightforward if you use the right tools, carefully configure your migration files, and address common issues like field mapping and iteration paths. Key steps include installing migration tools, preparing configuration files, ensuring required fields are present, and matching Git repo names between source and target. Prepare thoroughly, follow the outlined steps, and seek expert help if needed to ensure a smooth migration. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-the-essential-role-of-digital-whiteboards-in-agile-collaboration/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-the-essential-role-of-digital-whiteboards-in-agile-collaboration/ Digital whiteboards are essential for effective team collaboration, especially in remote or hybrid agile environments, as they boost engagement, visual communication, and flexibility. Choosing the right tool, setting clear objectives, encouraging participation, and keeping sessions organised are key to maximising their value. Development managers should adopt and actively leverage digital whiteboards to enhance team alignment and productivity. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-goal/ Wed, 31 May 2023 11:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-goal/ A sprint goal is a clear, tactical objective that guides the Scrum team’s work during each sprint, connecting daily efforts to the broader product vision. It provides a concrete focus for the team, enables actionable stakeholder feedback at sprint reviews, and helps maintain alignment and motivation. Development managers should ensure each sprint has a well-defined, tangible goal to drive progress and gather meaningful feedback. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-client-needs-how-agile-consultants-can-uncover-true-value-beyond-initial-requests/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-client-needs-how-agile-consultants-can-uncover-true-value-beyond-initial-requests/ Clients often think they know what they need, but the real value comes from consultants who dig deeper to uncover their true challenges and guide them toward solutions that deliver real benefits. Focusing on sustainable growth, quality over quantity, and selective project engagement helps avoid common pitfalls like overcommitment and declining standards. Development managers should look beyond surface requests and work with consultants to identify and address the root issues for lasting improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-trust-in-scrum-the-power-of-openness-and-transparency/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-trust-in-scrum-the-power-of-openness-and-transparency/ Openness is essential in Scrum because it builds trust and transparency, which are necessary for effective teamwork. Key practices include clear communication, making information easily accessible, and encouraging emotional honesty within the team. Development managers should foster an open environment to improve collaboration and address issues early. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-peeve-in-devops/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:30:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-peeve-in-devops/ A common misconception in DevOps is that continuous delivery is unattainable and developers cannot be trusted to deploy to production, but this belief is unfounded and limits innovation. With the right tools and mindset, teams can achieve continuous delivery and empower developers to lead the process. Development managers should challenge these myths and consider upskilling their teams to unlock faster, more reliable delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-a-psm-ii-course-challenge-your-assumptions-the-most/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-a-psm-ii-course-challenge-your-assumptions-the-most/ The PSM II course challenges common misconceptions about the Scrum Master role, showing that it is much more than being a Jira admin or a problem solver; instead, it focuses on empowering teams to be self-sufficient and highlights the value of subtle, behind-the-scenes leadership. The course helps Scrum Masters evolve from basic task facilitators to advanced guides who foster team autonomy and sustainable practices. Development managers should consider this course to deepen their understanding of effective Scrum leadership and drive stronger team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-scope-creep-into-success-embrace-agility-and-deliver-value-in-a-changing-market/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-scope-creep-into-success-embrace-agility-and-deliver-value-in-a-changing-market/ Scope creep is often a sign that traditional fixed-scope approaches are failing in today’s fast-changing market. Focusing on delivering customer value, embracing flexible planning, and actively seeking feedback helps teams adapt and succeed. Development managers should shift from rigid scope management to Agile practices that prioritize value and responsiveness to change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-fallacy-of-equating-agility-with-speed-what-agile-really-means/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-fallacy-of-equating-agility-with-speed-what-agile-really-means/ Agile is not about working faster but about focusing on delivering the most valuable outcomes by prioritizing, experimenting, and adapting based on real customer needs. Speed alone can lead to building the wrong product, while Agile helps teams avoid wasted effort by eliminating unnecessary work and bureaucracy. Development managers should ensure their teams use Agile to maximize value, not just to increase velocity. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/my-journey-with-kanban-and-why-i-actively-recommend-it-to-clients/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/my-journey-with-kanban-and-why-i-actively-recommend-it-to-clients/ Kanban is a practical strategy for improving workflow and predictability by making work processes more transparent and data-driven, which builds trust and enables better decision-making. Integrating Kanban with Scrum helps teams deliver more consistently and reduces stakeholder uncertainty. Development managers should consider adopting Kanban to optimize team performance and deliver greater value across any context. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-the-essential-role-of-product-ownership-in-lean-product-delivery/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:01:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-the-essential-role-of-product-ownership-in-lean-product-delivery/ Strong product ownership is essential for aligning product vision with business goals, fostering team collaboration, and enabling quick adaptation to change. Lean product delivery helps teams focus on delivering customer value, encourages continuous improvement, and empowers teams to take ownership of their work. Development managers should invest in training, promote experimentation, and establish feedback loops to enhance product ownership and stay competitive. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/dogma-versus-empiricism-in-a-consulting-engagement/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/dogma-versus-empiricism-in-a-consulting-engagement/ Rigid adherence to fixed methods limits innovation and effectiveness in consulting; instead, teams should move from strict training routines to flexible, evidence-based approaches that adapt to changing needs. Building relationships through empathy and mutual respect is key, and embracing continuous learning and empirical adaptation leads to better outcomes. Development managers should encourage adaptability and ongoing learning to stay responsive and successful. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-the-local-optimisation-trap-how-to-ensure-your-governance-drives-organisational-success/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:49:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/avoiding-the-local-optimisation-trap-how-to-ensure-your-governance-drives-organisational-success/ Focusing on optimising individual teams or processes without considering their impact on the whole organisation can create inefficiencies and misalignment. Integrating governance into daily work and encouraging cross-team collaboration helps ensure decisions support overall business goals. Development managers should prioritise system-wide alignment over isolated improvements to drive lasting organisational success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-use-vanity-metrics/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-use-vanity-metrics/ Relying on vanity metrics like story points and velocity can undermine your Kanban strategy, as they do not provide actionable insights. Instead, focus on key metrics such as work in progress, cycle time, throughput, and work item age to identify bottlenecks, optimize flow, and improve predictability. Use data from your workflow tools to drive continuous improvement and make informed decisions for better team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-agile-success-relies-on-effective-planning-debunking-the-myths-of-scrum/ Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:30:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-agile-success-relies-on-effective-planning-debunking-the-myths-of-scrum/ Effective planning is essential for Agile and Scrum teams, not something to skip; key Scrum events like sprint planning, backlog refinement, and daily standups all revolve around planning. The goal is to find the right balance, plan enough to provide direction and coordination, especially in large teams, but avoid over-planning that wastes resources. Development managers should ensure their teams have clear goals, roadmaps, and themes to align efforts and adapt as needed. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/discipline-versus-motivation/ Mon, 15 May 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/discipline-versus-motivation/ Motivation gets Agile transformations started, but discipline is what sustains progress and ensures teams stick to Scrum practices and values. Both are essential for lasting success; motivation inspires teams to begin, while discipline keeps them committed through challenges. Development managers should foster both to drive effective Agile adoption and continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-many-scrum-masters-stall-at-psm1-the-crucial-role-of-passion-in-professional-growth/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-many-scrum-masters-stall-at-psm1-the-crucial-role-of-passion-in-professional-growth/ Many Scrum Masters do not progress beyond the PSM1 certification because they lack genuine interest and focus only on obtaining the certificate rather than improving their skills. Those who advance are passionate, actively seek knowledge, and practice their craft, which leads to greater team effectiveness and value creation. Development managers should encourage ongoing learning and engagement to foster deeper expertise and professional growth in their Scrum Masters. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-think-the-psu-course-has-become-so-popular-for-product-development/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-think-the-psu-course-has-become-so-popular-for-product-development/ The PSU course is popular because it fills a major gap in Scrum by teaching teams how to integrate user experience and design thinking into product development, not just how to execute work. It helps teams prioritize and validate the most valuable work, ensuring they build the right products for the right users rather than just delivering features efficiently. Development managers should consider this course to improve decision-making and deliver products that truly meet customer needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/boosting-team-morale-and-engagement-through-effective-mentorship-programs/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/boosting-team-morale-and-engagement-through-effective-mentorship-programs/ Long-term mentorship programs that focus on intrinsic motivation, such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose, significantly boost team morale and engagement, leading to better collaboration, problem-solving, and alignment with business goals. Unlike short-term training, these programs create lasting improvements in performance and excitement across both product and engineering teams. Development managers should consider investing in ongoing mentorship to drive sustained team success and value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-it-so-important-that-senior-leadership-teams-are-engaged-during-an-agile-consulting-engagement/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-it-so-important-that-senior-leadership-teams-are-engaged-during-an-agile-consulting-engagement/ Active involvement from senior leadership is essential for successful Agile transformation because systemic change and faster market response require alignment and participation at all levels. Without leadership engagement, teams face barriers to adaptability and meaningful change. Development managers should ensure senior leaders are directly involved to enable organisation-wide transformation and maximise the value of Agile initiatives. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-good-is-the-apspo-course-in-helping-leaders-determine-product-direction-and-why/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-good-is-the-apspo-course-in-helping-leaders-determine-product-direction-and-why/ The APSPO course does not directly tell leaders how to set product direction, but it provides valuable tools and frameworks that help them identify gaps and strengthen their approach. It highlights six key roles for product owners, encouraging a balance between customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and decisive leadership. Leaders should use the course to broaden their skills and continuously improve their product ownership capabilities. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-your-guide-to-the-professional-scrum-foundations-class-and-psm-i-assessment/ Thu, 28 May 2020 05:34:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-success-your-guide-to-the-professional-scrum-foundations-class-and-psm-i-assessment/ The Professional Scrum Foundations class offers hands-on, team-based learning to build practical Scrum skills and prepare for the PSM I assessment, with a focus on clear roles, transparency, and empirical process control. Participants who take the assessment soon after the class and use provided resources are more likely to succeed. Investing in this training can improve team collaboration and Agile adoption across your organisation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-assumptions-in-product-development-why-the-ppdv-course-is-a-game-changer/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:27:35 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-assumptions-in-product-development-why-the-ppdv-course-is-a-game-changer/ The PPDV course helps product teams avoid the common pitfall of building features without understanding real user needs by teaching them to identify and challenge assumptions throughout the product development process. It emphasizes a cycle of discovery, delivery, and validation, encouraging evidence-based decisions and continuous learning. Development managers should consider this course to shift their teams from a feature factory mindset to one focused on delivering real value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-potential-how-immersive-learning-transforms-careers-and-organisations/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:16:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-potential-how-immersive-learning-transforms-careers-and-organisations/ Immersive learning delivers immediate, practical skills that employees can apply to drive real improvements and continuous growth in your organisation. Teams benefit from ongoing support and multiple opportunities to implement new knowledge, while individuals gain confidence and job readiness. Investing in immersive training accelerates both organisational agility and individual career impact, making it a high-value development strategy. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-achieve-predictability-in-business-through-agile-principles/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:33:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-achieve-predictability-in-business-through-agile-principles/ Predictability in software development is achieved by aligning teams around clear goals, optimizing systems, and adopting Agile principles that balance planning with adaptability. Key insights include the importance of well-defined processes, empowering teams to make decisions, and tailoring Agile frameworks to fit your unique business needs, as seen in Microsoft’s transformation. To improve predictability, focus on continuous improvement, effective communication, and collaboration both within teams and with customers. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-agility-how-to-empower-your-team-for-rapid-market-response/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-agility-how-to-empower-your-team-for-rapid-market-response/ Organisational agility is about enabling your teams to respond quickly to market changes by empowering those closest to the customer to make decisions and reducing communication bottlenecks. Focusing on speed, clear context, and ownership helps capture opportunities faster than competitors. Review your decision-making processes and give teams the information and authority they need to act swiftly. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-high-competition-markets-how-does-scrum-product-development-help-acquire-and-retain-customers/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-high-competition-markets-how-does-scrum-product-development-help-acquire-and-retain-customers/ Scrum does not directly acquire or retain customers, but it helps teams deliver value quickly and adapt based on customer feedback, which can lead to competitive advantage. Its main strengths are making problems and opportunities visible, enabling rapid execution, and supporting a culture of innovation, but leaders and teams must still identify what customers need and how to deliver it. To succeed, focus on building strong teams, understanding market value, and using Scrum to consistently deliver and validate valuable features. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-are-recessions-a-great-time-for-organizations-to-evaluate-the-opportunity-of-agile/ Thu, 09 Feb 2023 07:15:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-are-recessions-a-great-time-for-organizations-to-evaluate-the-opportunity-of-agile/ Recessions are an ideal time for organizations to consider agile because uncertainty highlights the need to adapt quickly, focus on customer value, and empower teams to make decisions. Agile enables rapid learning, continuous improvement, and faster response to market changes compared to traditional management. Development managers should pilot agile practices in small, iterative cycles to test their impact and build on what works. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-does-agile-focus-on-values-and-principles-rather-than-a-prescribed-set-of-steps/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-does-agile-focus-on-values-and-principles-rather-than-a-prescribed-set-of-steps/ Agile focuses on values and principles instead of fixed steps because software development is complex work with unpredictable challenges, so no set process can guarantee success. Teams must adapt, experiment, and continuously learn, using values like commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect as guides. Development managers should foster a culture that supports flexibility and ongoing improvement rather than relying on rigid procedures. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-3-key-takeaways-for-a-scrum-team-after-attending-an-aps-immersive-learning-experience-course/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-3-key-takeaways-for-a-scrum-team-after-attending-an-aps-immersive-learning-experience-course/ The APS immersive course helps Scrum teams deeply understand core principles, apply them to real-world challenges, and distinguish essential Scrum practices from unnecessary add-ons. It provides practical, actionable insights for overcoming early implementation hurdles. Teams are encouraged to revisit and refine their Scrum approach for greater effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-how-immersive-learning-and-devops-drive-real-value-in-organisations/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-how-immersive-learning-and-devops-drive-real-value-in-organisations/ Shifting to immersive, hands-on training and spreading sessions over a longer period leads to better knowledge retention and practical application for teams, even if it means fewer classes and less immediate revenue. Prioritising value creation over short-term gains results in more satisfied clients and stronger organisational outcomes. Development managers should consider adopting training approaches that focus on real learning impact rather than volume. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-is-agile-product-development-different-to-waterfall-project-management/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-is-agile-product-development-different-to-waterfall-project-management/ Agile product development differs from traditional waterfall project management by empowering teams to make decisions, delivering value in small, frequent increments, and adapting quickly to customer feedback and market changes. Waterfall relies on upfront planning and command-and-control management, which can lead to wasted effort if requirements shift, while agile focuses on collaboration, continuous improvement, and prioritizing the most valuable work. For complex or innovative projects, consider shifting toward agile practices to reduce risk and better meet evolving customer needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-human-potential-how-health-and-perspective-fuel-innovation-in-tech/ Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:40:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-human-potential-how-health-and-perspective-fuel-innovation-in-tech/ Prioritising health and well-being boosts innovation and leadership in tech by improving perspective and fostering creativity. Supporting hands-on builders, embracing diverse viewpoints, and engaging with sceptics lead to stronger outcomes. Development managers should encourage healthy habits, value unique perspectives, and build deeper connections within their teams to drive better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-complex-world-of-azure-devops-data-migration/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:00:49 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-complex-world-of-azure-devops-data-migration/ Migrating to Azure DevOps is complex, especially with legacy systems, but careful planning and attention to detail can prevent most issues. Key steps include importing legacy data before upgrades, aligning user identities to avoid workflow disruptions, cleaning up databases to meet size limits, and strictly following Microsoft’s backup procedures. Development managers should prioritize preparation and sequencing to ensure a smooth migration and minimize risks. