Normalizing Discomfort in Agile Transformations

Photo by Trey Ratcliff

When teams start adopting agile practices, managers often feel lost or out of place.  Their role has changed, and it is not clear what they should be doing.  They are told not to talk at daily scrums, don't assign tasks to team members, and don't tell the team how to do the work.  Where does that leave managers?  They have to grown, and they are responsible for creating an environment that fosters growth for teams and individuals.

It leaves them with an incredibly difficult job--normalizing discomfort:

There is a great checklist on Dr. Brene Brown's website for giving engaged feedback.

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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