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-evolution-of-product-management-in-the-agile-era/ Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-evolution-of-product-management-in-the-agile-era/ Agile product management replaces long release cycles with short, frequent delivery, enabling faster feedback, reduced risk, and more responsive adaptation to customer needs. Building quality in from the start and using practices like continuous integration and a clear definition of done minimizes defects and waste. Development managers should focus on shorter cycles, continuous feedback, and embedding quality throughout the process to stay competitive and maximize business value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/continuous-adaptation-the-key-to-success-in-a-dynamic-market/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 06:08:37 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/continuous-adaptation-the-key-to-success-in-a-dynamic-market/ Success in today’s fast-changing market depends on a business’s ability to adapt quickly and continuously, guided by flexible principles rather than rigid rules. Companies that empower teams, encourage innovation, and stay agile are better positioned to outperform competitors, maintain productivity during disruptions, and deliver greater customer value. Development managers should foster a culture of adaptability and regularly review business practices to ensure ongoing relevance and competitiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-value-the-transformative-power-of-engagement-in-agile-teams/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:27:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-value-the-transformative-power-of-engagement-in-agile-teams/ Organisations deliver the most value when they focus on engaging their teams, not just managing them. Empowering people through decentralised decision-making, inclusivity, and clear principles leads to higher morale, innovation, and better results. Development managers should prioritise creating an environment where everyone feels trusted, aligned with the vision, and motivated to contribute. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-ownership-unlocking-the-secrets-to-effective-product-management-in-agile-teams/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-ownership-unlocking-the-secrets-to-effective-product-management-in-agile-teams/ Effective product management, especially through a strong product owner, is essential for agile teams to stay focused, align with goals, and deliver value. Key practices include providing clear vision, engaging stakeholders, prioritising work, fostering collaboration, and continuous learning. Development managers should prioritise investing in skilled product owners to drive team success and product quality. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-more-needs-to-happen-before-traditional-organisations-consider-agile/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:08:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-more-needs-to-happen-before-traditional-organisations-consider-agile/ Traditional organisations must go beyond surface-level Agile adoption and commit to deep cultural change if they want to stay competitive, attract top talent, and respond quickly to market shifts. True Agile transformation requires honest readiness assessment, willingness to dismantle old structures, and embracing the discomfort of change. Leaders should act now to drive genuine, organisation-wide agility or risk falling behind more adaptive competitors. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-common-thing-you-hear-in-a-psm-1-course/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:00:24 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-common-thing-you-hear-in-a-psm-1-course/ Many PSM 1 students justify compromising transparency with clients by citing “real world” pressures, especially around upfront estimates. The course stresses that maintaining honesty and moral integrity with customers is essential, even when it feels difficult. Development managers should prioritize truth and transparency over convenience to build lasting trust and avoid misleading clients. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-estimate-what-can-be-delivered-in-a-sprint/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-estimate-what-can-be-delivered-in-a-sprint/ Scrum teams do not precisely estimate what can be delivered in a Sprint; instead, they focus on understanding the size and complexity of backlog items to make informed guesses. This approach acknowledges the unpredictability of creative work and the high level of uncertainty in software development. Managers should allow flexibility in Sprint goals and use estimation tools to foster shared understanding rather than to set rigid deadlines. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/would-you-recommend-the-aps-course-to-a-newbie-scrum-team-and-why/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/would-you-recommend-the-aps-course-to-a-newbie-scrum-team-and-why/ The APS course is highly recommended for new Scrum teams because it simplifies Scrum concepts, helps teams identify and address necessary organizational changes, and empowers both team members and leaders to drive improvements. Key benefits include creating an actionable Organizational Change Backlog and fostering team engagement and alignment. Development managers should consider enrolling their teams to ensure a strong start with Scrum and ongoing alignment with agile principles. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-prefer-agile-consulting-over-agile-coaching/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-prefer-agile-consulting-over-agile-coaching/ Agile consulting is preferred over coaching because it empowers internal leadership, avoids creating long-term dependencies, and leads to more sustainable change. Consultants work intensively for a short period to spark transformation, then step back so teams can take ownership and continue improving on their own. Development managers should consider consulting to build self-reliant teams and lasting results rather than relying on ongoing external support. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-2/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:24:58 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-2/ Using Lego in Scrum training oversimplifies the real complexity of software development, as Lego pieces fit together too easily and do not reflect the integration challenges teams actually face. This can create unrealistic expectations and trivialize the difficulties of real projects. Development managers should choose training tools that better represent the unpredictable and varied nature of software work. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-influential-people-in-agile-simon-reindl/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:33:51 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-influential-people-in-agile-simon-reindl/ Many Product Owners feel they lack control over key decisions like backlog order and product goals, often being excluded from strategic discussions. Recognizing this gap is the first step toward gaining more influence and accountability. Product Owners should proactively seek involvement in important meetings and build relationships to elevate their role within the organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-your-consulting-experience-manifest-in-the-training-environment/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-your-consulting-experience-manifest-in-the-training-environment/ Training is most effective when led by someone with real consulting experience, as it brings practical, relatable examples that bridge the gap between theory and real-world challenges. Sharing authentic stories from consulting helps teams engage, learn, and apply concepts like Agile and Scrum more effectively. Consider choosing training programs led by experienced consultants to ensure your teams gain actionable insights they can use immediately. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-common-mistake-in-sprint-planning/ Thu, 25 May 2023 14:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-common-mistake-in-sprint-planning/ The most common mistake in sprint planning is failing to define a clear and tangible sprint goal, which is essential for guiding the team’s immediate work and connecting it to the broader product vision. A well-defined sprint goal provides focus, enables actionable stakeholder feedback, and helps the team understand and meet expectations. Development managers should ensure every sprint has a concrete goal that can be evaluated at the sprint review to drive progress and alignment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-wip-less-is-more-why/ Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/in-wip-less-is-more-why/ Limiting work in progress leads to higher productivity because multitasking and context switching reduce efficiency and slow down progress. Keeping tasks small and focusing on finishing before starting new work helps teams deliver more in less time. Development managers should encourage teams to reduce simultaneous tasks and prioritize completing work to improve outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-can-companies-derive-greater-benefits-from-training-by-investing-in-a-private-training-course/ Fri, 05 May 2023 07:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-can-companies-derive-greater-benefits-from-training-by-investing-in-a-private-training-course/ Private training courses offer companies a safe environment for open discussion, enabling teams to address real challenges and discover untapped capabilities within their organisation. These sessions foster candid conversations and provoke valuable insights that often lead to meaningful change. Development managers should consider private training to unlock deeper team engagement and drive more effective Agile and DevOps adoption. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-some-big-red-flags-when-hiring-an-agile-consultant/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:30:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-some-big-red-flags-when-hiring-an-agile-consultant/ When hiring an agile consultant, watch out for those who are not active in the agile community, lack deep understanding of core agile concepts, or come from consultancies that prioritize volume over quality and expertise. These red flags suggest the consultant may not be able to adapt to your team’s needs or deliver meaningful results. Take time to assess their community involvement, knowledge, and the consultancy’s focus before making a decision. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-embracing-automation-is-essential-for-reducing-human-error-in-software-development/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-embracing-automation-is-essential-for-reducing-human-error-in-software-development/ Automation is essential in software development because it reduces human error, speeds up feedback, and creates more reliable processes. Relying on manual steps leads to costly mistakes and unsustainable workloads, while automation enables faster, higher-quality releases and happier customers. Development managers should prioritise automating repetitive tasks and rearchitecting processes that cannot be automated to improve quality and efficiency. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-understanding-essential-skills-for-product-owners-to-foster-team-clarity/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-understanding-essential-skills-for-product-owners-to-foster-team-clarity/ Product owners should focus on actively gauging team understanding by observing non-verbal cues, asking open-ended questions, and creating a safe environment for honest communication. Tailoring language to the audience and encouraging curiosity helps bridge knowledge gaps. Regular check-ins and fostering openness are key actions to ensure everyone is aligned, which is essential for project success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/before-you-call-yourself-an-agile-coach-the-importance-of-real-experience/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:00:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/before-you-call-yourself-an-agile-coach-the-importance-of-real-experience/ To be an effective Agile coach, you need real hands-on experience working with teams to build products, not just theoretical knowledge. Practical involvement helps you understand team dynamics, earn credibility, and offer advice that resonates with teams. If you aspire to coach, seek opportunities to join or volunteer with Agile teams so you can build the trust and insight needed to guide others successfully. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-don't-scale-scrum-pragmatic-or-defeatist/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:30:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/quotes-don't-scale-scrum-pragmatic-or-defeatist/ The idea that Scrum cannot be scaled is a misconception; frameworks like Nexus show that Scrum can be effectively scaled to deliver greater value. Key recommendations include understanding Nexus, starting with a single team, and scaling thoughtfully while adapting as you go. Development managers should explore scaling options rather than dismissing them, as successful scaling is both possible and beneficial. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-would-be-an-example-of-a-great-agile-consulting-outcome-for-a-client/ Thu, 26 Jan 2023 07:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-would-be-an-example-of-a-great-agile-consulting-outcome-for-a-client/ A great agile consulting outcome is helping an organization become consistently adaptable to both unexpected opportunities and threats by removing barriers to responsiveness and fostering a culture of flexibility and decentralized decision-making. Key results include shifting from rigid, top-down management to empowered, autonomous teams and building resilience throughout the organization, not just in isolated groups. Development managers should focus on enabling this mindset and structure across all levels to achieve lasting agility and improved business results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-mastery-how-the-minecraft-case-study-transforms-training-and-team-dynamics/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-mastery-how-the-minecraft-case-study-transforms-training-and-team-dynamics/ The Minecraft case study developed by Simon offers an engaging and practical way for teams to experience Agile concepts, closely mirroring real project challenges and improving team collaboration. Participants report higher engagement, better understanding of complexity, and stronger teamwork compared to traditional training. Development managers should consider innovative, interactive training methods like this to boost Agile adoption and team effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-devops-and-agile-integrate/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:30:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-devops-and-agile-integrate/ DevOps and Agile are closely connected, each offering a different but complementary focus: DevOps emphasizes engineering and continuous delivery, while Agile centers on people and process. Combining both approaches helps teams achieve better results by leveraging their unique strengths together. Development managers should encourage their teams to integrate both mindsets for optimal performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/momentum/ Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/momentum/ Momentum in product delivery means not just moving quickly but ensuring everyone is aligned and moving in the same direction, which is essential for achieving shared goals. Teams with strong momentum can inspire and pull others along, making a real difference between stagnation and progress. To build and sustain this momentum, consider investing in Agile and Scrum training or coaching to foster collaboration and continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-product-development-unlock-user-value-reduce-waste-and-enhance-collaboration-with-structured-learning/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:07:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-product-development-unlock-user-value-reduce-waste-and-enhance-collaboration-with-structured-learning/ A structured learning course in product development can help your teams better understand user needs through experimentation, reduce waste by making evidence-based decisions, and improve collaboration with stakeholders using data-driven discussions. The course also encourages creative problem-solving and provides practical tools you can apply immediately. Consider investing in this training to boost user value, efficiency, and team alignment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-sweep-problems-under-the-rug/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-best-ways-to-wreck-kanban-sweep-problems-under-the-rug/ Ignoring problems in your Kanban process leads to bigger issues, workflow blockages, and potential crises like project delays or cost overruns. Teams should regularly identify, visualize, and address problems, foster transparency, and take prompt action to prevent issues from escalating. Make it a priority to surface and resolve problems early to keep your workflow effective and avoid costly setbacks. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hardest-part-of-adopting-scrum/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 11:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hardest-part-of-adopting-scrum/ The hardest part of adopting Scrum is overcoming the false belief that success will happen automatically without real effort or change. The real challenge is shifting mindsets and building a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Development managers should focus on addressing these ingrained expectations to achieve genuine Scrum transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-balance-how-lean-governance-can-boost-agility-and-innovation-in-your-organisation/ Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:00:37 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-balance-how-lean-governance-can-boost-agility-and-innovation-in-your-organisation/ Excessive or siloed governance can slow down your organisation and stifle innovation, often leading to unnecessary processes that do not add value. Focusing on lean governance by regularly reviewing policies, integrating compliance into your tools, and eliminating waste helps maintain agility and efficiency. Review your current governance practices and remove or streamline anything that does not directly support compliance or business value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-kanban-integrate-into-a-scrum-environment/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/does-kanban-integrate-into-a-scrum-environment/ Kanban can be integrated with Scrum to improve workflow visibility, provide essential metrics like cycle time and throughput, and support continuous improvement. This combination helps teams answer key delivery questions and identify bottlenecks that Scrum alone may not address. Development managers should consider adding Kanban practices and metrics to their Scrum teams to optimize performance and make more informed decisions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-leader-versus-traditional-manager/ Tue, 02 May 2023 09:30:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-leader-versus-traditional-manager/ Traditional managers focus on control and task delegation, which can limit communication and slow decision-making. Agile leaders, on the other hand, empower teams, encourage open communication, and help organizations adapt quickly to change. Consider shifting from traditional management to Agile leadership to drive growth and market responsiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-should-an-organisation-consider-a-professional-agile-consultant/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/when-should-an-organisation-consider-a-professional-agile-consultant/ Organisations should consider a professional agile consultant when facing significant project failure or when seeking continuous improvement, as an external expert can provide valuable perspective and help identify opportunities for change. It is important to avoid being swayed by consultants who lack real agile expertise and instead choose someone with proven experience. Whether recovering from setbacks or aiming to enhance performance, bringing in the right agile consultant can help teams evolve and deliver better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-mastery-why-spaced-learning-outshines-traditional-courses/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:45:48 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-mastery-why-spaced-learning-outshines-traditional-courses/ Spaced learning, where Agile and Scrum training is spread over several weeks, leads to better retention, real-world application, and ongoing support compared to traditional short courses. Participants can practice and apply concepts in their actual work, get guidance as challenges arise, and benefit from peer collaboration. Development managers should consider longer, cohort-based training formats to achieve more lasting and practical results for their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/essential-skills-every-agile-consultant-needs-mastering-domain-knowledge-active-listening-and-honest-communication/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 07:00:24 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/essential-skills-every-agile-consultant-needs-mastering-domain-knowledge-active-listening-and-honest-communication/ Agile consultants are most effective when they understand the business domain, actively listen to all team members to uncover gaps in transparency, and communicate difficult truths honestly, even to leadership. These skills help build trust and drive meaningful change. Development managers should ensure consultants are empowered to ask tough questions and share candid feedback to improve team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-common-aha-moment-people-have-in-a-scrum-course/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:15:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-common-aha-moment-people-have-in-a-scrum-course/ The most common realization in scrum courses is understanding the deep purpose behind each element of the scrum framework, especially its foundation in empiricism, rather than just following procedures. Many experienced practitioners discover they have been missing the true value of scrum by not connecting its events and artefacts to their intended outcomes. To unlock high performance, teams should focus on mastering the fundamentals and intentionally applying scrum’s principles, not just its mechanics. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-team-with-flipped-learning-unlocking-agility-at-naked-agility-limited/ Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:17:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-team-with-flipped-learning-unlocking-agility-at-naked-agility-limited/ Naked Agility Limited uses a flipped learning approach that combines self-paced study with interactive workshops, enabling teams to deeply understand agile concepts and prepare for certification. Participants receive personalised coaching and access to a supportive community, fostering a people-first culture and continuous improvement. Development managers can consider this training to boost team engagement, learning, and agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-build-sustainable-growth-without-the-chaos/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:25:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scaling-smart-how-to-build-sustainable-growth-without-the-chaos/ Scaling should focus on building sustainable value, not just growing quickly, and simply adopting frameworks without addressing underlying issues will only make problems worse. Effective scaling requires understanding constraints, simplifying processes, and ensuring teams are aligned to deliver value. Before scaling, assess whether your approach will truly improve outcomes and use agile methods to enable smarter, not just faster, growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum/ Wed, 08 May 2024 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-scrum/ Traditional two-day Scrum training is ineffective for lasting change because participants retain little and struggle to apply what they learn. Immersive learning, with shorter sessions spread over time, hands-on assignments, and ongoing feedback, leads to better retention, practical application, and continuous improvement. Development managers should consider adopting immersive training formats to drive real, sustainable transformation in their teams and organizations. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/bridging-the-gap-how-to-align-your-organisation-for-successful-agile-product-management/ Mon, 06 May 2024 13:29:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/bridging-the-gap-how-to-align-your-organisation-for-successful-agile-product-management/ Successfully adopting agile product management requires more than dropping old project management methods; organisations must clearly define and communicate a shared vision, focus on delivering real value, and validate progress with the right metrics. Engaging all teams and stakeholders in the goal-setting process and using evidence-based and hypothesis-driven approaches are key to aligning efforts and maximising value. Development managers should prioritise cross-team collaboration and ensure everyone understands and is invested in the common objective to achieve better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-a-kanban-strategy-understanding-wip-limits/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-key-to-a-kanban-strategy-understanding-wip-limits/ Setting work-in-progress (WIP) limits is essential for an effective Kanban strategy because it prevents overload, exposes bottlenecks, and improves workflow. The optimal WIP limit for each stage should be found through experimentation and regular adjustment, aiming for a balance that maximizes flow without causing idle time or bottlenecks. Start small, monitor results, and adjust limits as needed to boost team productivity and collaboration. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-empiricism-and-why-is-it-so-critical-to-great-agile/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-empiricism-and-why-is-it-so-critical-to-great-agile/ Empiricism is essential to Agile because it drives teams to observe real project data, inspect outcomes, and adapt quickly, ensuring alignment with changing needs. Key practices like transparency, regular feedback loops, and continuous improvement help teams stay responsive and deliver real value. Development managers should foster a culture of inspection and adaptation, using data and feedback to guide decisions and refine both processes and product backlogs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-a-poor-product-backlog-look-like/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:01:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-a-poor-product-backlog-look-like/ A poor product backlog is disorganised, lacks clear priorities, and confuses both teams and stakeholders. A strong backlog is clearly ordered and understood by everyone, aligning team efforts with business goals. Review your backlog regularly to ensure clarity and shared understanding across your team. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/can-organisations-run-an-applying-professional-scrum-workshop-how-would-that-help-them/ Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/can-organisations-run-an-applying-professional-scrum-workshop-how-would-that-help-them/ Running an Applying Professional Scrum workshop with your whole team creates a safe space for honest discussion, practical problem-solving, and shared learning tailored to your organisation. This approach helps teams understand their current ways of working, experience the benefits of Scrum firsthand, and fosters alignment across roles, leading to improved agility and productivity. Consider organising a private workshop to accelerate your Agile transformation and build a stronger, more collaborative workforce. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-interesting-outcome-you-have-achieved-as-an-agile-consultant/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-interesting-outcome-you-have-achieved-as-an-agile-consultant/ The most interesting outcome as an agile consultant was seeing how full company-wide commitment to agile, from leadership to frontline staff, led to lasting transformation and improved ownership at Backcountry, while lack of buy-in at another company caused agile efforts to fail and key advocates to leave. Key insights are that success depends on broad engagement and leadership support, and that agile can create a ripple effect across organizations. Development managers should ensure all levels of the company are involved and committed to agile practices for meaningful and sustainable change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-common-mistake-made-by-rookie-agile-consultants/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-common-mistake-made-by-rookie-agile-consultants/ Rookie agile consultants often make the mistake of rigidly applying frameworks like Scrum without understanding or addressing the unique needs and goals of each team, believing that simply following the rules will guarantee success. This dogmatic approach overlooks the importance of context, empiricism, and helping teams understand the purpose behind agile practices. Development managers should ensure agile adoption is tailored to their team’s specific challenges and objectives, focusing on continuous learning and adaptation rather than just process compliance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-metrics-for-predictability'-kanban-course/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-'applying-metrics-for-predictability'-kanban-course/ The “Applying Metrics for Predictability” Kanban course teaches teams how to use key Kanban metrics and probabilistic forecasting to improve delivery predictability, enabling more accurate planning and increased stakeholder trust. Participants learn to interpret data, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions that drive efficiency and consistent value delivery. Development managers whose teams struggle with predictability should consider this course to enhance forecasting and workflow reliability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-team's-skills-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-the-workplace/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-team's-skills-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-the-workplace/ Immersive learning is more effective than traditional training because it focuses on applying concepts directly to real work, encourages feedback and reflection, and helps teams challenge old habits. Including coaching and group support makes the learning more relevant and impactful for each participant. Consider adopting immersive learning to build stronger, more adaptable teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-the-concept-of-a-junior-scrum-master-is-a-misguided-myth/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 07:26:46 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-the-concept-of-a-junior-scrum-master-is-a-misguided-myth/ The idea of a “junior Scrum Master” is misleading because the role demands significant experience, technical knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex team and organisational dynamics. Assigning this responsibility to inexperienced team members undermines both individual growth and team effectiveness. Development managers should ensure that Scrum Masters are chosen based on proven competence and relevant experience, not as entry-level positions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overcoming-the-ghost-of-agile-certifications/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overcoming-the-ghost-of-agile-certifications/ Agile certifications are often overvalued and can distract from real learning and practical experience; passing an exam does not make someone an expert or guarantee they can deliver value. True capability comes from hands-on work, team recognition, and continuous learning, not just credentials. Development managers should prioritize real-world skills and team impact over certifications when hiring or developing Agile professionals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/evidence-based-management-the-key-to-agile-success/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:00:25 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/evidence-based-management-the-key-to-agile-success/ Focusing only on agile frameworks does not guarantee business success; organizations need to use evidence-based management to track real business outcomes and adapt based on data. Successful companies transform their leadership, processes, and decision-making using key metrics like current value, unrealized value, ability to innovate, and time to market. Development managers should prioritize data-driven decisions and organizational adaptability over simply following agile practices. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/vision-value-and-validation-the-keys-to-successful-product-management/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/vision-value-and-validation-the-keys-to-successful-product-management/ When moving from project management to product management, it is essential for Product Owners to fill the gap left by traditional planning tools by focusing on vision, value, and validation. Clearly define and communicate the product vision, ensure all work aligns with delivering real value, and continuously validate progress through feedback and measurement. Prioritize these pillars to keep teams aligned and maximize product impact; consider seeking support if challenges arise. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/part-2-common-mistakes-that-scrum-masters-make/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:00:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/part-2-common-mistakes-that-scrum-masters-make/ Scrum Masters often fall into the trap of handling administrative tasks for their teams, which distracts from their real role of improving team effectiveness. Taking on these duties can undermine both the Scrum Master’s impact and the team’s growth. Focus on enabling the team rather than doing their work for them, and avoid becoming the team’s secretary. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-product-owner-potential-bridging-theory-and-practice-in-agile-leadership/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 07:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-product-owner-potential-bridging-theory-and-practice-in-agile-leadership/ The Product Owner role requires moving beyond theory to practical leadership, taking on broader responsibilities like marketing, sales, and contract negotiation, and influencing key business areas. An immersive, collaborative learning approach helps product owners apply new strategies, share real-world experiences, and learn from peers to drive better outcomes. Development managers should support ongoing learning and cross-functional engagement for their product owners to maximize their impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-my-most-memorable-challenge-as-an-agile-consultant-lessons-in-readiness-and-engagement/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-my-most-memorable-challenge-as-an-agile-consultant-lessons-in-readiness-and-engagement/ Organisations must be ready and willing to engage for agile consulting to be effective; without this, even the best advice will be ignored and no real progress will happen. Repeated experiences showed that lack of readiness and follow-through leads to wasted effort and stagnation. Development managers should ensure their teams are prepared to listen and act before bringing in external help. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-superpower-of-software-development-how-shifting-left-transforms-quality-assurance/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:04:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-superpower-of-software-development-how-shifting-left-transforms-quality-assurance/ Shifting quality assurance to the start of the development process leads to higher product quality, faster delivery, and lower costs by catching issues early and fostering better collaboration. Teams that adopt this approach see improved morale and stakeholder confidence. To get started, educate your team, involve QA early, encourage collaboration, use automation, and focus on continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-how-measurement-influences-engagement-and-collaboration/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:45:58 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-how-measurement-influences-engagement-and-collaboration/ How you measure people shapes their behaviour, so focusing on individual output can reduce collaboration and engagement. Aligning metrics with team goals, encouraging open discussion about measures, and rewarding collective outcomes can boost teamwork and morale. Review your current metrics to ensure they promote the behaviours you want to see in your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-agile-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-lasting-impact/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transform-your-agile-training-the-power-of-immersive-learning-for-lasting-impact/ Immersive learning in Agile training connects theory directly to participants’ real work, leading to better retention and practical application compared to traditional classroom methods. Spreading sessions over time, using real assignments, and fostering peer feedback help teams apply new concepts and drive meaningful change in their organizations. Consider adopting this approach to make Agile training more relevant and impactful for your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-think-that-4-half-days-is-a-better-format-than-2-full-days/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-think-that-4-half-days-is-a-better-format-than-2-full-days/ Spreading training over four half days instead of two full days leads to better knowledge retention, more opportunities for reflection, and improved practical application. This approach reduces cognitive overload and supports continuous learning and improvement. Consider adopting or experimenting with more flexible training formats to maximize learning outcomes for your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effective-is-scrum-training-via-digital-delivery/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-effective-is-scrum-training-via-digital-delivery/ While in-person Scrum training offers slightly more engagement and interaction, digital delivery is nearly as effective and brings unique advantages such as greater accessibility, exposure to global perspectives, and alignment with how remote teams now work. Online courses allow immediate application of learning, foster diverse collaboration, and introduce valuable digital tools. Development managers should consider digital training as a practical, effective option that fits modern team dynamics and broadens participation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-barriers-that-prevent-developers-from-fully-accepting-a-product-owner-as-the-final-decision-maker/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-the-barriers-that-prevent-developers-from-fully-accepting-a-product-owner-as-the-final-decision-maker/ Developers may not fully accept the Product Owner as the final decision maker when stakeholders undermine the Product Owner’s authority, send mixed messages, or fail to consistently support their decisions. This leads to confusion, lack of trust, and developers second-guessing decisions. To address this, ensure stakeholders back the Product Owner publicly, document agreements, and foster open communication to build trust and accountability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-why-every-scrum-master-needs-a-quality-camera-for-effective-engagement/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-team-potential-why-every-scrum-master-needs-a-quality-camera-for-effective-engagement/ Using a high-quality camera in remote meetings helps Scrum Masters better read team members’ body language and emotions, which leads to stronger engagement and more effective communication. Investing in good equipment, maintaining a professional background, and encouraging camera use can foster a more open and collaborative team environment. Development managers should ensure their teams have access to quality video tools to maximize virtual collaboration. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-master-versus-seasoned-agile-coach/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-master-versus-seasoned-agile-coach/ A Scrum Master and a seasoned Agile Coach both support Agile practices, but an Agile Coach brings deeper knowledge and extensive experience across multiple frameworks like Scrum, Lean, and Kanban. Agile Coaches have a proven track record of guiding organizations through complex challenges and embedding Agile at a deeper level. If your goal is to drive significant Agile transformation and long-term success, consider engaging a seasoned Agile Coach. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-agile-learning-embrace-change-and-community-in-uncertain-times/ Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:26:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-agile-learning-embrace-change-and-community-in-uncertain-times/ Adapting to remote work and uncertainty, agile learning now emphasizes flexibility in teaching, flow management to help teams handle remote challenges, and gamified tools for better engagement. Building a strong, interactive community and gathering feedback are key to effective virtual learning. Managers should support team adaptability and encourage participation in collaborative, skill-building opportunities. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-control-to-empowerment-embracing-agile-leadership-in-a-complex-world/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:43:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-control-to-empowerment-embracing-agile-leadership-in-a-complex-world/ Traditional management works well for predictable problems but falls short in today’s complex, fast-changing environment. Agile leadership empowers teams, encourages collaboration, and fosters innovation by shifting focus from control to enabling people. Development managers should move from directing every detail to creating environments where teams can adapt and thrive. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-humility-in-agile-a-core-virtue-for-success/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-humility-in-agile-a-core-virtue-for-success/ Humility is crucial for Agile teams because it enables better collaboration, trust, and openness to feedback, leading to stronger products and happier teams. Recognizing that not all ideas are right, listening to others, and being willing to change course based on data and feedback are key to success. Development managers should foster a culture where team members check their egos, seek diverse perspectives, and use data thoughtfully to continuously improve. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-backlog/ Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:16 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-backlog/ A product backlog is a prioritized list of features or improvements that guides the development team and fosters collaboration. It should be flexible, clearly understood by everyone involved, and regularly pruned to stay lean and effective. Development managers should ensure their teams maintain a focused and well-understood backlog to maximize productivity and alignment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-potential-the-transformative-power-of-a-great-consultant/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:30:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-organisational-potential-the-transformative-power-of-a-great-consultant/ A great consultant can quickly identify and address core organisational issues by providing an honest, external perspective and actionable recommendations, often leading to immediate improvements. Their value lies in bridging gaps between leadership and teams, catalysing cultural change, and helping organisations move beyond common challenges. If your teams are struggling with transformation or alignment, consider bringing in a consultant to accelerate progress and unlock your organisation’s potential. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-limits-of-self-taught-learning-why-external-perspectives-matter/ Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-limits-of-self-taught-learning-why-external-perspectives-matter/ Relying only on self-taught learning limits your team’s growth because people tend to stop searching for better solutions once they find one that works. Bringing in external expertise exposes your organization to new perspectives, tools, and methods, helping you identify hidden problems and explore more effective approaches. To drive innovation and align progress with your goals, balance internal learning with outside guidance and encourage your team to keep exploring beyond their current knowledge. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/product-ownership-vs-product-management-busting-the-myth-that-they're-separate-roles/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/product-ownership-vs-product-management-busting-the-myth-that-they're-separate-roles/ Product ownership and product management are not separate roles; effective product ownership is a form of product management focused on maximizing value in short, iterative cycles. Organizations should avoid diluting the product owner role with unrelated tasks and instead ensure alignment with strategic goals and market needs. Development managers should treat product ownership as a core accountability within product management, prioritize value delivery, and foster adaptability to stay competitive. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-choose-the-right-agile-coach-for-your-business-success/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:00:52 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-choose-the-right-agile-coach-for-your-business-success/ To get the most value from Agile coaching, choose someone who is adaptable, experienced across multiple frameworks, and committed to continuous learning rather than a coach who only uses one method. A versatile coach will tailor their approach to your team’s unique needs and challenges, leading to better outcomes. When hiring, ask about their experience with different industries and how they customize solutions so you get guidance that truly fits your business. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-a-product-owner-do-with-an-incompetent-team/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:30:26 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-should-a-product-owner-do-with-an-incompetent-team/ Before labeling a team as incompetent, assess whether the issue is a lack of knowledge or experience and provide training, support, and feedback to help them improve. If the team is truly incompetent, malicious, or fails to improve after support, act quickly to replace them to protect your product and organization. Invest in developing your team, but do not tolerate behavior that puts your business at risk. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-the-immersive-learning-experience-help-coach-people-on-the-job/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:22 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-the-immersive-learning-experience-help-coach-people-on-the-job/ Immersive learning spreads Agile training over several weeks, allowing participants to apply lessons directly to their work and receive valuable feedback in each session. This approach leads to deeper understanding, practical skill development, and stronger collaboration among team members. Development managers should consider immersive learning to foster real-world growth and continuous improvement within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-the-statement-of-work-how-to-truly-meet-client-needs-beyond-the-contract/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-the-statement-of-work-how-to-truly-meet-client-needs-beyond-the-contract/ Focusing strictly on the statement of work often fails to address clients’ real problems, leading to temporary fixes and dissatisfaction. Building trust, adapting to actual needs, and prioritising value over rigid contract terms result in better outcomes and lasting change. Development managers should emphasise relationships and flexibility to deliver solutions that truly matter to clients. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-consulting-overview/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/devops-consulting-overview/ DevOps consulting focuses on driving real improvement by aligning culture, processes, and tools to deliver better software faster and more reliably. Key outcomes include tailored workshops, leadership alignment, and hands-on technical support across various platforms, not just Microsoft. To get the most value, approach DevOps as an ongoing journey of cultural and operational change rather than a one-time tool implementation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-scrum/ Fri, 19 May 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-scrum/ Scrum is a framework that helps teams organize around shared goals and is especially effective for tackling complex, unpredictable work where you learn as you go. It is designed to help teams navigate tasks that are novel or constantly changing, making it ideal for software development environments. Consider exploring Scrum further to boost your team’s productivity and adaptability. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-tip-for-a-new-scrum-master/ Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-tip-for-a-new-scrum-master/ New Scrum Masters should start by thoroughly reading and understanding the Scrum Guide to grasp the fundamentals of Scrum, including its roles, events, and principles. This foundational knowledge is essential for effectively leading teams, coaching others, and running Agile projects successfully. Make it a priority to master the basics before moving on to more advanced concepts. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-actively-managing-work-items-in-a-workflow/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:06:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-actively-managing-work-items-in-a-workflow/ Actively managing your Kanban workflow is essential for keeping work moving efficiently; this involves regularly reviewing your board, adjusting work in progress limits, and quickly addressing bottlenecks or blocked items. Monitoring for aging or stuck tasks and using data to optimize flow helps prevent delays and maximize team productivity. Development managers should ensure their teams are not just visualizing work but actively engaging with and improving the workflow. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/czym-r%C3%B3%C5%BCni-si%C4%99-zwinne-przyw%C3%B3dztwo-od-tradycyjnego-zarz%C4%85dzania/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:59:44 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/czym-r%C3%B3%C5%BCni-si%C4%99-zwinne-przyw%C3%B3dztwo-od-tradycyjnego-zarz%C4%85dzania/ Agile leadership differs from traditional management by focusing on building creative, collaborative, and high-performing teams that drive better customer experiences. Empowering and inspiring teams leads to continuous improvement and stronger results. Consider agile training or coaching to help your teams evolve and perform at their best. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/part-2-most-influential-people-in-agile/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/part-2-most-influential-people-in-agile/ Simon Randell is highlighted as a key influence in Agile due to his exceptional facilitation skills, clear communication, and practical embodiment of Agile principles. His approach inspires others to emulate his clarity and effectiveness in both teaching and practice. Development managers should consider learning from leaders like Simon to strengthen their own Agile transformations. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-did-you-know-you-were-ready-to-transition-from-devops-practitioner-to-devops-consultant/ Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-did-you-know-you-were-ready-to-transition-from-devops-practitioner-to-devops-consultant/ Transitioning from DevOps practitioner to consultant often happens when your expertise is recognized by others, not just when you feel ready. Key signals include being noticed for your skills, sharing your insights publicly, and being sought out for advice, which can lead to opportunities to guide multiple organizations. To prepare, focus on demonstrating your expertise, sharing your knowledge, and engaging with the community to build visibility and influence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-pursuing-agile-certifications-is-your-key-to-career-advancement/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-pursuing-agile-certifications-is-your-key-to-career-advancement/ Agile certifications help validate foundational knowledge and make it easier for employers to identify qualified candidates, but real career growth comes from applying what you learn and committing to continuous improvement. Certifications like PSM1 serve as a useful screening tool and provide targeted feedback for further development. To advance your career, use certifications as a starting point and invest in ongoing learning and practical experience. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/confronting-incompetence-how-to-stop-shipping-bad-code-and-tackle-technical-debt-effectively/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:55:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/confronting-incompetence-how-to-stop-shipping-bad-code-and-tackle-technical-debt-effectively/ Shipping bad code is not just technical debt but a sign of deeper issues that teams must address by committing to quality and accountability. Key actions include enforcing thorough code reviews, investing in automated testing, and making regular refactoring a habit, while also actively identifying, prioritising, and allocating time to pay down technical debt. Development managers should ensure their teams distinguish between technical debt and poor practices, and dedicate resources to maintain a healthy, sustainable codebase. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-opportunities-for-innovation-and-value/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:53:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/transforming-technical-debt-unlocking-opportunities-for-innovation-and-value/ Technical debt is more than just a cost; it represents missed opportunities for innovation and value. Allowing technical debt to accumulate slows delivery, increases maintenance costs, and lowers team morale, while proactively addressing it empowers teams, improves agility, and enhances value delivery. Make technical debt management a regular part of your workflow and educate stakeholders to unlock your team’s full potential. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximise-your-scrum-process-leveraging-azure-devops-for-agile-success/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:21:43 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximise-your-scrum-process-leveraging-azure-devops-for-agile-success/ Azure DevOps can be customised to effectively support Scrum by focusing on simple, value-driven backlogs and adapting processes like area and iteration paths to fit your team’s structure and workflow. Metrics and common agile tools are optional, so tailor your setup to your team’s needs rather than following defaults. Use Azure DevOps features like tagging, board views, and backlog management to streamline refinement, planning, and execution, and regularly review and improve your processes for better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-backlog-management-why-a-flat-structure-boosts-agility-and-value-delivery/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:56:26 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-backlog-management-why-a-flat-structure-boosts-agility-and-value-delivery/ Using a flat backlog instead of a hierarchical one makes it easier to prioritise work, adapt to changing needs, and focus on delivering value rather than just managing tasks. Flat structures avoid the inflexibility and complexity of parent-child relationships, allowing teams to use tags and flexible visualisations for context. Development managers should consider shifting to a flat backlog to improve agility and value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditching-agile-banditry-why-story-points-and-velocity-metrics-are-undermining-your-team's-success/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:00:37 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/ditching-agile-banditry-why-story-points-and-velocity-metrics-are-undermining-your-team's-success/ Relying on story points and velocity as performance metrics creates mistrust and pressure, undermining team collaboration and the core values of Agile. Instead, focus on objective measures like cycle time and throughput to better understand team efficiency and foster a healthier, more productive environment. Shift your metrics to support transparency and continuous improvement rather than arbitrary targets. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-2/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:39 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/scrum-is-like-communism-it-doesn't-work-myth-2/ Story points are not required by Scrum and are often misused, leading to confusion and pressure on teams. Their real value is in sparking conversations about uncertainty during backlog refinement, not as ongoing metrics or time proxies. Development managers should focus on open dialogue, use story points only as needed for understanding, and consider alternative estimation methods to better support team effectiveness and value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-1/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-1/ Using Lego in Scrum training can undermine the seriousness of the message, create a mismatch between the training method and professional context, and risk disengaging senior participants. The playful approach may trivialize key concepts and reduce credibility with experienced professionals. Development managers should choose training tools that align with the professional environment and reinforce the importance of cultural transformation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-product-owner-to-systemic-leader-embracing-the-evolution-in-agile-leadership/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/from-product-owner-to-systemic-leader-embracing-the-evolution-in-agile-leadership/ Experienced Product Owners often grow into broader leadership roles, taking on more accountability and influencing organisational culture and systems. This transition requires a shift from managing backlogs to creating environments that empower teams and foster innovation. Development managers should support Product Owners in developing leadership skills and consider training like Agile Leadership Essentials to help them drive positive change across the organisation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-the-professional-agile-leadership-essentials-course-a-natural-evolution-for-an-experienced-scrum-master/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-the-professional-agile-leadership-essentials-course-a-natural-evolution-for-an-experienced-scrum-master/ The Professional Agile Leadership - Essentials course helps experienced Scrum Masters understand leadership perspectives and challenges, preparing them to move from team-level to broader organizational leadership. It equips them with new insights and language to better serve and influence at multiple levels. Consider this course if you are looking to expand your impact beyond your current Scrum Master role. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-the-scrum-master-myth-why-servant-leadership-is-key-to-team-success/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:00:52 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-the-scrum-master-myth-why-servant-leadership-is-key-to-team-success/ The Scrum Master is not a manager or authority figure but a servant leader who facilitates team processes, removes obstacles, and encourages autonomy. Misconceptions like expecting status updates or report writing from the Scrum Master undermine team ownership and collaboration. Development managers should empower Scrum Masters to support teams rather than control them, fostering a culture of trust and shared responsibility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-select-the-most-valuable-items-for-the-sprint-backlog/ Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-do-you-select-the-most-valuable-items-for-the-sprint-backlog/ Selecting the most valuable items for the sprint backlog requires input from business, product, and engineering perspectives, not just following the product backlog order. It is a collaborative process where the team and stakeholders align on priorities to ensure each sprint delivers real value. Development managers should facilitate open discussions to balance strategic goals and technical needs when planning sprints. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-migration-seamlessly-transitioning-from-tfs-to-azure-devops/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:58:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-migration-seamlessly-transitioning-from-tfs-to-azure-devops/ Migrating from TFS to Azure DevOps can boost team collaboration, enable cloud capabilities, and provide continuous updates, but it requires careful planning to address compatibility issues and account alignment. Key steps include updating TFS, running validation tools, fixing issues, and thorough post-migration testing to avoid disruptions. To ensure a smooth transition, use the right migration tools and consider expert support for complex environments. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-prioritisation-how-product-owners-can-drive-value-and-accountability/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:56 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-prioritisation-how-product-owners-can-drive-value-and-accountability/ Product Owners play a crucial role in ensuring resources are spent wisely by prioritising the most valuable work, aligning development with business goals, and maintaining stakeholder trust through clear communication. Effective prioritisation maximises value delivery, keeps teams focused, and adapts to changing needs. Development managers should support Product Owners in understanding users, collaborating closely, and staying flexible to drive successful outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-the-right-agile-coach-what-you-need-to-know/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/hiring-the-right-agile-coach-what-you-need-to-know/ Hiring the right Agile coach is crucial for successful transformation, so focus on candidates with a proven track record, relevant experience in organizations similar to yours, and strong references. Look for coaches who demonstrate empathy, adaptability, and clear communication, and ensure they fit your culture and can tailor their approach to your needs. Involve key stakeholders in the selection process to maximize the chances of finding a coach who will drive lasting agility and continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/signs-you're-failing-as-a-product-owner-how-to-take-control-and-deliver-real-value/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/signs-you're-failing-as-a-product-owner-how-to-take-control-and-deliver-real-value/ A failing product owner is marked by poor product quality, inconsistent delivery, lack of vision, and not taking true ownership of the product. To deliver real value, product owners must make decisions, communicate a clear vision, and focus on actual outcomes rather than vanity metrics. Development managers should ensure their product owners are empowered to lead, make tough calls, and stay aligned with user and business needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-i-love-heirarchies-of-competence/ Wed, 03 May 2023 09:30:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-i-love-heirarchies-of-competence/ Competence-based hierarchies improve decision-making by prioritising expertise over authority, encouraging teams to defer to those with proven knowledge. This approach leads to more effective solutions and a more engaged team. Development managers should consider shifting their leadership style to focus on recognising and leveraging competence within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-much-of-an-impact-can-a-strong-skilled-product-owner-have/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:30:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-much-of-an-impact-can-a-strong-skilled-product-owner-have/ A strong, skilled product owner is critical for turning engineering output into valuable solutions that solve real customer problems and drive business impact. Great product owners look ahead, anticipate market and customer needs, and enable teams to deliver the right features at the right time, avoiding the trap of just building more features. To maximize effectiveness, empower your product owner to focus on strategic value and proactive discovery, not just backlog management. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-improving-a-workflow/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/3-core-practices-of-kanban-improving-a-workflow/ Continuous improvement is a key Kanban practice that focuses on identifying and removing workflow blockages and reducing waiting times to maximize value delivery. Making inefficiencies and their costs visible, as shown in a real-life example, can prompt immediate behavioral changes and significant efficiency gains. Development managers should regularly review processes, use visual aids to highlight delays, and engage stakeholders to drive ongoing workflow improvements. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-immersive-learning-keeps-scrum-students-excited-and-engaged/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-immersive-learning-keeps-scrum-students-excited-and-engaged/ Immersive learning keeps Scrum students engaged by making each session a hands-on journey of discovery, allowing them to apply new concepts in real time and reflect on their experiences. Spreading content over multiple sessions helps teams assimilate knowledge, experiment safely, and continuously improve through feedback. Development managers should break training into manageable pieces, encourage experimentation, and foster regular feedback to maintain excitement and drive ongoing growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-pride/ Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-pride/ Excessive pride in Agile can lead teams to make decisions based on assumptions or ego rather than real customer value and data. To avoid wasted effort and missed opportunities, managers should ensure decisions are data-driven, learn from failures, and focus on meaningful metrics. Foster a culture of humility and continuous learning to keep teams aligned with business goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/5-tools-that-scrum-masters-love-part-1/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/5-tools-that-scrum-masters-love-part-1/ Liberating structures are a set of frameworks that help Scrum Masters run more engaging and effective meetings by matching specific techniques to clear objectives. Using these tools can boost team participation, break down communication barriers, and drive better outcomes. Consider adopting liberating structures to turn routine meetings into productive sessions that support team growth and innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-thing-you-wish-you-knew-at-the-start-of-your-scrum-journey/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-thing-you-wish-you-knew-at-the-start-of-your-scrum-journey/ Integrating Lean principles with Scrum from the start can significantly boost team success by combining effective collaboration with data-driven insights. Many only discover the benefits of Lean years into their Scrum journey, but adopting both early leads to better outcomes and deeper understanding. Development managers should consider exploring and applying Lean alongside Scrum now rather than waiting, to maximize team performance and innovation. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-johanna-a-great-teacher-for-the-professional-agile-leadership-essentials-course/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:03:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-johanna-a-great-teacher-for-the-professional-agile-leadership-essentials-course/ Johanna is an engaging and passionate instructor for the Professional Agile Leadership course, bringing extensive real-world experience with organizational leaders. Her sessions are dynamic due to both her enthusiasm and the active participation of decision-makers in the class, leading to valuable discussions and practical insights. Consider enrolling in the course or reaching out for a conversation to enhance your agile leadership skills and drive transformation in your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/temperance-in-agile-why-less-is-more/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/temperance-in-agile-why-less-is-more/ Focusing on just enough work and keeping your backlog, planning, and team size lean helps your team deliver more value and avoid waste or burnout. Prioritize only high-impact tasks, limit work in progress, and avoid over-refining or over-planning. Say no to non-essential work, balance short-term wins with long-term goals, and seek coaching if you struggle to maintain this balance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-asynchronous-communication-transform-your-collaboration-and-boost-productivity/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-asynchronous-communication-transform-your-collaboration-and-boost-productivity/ Asynchronous communication increases flexibility, reduces pressure, and improves collaboration by allowing team members to contribute on their own schedules and providing clear documentation. Shifting away from constant meetings can boost productivity and lead to more thoughtful input. Development managers should set clear expectations, use the right tools, and balance async work with occasional check-ins to get the most benefit. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/5-critical-skills-to-master-as-an-agile-consultant-part-1/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/5-critical-skills-to-master-as-an-agile-consultant-part-1/ To be effective as an Agile consultant, it is crucial to recognize that fully understanding a client’s context is rarely possible, so rely on experience, embrace trial and error, and continuously adapt your approach. Success comes from learning from setbacks, identifying universally effective strategies, and maintaining a commitment to ongoing learning. Development managers should foster a culture of experimentation and adaptability within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-growth-the-transformative-power-of-poly-immersive-learning-experiences/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:20:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-growth-the-transformative-power-of-poly-immersive-learning-experiences/ Poly immersive learning experiences help teams adapt to complexity by encouraging learning from real-world feedback, fostering collaboration, and providing time for reflection. They reinforce knowledge through structured assignments and practical experiments, which build habits of continuous improvement. Development managers should integrate these approaches to drive ongoing learning and accountability within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-did-you-choose-the-scrum-org-track-rather-than-the-scrum-alliance-track/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-did-you-choose-the-scrum-org-track-rather-than-the-scrum-alliance-track/ The author chose Scrum.Org over Scrum Alliance due to its strong professionalism, integrity, and community focus, as well as its fair certification policies that avoid recurring fees and restrictive progression paths. Scrum.Org encourages continuous improvement and knowledge sharing among trainers, which benefits both individuals and organizations. Development managers should consider Scrum.Org for its flexible, value-driven approach to Scrum training and certification. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-difference-between-resource-efficiency-and-flow-efficiency/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-difference-between-resource-efficiency-and-flow-efficiency/ Resource efficiency focuses on maximizing how much each team member produces, while flow efficiency looks at how smoothly work moves through the entire process. Overemphasizing resource efficiency can lead to burnout and bottlenecks, but balancing both approaches helps create a healthier, more productive workflow. Review your current processes to ensure you are not just keeping people busy but also delivering value efficiently across the system. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/30th-march-2020-office-hours-ask-me-anything/ Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:32:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/30th-march-2020-office-hours-ask-me-anything/ Martin, an expert in Scrum and Azure DevOps, is hosting an open Q&A session where you can ask about DevOps, agility, or related topics. You can submit questions publicly or privately. This is a chance to get direct advice on your team’s challenges from a recognized industry professional. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-open-guide-to-kanban-unlocking-collaborative-flow-and-real-world-value-for-every-team/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:22:41 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-open-guide-to-kanban-unlocking-collaborative-flow-and-real-world-value-for-every-team/ The Open Guide to Kanban is a collaborative, community-driven resource that makes Kanban accessible and practical for all teams, focusing on real-world value rather than rigid rules or jargon. It encourages managers and teams to start small, visualize work, and continuously improve by contributing to and adapting the guide. Managers should engage directly with their teams, use the guide to enhance visibility and flow, and participate in the community to solve real problems together. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-a-pspo-a-course-in-60-seconds/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/reasons-to-do-a-pspo-a-course-in-60-seconds/ The PSPO-A course helps product managers and product owners master Agile and Scrum principles, improving their ability to manage products efficiently and respond to change. It offers practical insights to boost collaboration, innovation, and effectiveness in product management. Consider enrolling to enhance your skills and drive better results for your team and business. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/no-go-zone-for-agile-consultants/ Wed, 10 May 2023 09:30:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/no-go-zone-for-agile-consultants/ Agile consultants should go beyond coaching by actively teaching, guiding, and sometimes directing clients to try new approaches rather than just supporting existing methods. The real value lies in driving meaningful change and growth for organizations, not just prolonging engagements. Development managers should expect Agile consultants to challenge the status quo and encourage experimentation to achieve better results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-becoming-a-scrum-master-a-great-career-option/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-becoming-a-scrum-master-a-great-career-option/ Becoming a Scrum Master is a strong first step for team members aiming for leadership roles, as it allows you to demonstrate leadership by improving team effectiveness and taking on new responsibilities. The role is widely recognized and respected as a starting point on the leadership ladder, regardless of your current specialty. Consider pursuing Scrum Master training to build these skills and advance your career in software development leadership. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-product-value-why-real-user-feedback-is-your-best-asset/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:52:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-product-value-why-real-user-feedback-is-your-best-asset/ Product value is only proven when real users interact with your product, so early and ongoing user feedback is essential to validate assumptions and guide development. Engaging users early, testing with prototypes or MVPs, and iterating based on feedback help ensure your product meets real needs and delivers genuine value. Prioritise getting your product in front of users quickly to maximise impact and avoid wasted effort. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-ghosts-of-agile-past-why-burndown-charts-might-be-holding-you-back/ Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:00:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-ghosts-of-agile-past-why-burndown-charts-might-be-holding-you-back/ Burndown charts often hinder Agile teams by promoting rigid, upfront planning and fixed scopes, which do not reflect how real Agile work unfolds. Teams are more effective when they focus on delivering a steady flow of value, adapt plans as they learn, and make decisions based on actual progress rather than predictions. Consider moving away from burndown charts and instead prioritize flexibility, just-in-time planning, and empirical management to improve your team’s outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-owner-why-are-they-essential/ Tue, 23 May 2023 14:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-owner-why-are-they-essential/ A product owner is essential because they are accountable for maximizing the value delivered by the Scrum team, not just managing the backlog. They ensure alignment between stakeholders, customers, and developers by setting a clear vision and strategy based on market and user insights. To succeed, make sure your product owner is empowered to lead, deeply understands your market, and keeps everyone focused on shared goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-thing-a-client-can-do-to-ensure-a-successful-agile-consulting-engagement/ Fri, 05 May 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-thing-a-client-can-do-to-ensure-a-successful-agile-consulting-engagement/ The most important thing a client can do for a successful Agile consulting engagement is to be open to being challenged and provoked to rethink their current ways of working. Allowing consultants to question established practices helps uncover hidden issues and drives meaningful change. Development managers should encourage honest dialogue and introspection to enable real improvement and agility. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-overcome-agile-banditry-a-product-owner-s-journey/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-to-overcome-agile-banditry-a-product-owner-s-journey/ Product Owners who micromanage and focus on rigid task planning undermine team engagement and product success. Shifting to a focus on vision, value, and outcomes while empowering teams leads to higher motivation, better collaboration, and improved results. Development managers should encourage Product Owners to let go of detailed control, trust their teams, and prioritize clear goals and customer value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engaging-your-team-the-secret-to-successful-organisational-change/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:00:23 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/engaging-your-team-the-secret-to-successful-organisational-change/ Successful organisational change depends on actively engaging your team by aligning their goals with the change, involving them in the process, and maintaining open communication. Empowering team members through participation and celebrating progress builds trust and motivation. To drive effective transformation, focus on shared purpose, regular updates, and continuous feedback so your team feels invested and valued. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-the-assessment-phase-of-a-consulting-engagement-look-and-feel-like/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:00:25 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-does-the-assessment-phase-of-a-consulting-engagement-look-and-feel-like/ The assessment phase in consulting should be minimal and flexible, with consultants continuously learning and adapting as they engage with teams rather than relying on a rigid upfront evaluation. Starting to help right away and adjusting based on real-time insights leads to better understanding and outcomes. Development managers should focus on early collaboration and ongoing adaptation instead of lengthy initial assessments. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-competence-in-organizations-building-a-culture-of-learning-and-growth/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-competence-in-organizations-building-a-culture-of-learning-and-growth/ Competence is crucial for building successful products and teams, so organizations should invest in continuous learning, experimentation, and employee well-being to foster engagement and growth. Happy, skilled employees are more productive, innovative, and likely to stay, while neglecting competence leads to mediocrity and high turnover. Development managers should prioritize hiring for skills, support ongoing training, and recognize achievements to create a thriving, high-performing team. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-difference-traditional-management-vs-evidence-based-management/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-difference-traditional-management-vs-evidence-based-management/ Traditional management relies on experience and authority, often leading to decisions based on intuition or hierarchy rather than data. Evidence-based management uses data collection, team analysis, and outcome validation to drive better decisions and avoid misleading metrics like story points or velocity. Development managers should shift focus from vanity metrics to meaningful data that aligns with organizational goals and encourages continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-assumptions-how-to-elevate-your-product-development-beyond-the-feature-factory/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:14:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unpacking-assumptions-how-to-elevate-your-product-development-beyond-the-feature-factory/ Many teams focus on delivering features quickly but often overlook the assumptions behind what users truly need, leading to wasted effort and misaligned products. The PPD V course helps product teams identify and challenge these assumptions through structured discovery, experimentation, and validation, fostering better collaboration and evidence-based decisions. Consider investing in approaches that prioritise learning and user value over simply shipping features. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-continuous-learning-for-product-owners/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-continuous-learning-for-product-owners/ Continuous learning is the most important factor for product owners to succeed, helping them make better decisions and stay ahead in a changing industry. Focus on mastering practical tools like evidence-based management, A/B testing, and OKRs, and engage with the community through reading, networking, and professional training. Prioritize learning what works best for your team rather than chasing every new trend, and invest in your ongoing development to maximize your value as a leader. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-chastity-in-agile-why-taking-your-time-is-key-to-true-transformation/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:39:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-chastity-in-agile-why-taking-your-time-is-key-to-true-transformation/ Rushing into agile practices without fully understanding their impact can lead to shallow adoption and missed opportunities. True transformation requires involving your team in decision-making, aligning organisational and individual goals, and using inclusive tools to support cultural change. Take a deliberate, thoughtful approach to implementing agile and seek expert guidance if needed to ensure lasting results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/where-is-consensus-valuable-and-where-does-it-kill-great-product-development/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/where-is-consensus-valuable-and-where-does-it-kill-great-product-development/ Consensus is essential in product development but can slow progress if overused, especially in fast-moving markets where quick decisions are needed. Building trust and involving the team in decision-making helps achieve effective consensus, but leaders must know when to seek agreement and when to act decisively. Development managers should balance collaboration with timely leadership to drive successful outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-trust-russell-to-deliver-the-pspo-course-for-nkd-agility/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-do-you-trust-russell-to-deliver-the-pspo-course-for-nkd-agility/ Russell is a highly experienced and versatile PSPO trainer whose background spans both technical and strategic aspects of product development, including work in aerospace and mentoring Product Owners. His teaching focuses on maximizing product value through practical, real-world insights and engaging, comprehensive learning experiences. Development managers looking to elevate their teams’ product ownership skills should consider his course for actionable strategies and proven results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harvesting-agility-what-mushroom-foraging-taught-me-about-scrum-and-team-dynamics/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:30:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/harvesting-agility-what-mushroom-foraging-taught-me-about-scrum-and-team-dynamics/ Applying Agile and Scrum effectively requires understanding your team’s environment, being willing to step outside your comfort zone, and having patience for gradual improvement. Success comes from researching your context, iterating carefully, and focusing on continuous learning rather than just quick wins. Development managers should invest time in understanding team dynamics and encourage steady, mindful progress for lasting results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-does-project-management-not-work-in-complex-environments/ Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-does-project-management-not-work-in-complex-environments/ Traditional project management is not effective in complex environments because it relies on predictability and low variance, while complex projects involve many unknowns and frequent surprises. In these situations, traditional methods struggle to adapt and deliver results. Development managers should consider adopting Agile or Scrum approaches that are better suited to handling uncertainty and change. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-applying-professional-kanban-course/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/overview-of-applying-professional-kanban-course/ The Applying Professional Kanban course teaches how to integrate Kanban into any workflow to improve efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement using data and visualizations. Key outcomes include better workflow management, data-driven decision-making, and increased value delivery to stakeholders. Development managers should consider this course to optimize their team’s processes and deliver more value quickly. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-agile/ Sat, 03 Feb 2024 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-agile/ Immersive learning helps teams internalize Agile principles by engaging them in hands-on, real-world scenarios, leading to genuine mindset shifts rather than just following rituals. This approach enables teams to connect Agile concepts to their daily challenges, adapt their behaviors based on experience, and achieve more effective Agile transformations. To maximize impact, create safe spaces for experimentation, use relevant scenarios, and allow time for reflection. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-kanban-transform-your-workflow-with-data-driven-insights/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-kanban-transform-your-workflow-with-data-driven-insights/ Kanban can be applied to any workflow to provide visibility into how work moves through your system, enabling teams to optimise delivery speed and manage capacity effectively. By using data analysis and probabilistic forecasting, such as Monte Carlo simulations, you can set realistic expectations with stakeholders and make more informed decisions. Consider adopting Kanban to improve transparency, predictability, and continuous improvement in your development processes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/8-week-immersive-learning-course-in-60-seconds/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/8-week-immersive-learning-course-in-60-seconds/ Scrum.org’s 8-week immersive learning courses combine theory with hands-on practice, blending classroom and offline work to help participants apply new skills directly in their organizations. Learners benefit from practical assignments, collaborative feedback, and a structure designed to drive real change. Consider enrolling to quickly gain actionable strategies and improve your team’s Agile performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-product-owner-an-agile-project-manager/ Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-a-product-owner-an-agile-project-manager/ A Product Owner is not an Agile Project Manager; the Product Owner focuses on delivering product value, while an Agile Project Manager is concerned with project success. These roles have different objectives and responsibilities, and their priorities may not always align. Development managers should ensure clear role definitions to avoid confusion and maximize both product and project outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-best-advice-for-becoming-a-scrum-master-outside-software-engineering/ Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-your-best-advice-for-becoming-a-scrum-master-outside-software-engineering/ Certifications can help you get noticed as a Scrum Master outside software engineering, but real value comes from applying Scrum principles and building practical skills. Focus on validated learning through assessments, training, and hands-on experience to bridge the gap between knowledge and expertise. Invest time in mastering the material and demonstrating your understanding in real situations to advance your career. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-budgeting-how-to-break-free-from-traditional-constraints-and-maximise-value/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-budgeting-how-to-break-free-from-traditional-constraints-and-maximise-value/ Traditional annual budgeting creates rigidity, discourages innovation, and often leads to missed opportunities and wasted resources. Adopting a more flexible, value-driven approach like Beyond Budgeting allows teams to allocate funds dynamically, respond quickly to changing needs, and focus on delivering real value. Development managers should consider shifting to iterative funding models to maximise impact and avoid costly missed opportunities. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-kanban-a-simple-guide-to-its-core-principles/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:24 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-kanban-a-simple-guide-to-its-core-principles/ Kanban helps teams boost productivity by visualizing their workflow, actively managing tasks, and continuously improving processes. Key benefits include increased transparency, better communication, and faster delivery through proactive management and small, ongoing improvements. Start by mapping your workflow, then focus on daily task management and regular process reviews to drive efficiency. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-real-scope-of-a-product-owner-beyond-the-backlog/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:46:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-real-scope-of-a-product-owner-beyond-the-backlog/ The Product Owner role goes far beyond managing the backlog, requiring strategic decision-making, budget accountability, and proactive leadership to maximize product value and stay ahead of the market. Success depends on strong relationships, deep market understanding, and continuous learning, not just training. Development managers should ensure Product Owners have the authority, information, and support needed to drive product direction and deliver real business impact. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-power-of-kanban-in-scrum/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-the-power-of-kanban-in-scrum/ Kanban is not a replacement for Scrum but a complementary strategy that increases transparency, helps teams visualize workflow, and manage work in progress, leading to better focus and faster feedback. Integrating Kanban with Scrum enables teams to identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and consistently meet sprint goals. Development managers should consider adding Kanban boards and WIP limits to their Scrum process to enhance team performance and value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-kanban-a-tool-for-transparency-and-continuous-improvement/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:48:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-kanban-a-tool-for-transparency-and-continuous-improvement/ Kanban is a tool that helps teams visualize their workflow, track key metrics, and identify bottlenecks, leading to greater transparency and continuous improvement without changing existing processes. By starting with a simple board, setting work-in-progress limits, and regularly reviewing metrics, teams can quickly spot issues and make data-driven improvements. Development managers should consider implementing Kanban to gain clearer insights into team performance and drive ongoing process enhancements. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-business-value-the-power-of-evidence-based-management-for-effective-leadership/ Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-business-value-the-power-of-evidence-based-management-for-effective-leadership/ Evidence-based management helps leaders make better decisions by focusing on meaningful metrics that drive real business value, such as current and unrealised value, time to market, and ability to innovate. Regularly reviewing and tailoring these metrics to your organisation enables data-driven strategies and a clear competitive advantage. Consider adopting this approach to move beyond gut feelings and ensure your team delivers measurable results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/advanced-psm-ii-immersive-learning-classes/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:04:29 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/advanced-psm-ii-immersive-learning-classes/ If you want your Scrum Masters to deliver better results, consider a private Advanced Professional Scrum Master immersive learning class. This training can help improve team performance and outcomes. Visit the provided link to learn more and take action. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-validate-your-advanced-product-ownership-skills-with-a-pspo-a/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-validate-your-advanced-product-ownership-skills-with-a-pspo-a/ Validating your skills with a PSPO-A demonstrates advanced product ownership abilities that go beyond the basics, positioning you as a visionary leader who can bridge departments and drive product success. Advanced Product Owners act like mini-CEOs, integrating business, strategy, and Agile leadership to deliver greater value. Consider pursuing the PSPO-A to elevate your impact and lead innovation within your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximise-your-virtual-classroom-experience-essential-tech-tips-for-scrum-training/ Sat, 02 May 2020 16:34:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/maximise-your-virtual-classroom-experience-essential-tech-tips-for-scrum-training/ Using Microsoft Teams for video conferencing and Mural for digital whiteboarding can significantly improve engagement and collaboration in virtual Scrum training. Ensuring participants are comfortable with these tools through a tech check before class helps reduce confusion and maximises learning time. Development managers should encourage their teams to familiarise themselves with these platforms ahead of training to ensure a smoother and more productive experience. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unknown-how-to-fund-your-product-like-a-venture-capitalist/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-unknown-how-to-fund-your-product-like-a-venture-capitalist/ Treat product funding like a venture capitalist by running small, low-risk experiments to validate ideas before committing significant resources. Require clear business plans, proof of concept, and ongoing iteration based on real user feedback to manage risk and maximize learning. Balance data-driven decisions with vision and passion, and be prepared to discard failed experiments while investing further in those that show promise. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-kanban-the-essential-guide-to-defining-and-visualising-your-workflow-for-maximum-efficiency/ Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:00:31 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-kanban-the-essential-guide-to-defining-and-visualising-your-workflow-for-maximum-efficiency/ Defining and visualising your workflow in Kanban creates shared understanding, clarity, and alignment among team members, which leads to greater efficiency. Establishing clear rules for task selection, workflow stages, and work in progress is essential for a stable and productive system. Take time to document and visualise your process so everyone knows how work flows and can contribute effectively. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-charity-in-agile-how-helping-others-elevates-teams-and-organizations/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-charity-in-agile-how-helping-others-elevates-teams-and-organizations/ Charity, or helping others without expecting anything in return, is a key driver of Agile team and organizational success because it builds trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Encouraging this behavior leads to higher motivation, better product quality, and long-term growth. Development managers should actively foster a culture of giving and collective achievement to unlock these benefits. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-envy/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:17:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-envy/ Avoid copying Agile models like Spotify without considering your team’s unique context, as imitation and trend-driven decisions often lead to poor results. Instead, focus on adapting practices to fit your specific needs, encourage creativity and autonomy, and foster a positive, customer-focused culture. Assess new tools and methods carefully before adopting them to ensure they truly benefit your organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-thing-that-sinks-a-consulting-engagement-before-it-starts-gaining-traction/ Sat, 19 Aug 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/1-thing-that-sinks-a-consulting-engagement-before-it-starts-gaining-traction/ Overly detailed contracts that specify exact deliverables, timelines, and costs can undermine consulting engagements because they do not account for the unpredictable nature of software development. Focusing on outcomes and the value delivered, rather than rigid outputs, leads to better results. Development managers should prioritize flexibility in contracts to adapt to changing requirements and ensure project success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-someone-become-an-agile-consultant/ Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-someone-become-an-agile-consultant/ Becoming an Agile consultant requires deep expertise in your own field first, then integrating Agile practices and building a reputation as an Agile expert within that context. Success comes from mastering your domain, learning to abstract Agile principles for broader application, and gradually expanding into new industries as your experience grows. Start by applying Agile in your area, gain recognition, and only then consider consulting in other sectors. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-limiting-work-in-progress-is-key-to-success-in-kanban/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-limiting-work-in-progress-is-key-to-success-in-kanban/ Limiting work in progress is essential for effective Kanban because it helps teams focus, exposes bottlenecks, and supports a sustainable pace, leading to higher quality and faster delivery. Teams that set and adjust WIP limits based on capacity see improved productivity and less stress. To get the benefits, involve your team in setting WIP limits and regularly review them to keep your workflow smooth and predictable. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-kanban-such-a-popular-approach-for-people-in-creative-industries/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-kanban-such-a-popular-approach-for-people-in-creative-industries/ Kanban is popular in creative industries because it adapts to existing workflows, reduces chaos, and helps teams align on priorities without stifling creativity. It improves efficiency by visualising work, shortening cycle times, and encouraging collective decision-making. Development managers should consider mapping their team’s current process with Kanban to enhance collaboration and deliver creative work more predictably. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-common-thing-you-hear-in-a-pspo-course/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-common-thing-you-hear-in-a-pspo-course/ Many Product Owners feel they lack control over key aspects like backlog order, product goals, and strategic discussions, which limits their impact. Recognizing this gap is the first step toward greater empowerment and influence. Product Owners should proactively seek involvement in important meetings, build relationships, and demonstrate competence to earn more accountability and elevate their role. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-agile-balance-navigating-flexibility-and-inflexibility-for-project-success/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:05:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-agile-balance-navigating-flexibility-and-inflexibility-for-project-success/ Balancing flexibility and structure in agile is key to project success; while agile enables teams to adapt quickly and reallocate resources as needed, it can also create challenges with data quality and decision-making. Clear goals and regular context evaluation help teams decide when to be flexible or structured. Development managers should focus on aligning team adjustments with business objectives and ensure data integrity to support informed decisions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-cloud-migration-how-to-leverage-microsoft-s-tool-for-a-seamless-transition/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:59:33 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-cloud-migration-how-to-leverage-microsoft-s-tool-for-a-seamless-transition/ Using Microsoft’s migration tool helps identify and address potential issues with your systems and customisations before moving to the cloud, reducing post-migration problems. Review all customisations for compatibility, plan necessary rewrites, and track tasks to ensure nothing is missed. Proactively using these steps will make your cloud migration smoother and more reliable. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/seamless-migration-to-azure-devops-unlocking-enhanced-collaboration-and-productivity/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:57:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/seamless-migration-to-azure-devops-unlocking-enhanced-collaboration-and-productivity/ Migrating to Azure DevOps can boost your team’s collaboration and productivity by centralising project management and scaling with your needs. You can choose between self-service migration tools or a managed import service, both designed to ensure a smooth and accurate transition. Careful planning and assessment are essential for a successful migration, so consider expert support to avoid common pitfalls and maximise the benefits. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-caman-why-it-s-the-perfect-companion-to-scrum-for-process-optimisation/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:04:49 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-caman-why-it-s-the-perfect-companion-to-scrum-for-process-optimisation/ Caman is a strategy that complements Scrum by increasing transparency and providing deeper insights into workflows, helping teams identify bottlenecks and optimise processes. It is universally applicable across different systems and industries, not just software development. Development managers should use Caman alongside Scrum by mapping processes, involving teams in discussions, and iterating improvements to enhance value delivery. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/znaczenie-znajomo%C5%9Bci-terenu/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/znaczenie-znajomo%C5%9Bci-terenu/ Understanding your environment, much like knowing the terrain when foraging for mushrooms, is crucial for agile teams to adapt and succeed. Fostering a creative and collaborative workforce leads to better customer experiences and continuous improvement. Consider investing in agile training or coaching to help your teams perform at their best. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/do-you-think-we-are-on-the-slope-of-enlightenment-in-gartner's-hype-cycle/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/do-you-think-we-are-on-the-slope-of-enlightenment-in-gartner's-hype-cycle/ Most organizations are still struggling with Agile due to unrealistic expectations and a focus on process over people, but a growing number are starting to see real benefits by prioritizing human interactions and learning from successful pioneers. The shift toward true Agile maturity is underway, though widespread enlightenment has not yet been reached. Development managers should focus on setting realistic goals, fostering a people-first culture, and learning from those who have achieved genuine Agile success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-goal/ Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:40 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-goal/ A sprint goal is a specific, tactical objective that guides a Scrum team’s work during each sprint, connecting daily efforts to the broader product goal and vision. It provides a clear, tangible focus for the team and enables actionable stakeholder feedback at sprint reviews. Development managers should ensure every sprint has a well-defined goal to drive alignment, motivation, and meaningful progress. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/10th-april-2020-office-hours-ask-me-anything/ Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:41:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/10th-april-2020-office-hours-ask-me-anything/ Martin, an expert in Scrum and Azure DevOps, is hosting an open Q&A session where you can ask about DevOps, agility, or related topics. You can submit questions publicly or privately. This is a chance to get expert advice on your current challenges, so consider preparing your key questions in advance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-cloud-migration-overcoming-the-fear-of-incomplete-data-transfers/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:45:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-cloud-migration-overcoming-the-fear-of-incomplete-data-transfers/ Concerns about incomplete data transfers during cloud migration are often overstated; with proper planning, use of Microsoft’s migration tools, and clear communication about limitations, data loss is highly unlikely. Key steps include assessing your data, understanding cloud constraints like attachment size, and engaging Microsoft support for complex cases. To ensure a smooth migration, involve stakeholders early, plan for contingencies, and address potential issues before starting the move. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-product-backlog-management-in-today's-agile-landscape/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-product-backlog-management-in-today's-agile-landscape/ Effective product backlog management is essential for team focus, stakeholder alignment, and delivering real value, yet many organizations neglect it, leading to confusion and wasted effort. Key issues include oversized or outdated backlogs, lack of regular refinement, insufficient detail, and poor stakeholder involvement. To improve, keep the backlog lean, refine it regularly with the whole team, ensure transparency and clarity, and use data to guide priorities; making this a priority will boost team performance and stakeholder satisfaction. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-has-the-initial-response-been-to-the-immersive-learning-experiences-how-do-you-see-that-evolving/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-has-the-initial-response-been-to-the-immersive-learning-experiences-how-do-you-see-that-evolving/ Immersive learning is quickly replacing traditional two-day workshops, with businesses reporting better knowledge retention, higher engagement, and greater return on investment as employees apply new skills in real time. This approach uses ongoing sessions, real-time collaboration, and continuous feedback, allowing for tailored and incremental development. Development managers should consider adopting immersive learning formats to foster deeper skill growth and more sustainable professional development within their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-peer-feedback-in-immersive-learning/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 07:00:27 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-power-of-peer-feedback-in-immersive-learning/ Peer feedback in immersive learning accelerates skill development by enabling participants to apply Scrum techniques in real situations, share experiences, and collaboratively solve problems. Facilitated debriefs deepen understanding and build a shared knowledge base, leading to better retention and real-world results. Encourage your teams to actively engage in peer feedback during training to drive continuous improvement and more effective Scrum adoption. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-startup-success-why-every-entrepreneur-needs-to-master-product-management-value/ Tue, 16 May 2023 14:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-startup-success-why-every-entrepreneur-needs-to-master-product-management-value/ Mastering product management value is critical for startup success, as it helps ensure you deliver what customers truly need and avoid common causes of failure. Key actions include focusing on value, communicating a clear vision, using practical tools, and regularly engaging with your team and customers to adapt based on feedback. Investing in product management training like the PSPO course can strengthen your foundation and support long-term growth. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-one-thing-a-pspo-course-forces-you-to-focus-on/ Mon, 15 May 2023 14:00:13 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-one-thing-a-pspo-course-forces-you-to-focus-on/ The PSPO course centers on understanding and defining value, which goes beyond just financial outcomes and varies by organization. Product Owners are expected to lead in clarifying and championing what value means for their teams and stakeholders. Development managers should ensure their teams have a shared, well-communicated definition of value to guide decisions and priorities. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-limitation-of-reading-a-book-vs-attending-a-course/ Mon, 08 May 2023 09:30:10 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/one-limitation-of-reading-a-book-vs-attending-a-course/ Reading books provides valuable knowledge, but they cannot answer your questions or offer interactive discussions like a course can. Courses enable active engagement, idea exchange, and collaborative learning, which are essential for deeper understanding and team growth. Consider supplementing reading with interactive training to maximize learning and team performance. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-product-ownership-balancing-innovation-customer-needs-and-team-dynamics/ Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-product-ownership-balancing-innovation-customer-needs-and-team-dynamics/ Effective product ownership requires balancing innovation with customer needs and team well-being, not just chasing new features. The Advanced PSPO course highlights the importance of data-informed decisions, ongoing customer engagement, and strong team collaboration. Development managers should ensure product owners focus on both delivering value and maintaining healthy team dynamics. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-engineering-culture-ready-to-scale-with-your-technology/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 07:33:26 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/is-your-engineering-culture-ready-to-scale-with-your-technology/ Scaling technology is easy compared to scaling engineering culture, which is often overlooked but critical for sustainable growth. If your culture does not evolve, issues like poor collaboration, superficial DevOps practices, and lack of continuous learning can undermine progress, and more tools alone will not fix this. Development managers should focus on fostering genuine collaboration, integrating DevOps as a mindset, and making continuous learning part of daily work to ensure culture keeps pace with technology. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-strategic-imperative-empowering-teams-with-vision-goals-and-direction/ Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-strategic-imperative-empowering-teams-with-vision-goals-and-direction/ Many teams lack clarity on their organization’s vision, goals, and value, leading to inefficiency and misaligned efforts. To address this, leaders should clearly communicate strategic direction, empower teams with autonomy through intent-based leadership, and move beyond rigid procedures to foster engagement and continuous improvement. Ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to broader objectives so teams can make informed decisions and drive meaningful results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-s-core-questioning-to-create-value/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-agile-s-core-questioning-to-create-value/ Agile success depends on fostering a culture where everyone questions existing processes, seeks continuous improvement, and adapts quickly to change. Scrum helps teams identify inefficiencies and encourages regular reflection, while leadership must empower all employees to challenge the status quo and act on feedback. To stay ahead of competitors, create open forums for discussion, reward initiative, and ensure that improvement is a shared, ongoing effort across the organization. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/2-day-pspo-versus-8-week-pspo/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/2-day-pspo-versus-8-week-pspo/ Both the 2-day and 8-week Product Owner courses provide the same core knowledge, practical insights, and a recognized credential, but differ in pace and depth. The 2-day option offers fast, focused learning, while the 8-week course allows for deeper integration with real work and ongoing feedback. Choose the format that best fits your team’s learning style and how you want to apply new skills on the job. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-business-agility-join-our-dynamic-monthly-discussions-for-real-world-insights/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 18:45:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-business-agility-join-our-dynamic-monthly-discussions-for-real-world-insights/ Business Agility Raw is a monthly, participant-driven discussion forum where software development leaders can share real-world challenges and solutions related to business agility. The sessions use a collaborative format to ensure relevant, actionable insights and diverse perspectives, supporting continuous learning. Consider joining on the fourth Wednesday each month to connect with peers and gain practical ideas you can apply immediately. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-backlog/ Mon, 29 May 2023 12:01:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-sprint-backlog/ The Sprint Backlog is a combination of the Sprint Goal, selected tasks, and a clear plan for achieving them, providing transparency on current work and progress. It should balance goal-driven work with essential tasks like bug fixes, remain flexible to adapt to new needs during the Sprint, and set teams up for achievable success. Development managers should ensure Sprint Goals are realistic and use the Sprint Backlog to maintain focus while staying adaptable. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-assumptions-unlocking-success-in-product-development-through-hypothesis-driven-strategies/ Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:06:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-assumptions-unlocking-success-in-product-development-through-hypothesis-driven-strategies/ Success in product development depends on identifying, prioritising, and validating assumptions through structured hypotheses and targeted experiments. Focusing on the most critical assumptions, using data-driven testing, and avoiding attachment to unproven ideas leads to better decision-making and outcomes. Development managers should foster a culture of learning and adaptability by encouraging teams to challenge assumptions and iterate based on evidence. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-user-insights-the-key-to-meaningful-software-development/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:39:57 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-user-insights-the-key-to-meaningful-software-development/ To deliver real value, development managers need to go beyond what users say and use data to understand their true needs, avoid copying competitors without clear alignment to user goals, and foster strong collaboration with stakeholders. Focus on evidence-based decisions and ongoing engagement to ensure your team builds solutions that genuinely matter. Make it a priority to regularly question assumptions and validate user needs with data and stakeholder input. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-your-kanban-board-a-practical-guide-to-visualising-workflows-for-maximum-efficiency/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-your-kanban-board-a-practical-guide-to-visualising-workflows-for-maximum-efficiency/ A clear and accurate Kanban board is essential for understanding and improving your team’s workflow. Map your actual process, adjust columns to reflect real work stages, and use visual cues to highlight priorities and bottlenecks. Regularly review and adapt your board to boost team collaboration, identify issues early, and drive continuous improvement. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-agile-overcoming-cognitive-bias/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 07:00:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-the-power-of-immersive-learning-in-agile-overcoming-cognitive-bias/ Immersive learning is essential for Agile teams because it exposes knowledge gaps and helps overcome overconfidence, leading to real skill growth. By focusing on hands-on practice, continuous feedback, and regular reflection, teams can drive ongoing improvement and avoid common pitfalls. Development managers should encourage immersive, practical learning environments to ensure their teams keep evolving and truly master Agile principles. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/30-discount-for-existing-alumni-overview/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 11:00:46 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/30-discount-for-existing-alumni-overview/ Existing alumni are being offered a 30 percent discount on future courses to recognize their dedication and support their continued growth in Agile and DevOps. This offer aims to help committed professionals deepen their expertise, transition to consultant roles, and stay competitive. Take advantage of this opportunity to further develop your skills and advance your career. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/a-view-into-the-psm-training-from-scrum-org/ Sat, 24 Jul 2021 07:58:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/a-view-into-the-psm-training-from-scrum-org/ The Scrum.org PSM training provides a practical overview of Scrum principles and how to apply them effectively in real projects. Key insights include the importance of understanding Scrum roles, events, and artifacts, and how to foster team collaboration for better outcomes. Development managers should consider this training to help their teams adopt Scrum practices more successfully. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-insights-from-the-new-scrum-org-course/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-backlog-management-insights-from-the-new-scrum-org-course/ Scrum.org’s new Product Backlog Management course offers focused, practical training in backlog management, helping teams capture, prioritize, and break down work for better clarity and alignment. The compact 8-hour format teaches actionable techniques to minimize distractions, improve transparency, and ensure teams deliver high-value work that supports business goals. Development managers should consider this course to streamline their backlog processes and boost team efficiency. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-the-immersive-learning-experience-change-the-game-for-people-with-a-couple-of-years-experience-in-the-field/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-will-the-immersive-learning-experience-change-the-game-for-people-with-a-couple-of-years-experience-in-the-field/ Immersive learning helps experienced Agile practitioners deepen their expertise by connecting real-world challenges with advanced theory and practical assignments, leading to more meaningful breakthroughs. It leverages their existing knowledge, encourages nuanced questions, and tailors learning to specific needs. Development managers should consider immersive learning to accelerate team growth and address complex, real-world problems more effectively. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-the-professional-scrum-product-owner-course-transforms-your-agile-journey/ Tue, 23 Aug 2022 17:22:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-the-professional-scrum-product-owner-course-transforms-your-agile-journey/ The Professional Scrum Product Owner course provides practical, hands-on training that helps product owners maximise product value, make effective decisions, and adopt modern agile practices. Participants benefit from interactive sessions, ongoing support, and access to a peer community, ensuring skills are applied and developed beyond the classroom. Development managers should consider this course to strengthen product leadership and drive better outcomes in their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-product-discovery-why-it-matters-more-than-ever/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:44:38 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/understanding-product-discovery-why-it-matters-more-than-ever/ Product Discovery is a proactive process that helps teams identify what to build and why, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs. It goes beyond backlog refinement by uncovering new opportunities, involving diverse perspectives, and driving strategic direction at both portfolio and team levels. To maximize product value and ROI, development managers should invest in deliberate discovery practices, involve their teams early, and continuously gather feedback to guide decisions. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/there-s-no-such-thing-as-an-agile-transformation-why-you-should-focus-on-the-system-not-the-culture/ Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/there-s-no-such-thing-as-an-agile-transformation-why-you-should-focus-on-the-system-not-the-culture/ Focusing on changing organizational culture directly does not work because culture is an outcome of the underlying system, such as rules, processes, and decision-making structures. To achieve real and lasting change, development managers should make small, targeted adjustments to these systems, monitor the impact on team behavior, and iterate as needed. Leaders must support and model these changes, as system tweaks drive the cultural shifts that Agile aims for. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-users-transforming-products-from-burdens-to-essential-tools/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:00:47 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-users-transforming-products-from-burdens-to-essential-tools/ Products succeed when users see them as empowering tools rather than burdens, which requires empathy, clear communication of value, and proactive support. Open feedback channels and acting on user input help build trust and drive continuous improvement. Development managers should prioritize user relationships and feedback loops to ensure products are seen as essential and beneficial. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-lean-product-development-transforms-decision-making-and-value-creation/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:29:48 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-how-lean-product-development-transforms-decision-making-and-value-creation/ Lean product development is gaining traction because it helps teams make better decisions, reduce risk, and create more value with fewer resources. Adopting this mindset enables organisations to focus on building products that truly meet customer needs and avoid wasted effort. Development managers should consider exploring lean practices to improve product outcomes and maximise return on investment. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-valuable-thing-you-have-learned-through-training-people/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-the-most-valuable-thing-you-have-learned-through-training-people/ The most valuable lesson from training people worldwide is that teams everywhere face the same core challenges when adopting agile and Scrum, regardless of culture or location. Shared experiences in training help participants realize their problems are not unique, which builds confidence and accelerates learning. Development managers should leverage global perspectives and proven Scrum practices to address common issues and drive improvement in their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/introduction-to-agility-s-ghosts-shedding-dogma-and-embracing-pragmatism/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:40:54 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/introduction-to-agility-s-ghosts-shedding-dogma-and-embracing-pragmatism/ Rigid adherence to Agile rules can harm teams and stifle progress; true agility means adapting processes to fit the team’s needs and focusing on delivering value. Flexibility and pragmatism are essential for creating inclusive, effective environments, while dogmatic approaches undermine collaboration and innovation. Development managers should prioritize outcomes and continuous improvement over strict rule-following to support team success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-training-versus-agile-consulting/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:08 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-training-versus-agile-consulting/ Agile training builds a shared understanding and foundational skills across teams, while Agile consulting focuses on solving specific problems with tailored solutions in a short timeframe. Both approaches are effective but serve different needs. Consider using training for broad knowledge and consulting for targeted improvements. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-software-estimation-embrace-probabilistic-forecasting-for-agile-success/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/rethinking-software-estimation-embrace-probabilistic-forecasting-for-agile-success/ Traditional software estimation is often inaccurate and burdens teams, so shifting to probabilistic forecasting based on historical data provides more realistic delivery predictions and reduces pressure. Breaking work into smaller pieces and aiming for high confidence levels, such as 85 percent, helps teams adapt to uncertainty and improve outcomes. Development managers should move away from precise estimates and instead use probability-based forecasts to guide planning and decision-making. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-data-migration-how-to-minimise-downtime-and-keep-your-engineers-productive/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:34 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-data-migration-how-to-minimise-downtime-and-keep-your-engineers-productive/ Data migration can be managed with minimal disruption if you plan thoroughly, use tools like Git to keep engineers productive during downtime, and schedule migrations strategically, such as over weekends. Dry runs and clear communication are essential to ensure everyone knows their tasks and to identify issues early. Invest time in preparation and involve experts when needed to keep your team working smoothly throughout the process. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-join-me-for-a-virtual-coffee-to-tackle-your-agile-and-technical-challenges/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:01:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-success-join-me-for-a-virtual-coffee-to-tackle-your-agile-and-technical-challenges/ If you are facing agile or technical challenges, I am offering free virtual coffee chats to help you find practical solutions tailored to your organisation. This approach focuses on empowering teams, sharing knowledge, and creating positive impacts beyond your company. Book a session to discuss your issues and walk away with actionable ideas that support both your team’s and the wider community’s success. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-create-a-sprint-goal/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:15 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-does-a-scrum-team-create-a-sprint-goal/ A Scrum team creates a sprint goal by combining the product’s strategic direction, the product owner’s tactical priorities, and current engineering challenges to identify the most valuable next step. The team then selects backlog items that best align with this goal to deliver clear value to stakeholders. Encourage your teams to invest time in understanding context before setting sprint goals for better alignment and outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-critical-is-a-product-owner-in-developing-a-great-product-backlog/ Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-critical-is-a-product-owner-in-developing-a-great-product-backlog/ A strong product owner is essential for creating and maintaining a focused, valuable product backlog that aligns with strategy and avoids becoming an unmanageable list of requests. The product owner is fully responsible for prioritizing and communicating the backlog, using discernment to filter out items that do not support the product vision. Development managers should ensure their product owners are empowered and proactive to keep teams focused on delivering real value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-effective-product-development-how-a-hypothesis-driven-approach-transforms-user-experience/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlocking-effective-product-development-how-a-hypothesis-driven-approach-transforms-user-experience/ A hypothesis-driven approach to product development helps teams make better decisions by focusing on user needs, testing ideas with small experiments, and measuring outcomes before committing to full features. Collaboration between design and engineering is essential to align daily decisions with long-term goals, and integrating these practices into continuous delivery ensures ongoing improvement. Development managers should encourage experimentation, cross-team collaboration, and data-driven feedback loops to build products that truly meet user needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-immersive-training-courses/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:00:19 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-are-immersive-training-courses/ Immersive training courses move beyond traditional or flipped classroom formats by having participants apply new concepts directly in their own work environments, then return to share and learn from real experiences. This approach, often spread over several weeks, leads to deeper engagement and more practical learning outcomes. Consider adopting immersive training to drive real change and knowledge retention within your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-did-you-come-to-be-a-preferred-scrum-training-supplier-for-microsoft/ Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-did-you-come-to-be-a-preferred-scrum-training-supplier-for-microsoft/ Becoming a preferred Scrum training supplier for Microsoft was achieved through long-term relationship building, deep expertise in both DevOps and Scrum, and consistently delivering value that led to strong referrals and repeat clients. Engaging directly with Microsoft’s teams and culture further strengthened credibility and visibility. Development managers should focus on building trust, developing dual-domain expertise, and maintaining ongoing client relationships to achieve similar recognition. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-development-from-assumptions-to-hypotheses/ Sat, 10 Aug 2024 07:00:32 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-product-development-from-assumptions-to-hypotheses/ This course teaches development managers how to identify, prioritize, and validate assumptions in product development by turning them into testable hypotheses, focusing on data-driven decision-making rather than gut feelings. Key insights include learning to distinguish critical assumptions from trivial ones, balancing the cost and confidence of experiments, and using experiment results to guide strategy. The main takeaway is to adopt a mindset that values learning and evidence, leading to more effective and efficient product development. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-vision/ Mon, 29 May 2023 14:00:36 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-vision/ A product vision gives your team clear direction by defining the long-term goal and desired outcome for your product, serving as a guiding reference beyond short-term objectives. It aligns everyone toward a shared future state and inspires both the team and stakeholders. Make sure your team understands and uses the product vision to guide decisions and maintain focus on the big picture. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-was-your-best-day-as-an-agile-consultant/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-was-your-best-day-as-an-agile-consultant/ A brief Agile and Scrum engagement with a Java development team led to lasting positive change, as confirmed by a team member’s email seven years later describing its ongoing impact on their team and organization. The experience showed that even short, focused workshops can be a catalyst for significant transformation. Consider investing in Agile and Scrum training to spark similar long-term improvements in your teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-kanban/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-kanban/ Kanban is a flexible strategy for improving existing workflows by making processes visible, tracking data, and enabling continuous, incremental improvements. Key steps include documenting your current workflow, visualizing work to spot issues, and using metrics to guide changes. Start by mapping your team’s process and use the insights to drive efficiency and effectiveness. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-lust/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:12 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/7-deadly-sins-of-agile-lust/ Agile transformation is not a quick fix or something that can be bought off the shelf; it requires genuine commitment, adaptation, and alignment with your organisation’s unique context. Many companies make the mistake of seeking instant results or copying generic models, which often leads to disappointment. Development managers should focus on building a tailored Agile journey through ongoing learning, experimentation, and a willingness to evolve. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-change-why-agile-evolution-is-the-key-to-thriving-in-a-rapidly-shifting-world/ Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:08:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/embracing-change-why-agile-evolution-is-the-key-to-thriving-in-a-rapidly-shifting-world/ Agility is not a one-time transformation but an ongoing process of experimentation and adaptation, essential for surviving in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Traditional management practices from the industrial era are no longer effective; leaders must foster continuous learning, embrace failure, and evolve their organisations iteratively. To stay competitive, development managers should prioritise experimentation and empower teams to adapt quickly rather than relying on outdated processes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-employees-the-crucial-link-between-financial-awareness-and-motivation/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:33:58 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empowering-employees-the-crucial-link-between-financial-awareness-and-motivation/ Employees often lack awareness of the financial impact of their work, which can lead to missed opportunities and poor decisions. Promoting financial literacy and open discussions about costs helps teams make better choices, increases motivation, and drives accountability. Development managers should actively foster financial awareness to empower teams and improve business outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-3/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-is-lego-a-shit-idea-for-a-scrum-trainer-part-3/ Lego is avoided in Scrum training because its simplicity fails to reflect the real complexity and chaos of software development, while Minecraft is sometimes used for specific scenarios to better simulate overwhelming and collaborative environments. The choice of tool should support realistic learning experiences and evoke the pressures teams actually face. Focus on selecting training tools that mirror real-world challenges rather than just simplifying concepts. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlock-%C2%A320-rewards-join-our-exciting-referral-program-for-collaborative-learning/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/unlock-%C2%A320-rewards-join-our-exciting-referral-program-for-collaborative-learning/ A new referral program offers £20 rewards for both you and your colleagues when you invite them to join classes, encouraging collaborative learning and community building. By sharing a unique code, you both receive discounts or credits, making professional development more cost-effective. Visit the website to get your code and start inviting your team to enhance learning together. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-expert-insights-for-a-seamless-transition/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:45:01 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-expert-insights-for-a-seamless-transition/ Migrating to Azure DevOps is complex and often a one-time event, so most teams lack the necessary in-house expertise. Key challenges include database validation, unexpected data issues, and the need for deep tool knowledge, making external experts or targeted training highly valuable. To ensure a smooth and successful migration, consider bringing in specialists or upskilling your team with expert support. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-tfs-to-azure-devops-migration-overcoming-compatibility-concerns-with-confidence/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 05:45:03 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/navigating-the-tfs-to-azure-devops-migration-overcoming-compatibility-concerns-with-confidence/ Migrating from TFS on-premises to Azure DevOps is generally straightforward, with most compatibility concerns affecting older on-prem versions rather than the cloud. Key considerations include planning for the loss of unsupported customisations, ensuring code security during the transition, and evaluating how existing extensions will work in Azure DevOps. To ensure a smooth migration, assess your current setup, identify potential gaps, and proactively address customisation needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-navigating-challenges-solutions-and-best-practices/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:25:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-azure-devops-migration-navigating-challenges-solutions-and-best-practices/ Migrating to Azure DevOps can streamline development, reduce costs, and improve scalability, but it comes with challenges like complex legacy systems and team resistance. Success depends on thorough planning, clear communication, extensive testing, and adaptability throughout the process. Development managers should assess their current environment, involve stakeholders, and consider expert support to ensure a smooth and effective migration. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-evaluating-direction-are-you-heading-the-right-way/ Sat, 20 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-importance-of-evaluating-direction-are-you-heading-the-right-way/ Regularly evaluating your direction at every level, developer, product owner, and organization, is essential to avoid wasted effort and ensure you are building the right things for your users. Key insights include aligning work with the product vision, listening to feedback, and being willing to pivot based on data rather than sticking to outdated plans. Make time for honest retrospectives and be ready to change course when needed to achieve better outcomes. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-'definition-of-done'-is-crucial-for-success-in-scrum/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:30 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-'definition-of-done'-is-crucial-for-success-in-scrum/ The Definition of Done sets clear quality standards for all work, ensuring every deliverable meets your organization’s expectations regardless of the specific feature or project. It aligns teams, reduces defects, and protects your brand by making sure nothing is released before it is truly ready. Regularly review and adapt your Definition of Done with your team to maintain high quality and customer satisfaction. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empathy-in-agile-building-trust-and-stronger-relationships-for-success/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:00:04 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/empathy-in-agile-building-trust-and-stronger-relationships-for-success/ Empathy, modesty, and respect are essential for building trust and strong relationships in agile teams, leadership, and with customers, leading to better collaboration and outcomes. Avoiding assumptions and seeking diverse perspectives through open questions and feedback helps prevent bias and supports continuous improvement. Development managers should prioritise empathy and active listening to create a culture where everyone feels valued and engaged. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-ai-is-revolutionising-our-work-embrace-the-future-of-productivity-and-creativity/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:49:20 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-ai-is-revolutionising-our-work-embrace-the-future-of-productivity-and-creativity/ AI is rapidly transforming work by boosting productivity and creativity, acting as a supportive tool for idea generation, content creation, and automating repetitive tasks. Teams that adopt AI can work more efficiently and gain a competitive advantage. Development managers should start exploring and integrating AI tools now to stay ahead in a changing landscape. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-scotland-2023-why-does-this-matter-to-you-and-why-should-people-come-to-the-event/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:21 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/agile-scotland-2023-why-does-this-matter-to-you-and-why-should-people-come-to-the-event/ Agile 2023 in Scotland is a growing event that brings together passionate Agile professionals to share knowledge, connect with thought leaders, and discuss the latest trends in Agile practices. The conference highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and continuous learning in driving innovation within the tech sector. Development managers should consider engaging with local Agile events to gain fresh insights and foster a culture of improvement in their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-project-management/ Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:14 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-project-management/ Project management began in the early 1900s with tools like the Gantt chart and was designed to help teams plan and deliver work efficiently. Its core principles remain relevant today, having evolved to support the fast pace of modern business. Consider exploring Agile and Scrum approaches to further enhance your team’s project management skills. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-taylorism-and-how-did-it-influence-project-management/ Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:28 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-taylorism-and-how-did-it-influence-project-management/ Taylorism established command-and-control management focused on efficiency, standardization, and strict hierarchies, which shaped traditional project management and works well for simple or repeatable tasks. However, this approach fails in complex environments where creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are needed, leading to the rise of Agile methods. Development managers should recognize where traditional project management fits and adopt Agile practices for complex, uncertain projects to stay effective. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/live-virtual-professional-scrum-product-owner-in-5-minutes/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 10:52:48 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/live-virtual-professional-scrum-product-owner-in-5-minutes/ This training offers a condensed overview of the Professional Scrum Product Owner course, covering four half-days in just five minutes. If you need more detail, free live-streamed workshops are available on their channel. Consider watching the timelapse or joining a workshop to quickly assess if the course fits your team’s needs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-rewarding-part-of-being-a-scrum-developer/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 11:00:09 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/most-rewarding-part-of-being-a-scrum-developer/ The most rewarding part of being a Scrum developer is building software that truly matters to people, which gives purpose and fuels passion for the work. When developers see their efforts making a real impact, it drives higher quality and creativity. Managers should encourage teams to focus on meaningful outcomes to boost motivation and results. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/learn-scrum-with-minecraft-education-edition/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:48:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/learn-scrum-with-minecraft-education-edition/ Using Minecraft Education Edition in Scrum training creates a more realistic and engaging environment for learning complex product development compared to traditional website-building exercises. This approach ensures full team participation, better simulates real-world complexity, and is accessible across devices. Development managers should ensure participants can install Minecraft Education on an unrestricted device and join sessions off VPN for the best experience. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-art-of-negotiation-for-product-owners-essential-skills-to-master/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:00:07 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/the-art-of-negotiation-for-product-owners-essential-skills-to-master/ Strong negotiation skills are essential for Product Owners to balance stakeholder demands, technical realities, and leadership requests, ensuring the product delivers maximum value. Key techniques include active listening, asking probing questions, and guiding others to see the bigger picture, which helps avoid unnecessary features and maintain focus. Development managers should encourage Product Owners to build these skills through training, reflection, and coaching to improve outcomes and stakeholder relationships. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-vision-and-why-does-it-matter/ Wed, 17 May 2023 14:00:17 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-is-a-product-vision-and-why-does-it-matter/ A clear product vision is essential because it aligns teams, prevents chaos, and ensures everyone understands the direction and purpose of their work. Without it, efforts become fragmented and counterproductive. Development managers should prioritize creating and communicating a shared vision so teams can work cohesively toward common goals. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-product-ownership-the-power-of-marketing-your-vision/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:00:05 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/mastering-the-art-of-product-ownership-the-power-of-marketing-your-vision/ Product Owners need to actively market their product vision to engage teams, stakeholders, and customers, not just manage backlogs. Consistent, emotionally resonant communication boosts participation in Sprint Reviews, improves feedback, and aligns everyone around shared goals. Development managers should encourage Product Owners to treat vision-sharing as an ongoing marketing effort to drive engagement and maximize product value. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/under-employed-30-upfront-balance-when-you-are-employed/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/under-employed-30-upfront-balance-when-you-are-employed/ A new training program offers underemployed professionals affordable access by requiring only 30% upfront payment, with the balance due after securing suitable employment. The approach is built on trust, focuses on practical upskilling, and encourages networking and a positive mindset to turn underemployment into a career springboard. Development managers can consider this model to support team members’ growth while minimizing financial barriers. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-would-you-like-to-be-remembered-as-a-professional-scrum-trainer-what-3-things-matter-most-to-you/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:06 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/how-would-you-like-to-be-remembered-as-a-professional-scrum-trainer-what-3-things-matter-most-to-you/ The author wants to be remembered as a Scrum Trainer who values integrity, honesty, and approachability, always acting transparently and providing straightforward, fact-based advice. They prioritize being open and helpful, offering free consultations and building lasting relationships. Development managers should seek trainers who embody these qualities to foster trust and effective learning in their teams. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-have-you-decided-to-go-all-in-on-immersive-learning-experiences/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:00:18 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/why-have-you-decided-to-go-all-in-on-immersive-learning-experiences/ Immersive learning experiences lead to deeper understanding, better retention, and stronger engagement than traditional methods by providing hands-on practice, ongoing support, and a collaborative community. This approach encourages continuous growth and adaptation, making learning a sustained journey rather than a one-time event. Development managers should consider adopting immersive learning to build resilient, high-performing teams and ensure lasting knowledge transfer. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-do-people-love-most-about-the-4-day-training-format/ Thu, 11 May 2023 12:00:02 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/what-do-people-love-most-about-the-4-day-training-format/ The four-day training format, which spreads sessions over four half-days instead of two full days, is popular because it prevents exhaustion, allows time for reflection, and leads to deeper learning and better questions. Participants appreciate the breaks between sessions, which help them absorb and internalize content more effectively. Consider adopting this format to improve engagement and learning outcomes in your team’s training programs. https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/must-have-trait-in-an-agile-consultant/ Mon, 01 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/videos/must-have-trait-in-an-agile-consultant/ The most important trait for an Agile Consultant is tenacity, which means persistently focusing on what matters most for the organization and pushing through obstacles and resistance. Success depends on maintaining this determination after identifying key areas for change and not being discouraged by doubters. Development managers should look for consultants who demonstrate unwavering focus and resilience when driving transformation.