The Truth About Sprint Reviews Webinar
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:23:17-07:00The full video webinar and a downloadable copy of all the slides is now available for our webinar on The Truth About Sprint Reviews - access it all here!
The Latest in Artificial Intelligence: Sentient Sprinting
Jim Schiel2024-06-05T13:38:22-07:00Unveiling the Future of Agile: The Rise of Sentient Sprinting The Agile methodology
Sprint Goals – How a Small Thing Makes a BIG Difference
Jim Schiel2023-02-08T11:55:26-08:00Are you looking for ways to motivate your team and keep them on track? In this webinar recording, learn how setting sprint goals can help your team stay organized and focused on a project. Sprint goals are short-term objectives that teams set so they can achieve longer-term project goals. In this webinar recording we cover topics like strategies for choosing the right sprint goals and how to measure progress and stay on track. This recording will offer practical advice that you can apply directly to your own workplace.
How Should a Scrum Team Handle Defects in a Sprint? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:27:55-07:00Even ScrumMasters who follow #AskArtisan videos will encounter Unplanned Defects, which are critical to address immediately and can be challenging to deal with!
How Do I Choose Sprint Length? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-21T13:19:51-07:00How do ScrumMasters set the length of a Sprint? It’s a trick question - Sprint length is determined by the entire Scrum Team! Why and how? Glad you asked!
How Do We Plan Sprints Around Holidays? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:41:16-07:00Holidays can impact a Sprint as much or as little as the #ScrumTeam decides, as long as it's decided during #SprintPlanning. Let me explain!
Should I Lengthen a Sprint to Get More Done? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:41:54-07:00As a ScrumMaster, have you ever been close to the end of a Sprint and realized that there's more work left than time? Oh no! Should you increase Sprint length?
How Long Should Sprint Planning Take? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:48:30-07:00How long should it take to plan a Sprint? In this #AskArtisan video, I’ll explain what is and isn't important for your Sprint Goal.
Sprint Goals: The Key to a Well-Executed Sprint
Jim Schiel2022-05-12T08:34:11-07:00Sprint goals are key to a successful Sprint. They help keep the Scrum team on
What is a Sprint Demo? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:49:04-07:00What's a Sprint Demo? It's typically a sure sign that your organization has no idea how to do a Sprint Review! I'll explain in this edition of #AskArtisan.
How do you Plan for Support Time in a Sprint? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:50:08-07:00Many Scrum Teams ask how to plan for support work in a Sprint. Can you plan the unplanned? There's no simple answer, but there IS an answer!
Can One Sprint Have Multiple Goals? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:50:42-07:00Can you have more than one Sprint Goal in a single Sprint? I actually recommend it! In this video, I'll explain how it can improve Scrum team productivity.
How Are Product Goals and Sprint Goals Related? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:51:11-07:00I'm often asked about Scrum goals; specifically Sprint Goals, Product Goals, and how they relate to each other. In this video, I'll tie them together for you.
What’s a Sprint Goal? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:51:56-07:00Ever been out shopping only to get home and realized you didn't actually get what you needed? This is what happens to Scrum teams without a Sprint Goal!
What Do You Do With Incomplete Work at the End of the Sprint? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:53:46-07:00One of the questions I get asked a lot has to do with when a Sprint ends… what happens with all the work that isn’t finished at the end of the Sprint?
Sprint Operations for Virtual Teams
Jim Schiel2022-08-18T20:00:05-07:00As COVID-19 stretches teamwork limits, here's some tips for Scrum in a virtual environment, including daily Scrum, backlog refinement, Sprints, and more.
Don’t Waste Time in Sprint “Capacity” Planning
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:04-07:00Trying to plan detailed capacity for a Sprint? Thankfully, there are two things we can do to make capacity planning easier (and faster) in Sprint Planning.
Keep Your Sprints Short
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:53-07:00Scrum teams are responsible for choosing sprint length and are encouraged to experiment with different sprint lengths, but shorter sprints are easier to manage.
Keep Your Eyes on the Sprint Goal
Jim Schiel2022-01-13T17:40:24-08:00In this article, we'll discuss how a team bares responsibility for the Sprint and what should be done if they can’t get everything done they committed to.
Avoid Adding Content to a Sprint
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:32:07-07:00One of the worst things we can do to our teams is allow too many changes to the content of the Sprint after the Sprint has been planned.
Never Extend a Sprint
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:32:16-07:00Scrum Sprints provide empiricism, part of the Agile core beliefs, which is why extending a Sprint is never a good idea!
Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Between Managers and Scrum Teams
Jim Schiel2023-08-15T06:31:55-07:00In an agile setting, communication is the lifeblood that keeps the project moving. This post focuses on the importance of effective, clear, and open communication between management and agile teams. We will discuss strategies, practices, and tools that promote and enhance communication, including daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
The Collaboration Catalyst: Boosting Team Performance
Jim Schiel2024-08-08T08:39:42-07:00Collaboration is the key to unlocking your team’s full potential. This blog post delves into the importance of fostering a collaborative environment and how it can lead to enhanced productivity and innovative solutions. Learn actionable tips to boost collaboration within your team and create a culture where everyone thrives and contributes their best.
CSD Course Agenda
Jim Schiel2023-10-07T10:21:06-07:00Class Times The Artisan CSD Training Program is held in several different time zones.
Building Blocks of Psychological Safety in Scrum Teams
Jim Schiel2023-07-13T14:41:44-07:00You and I are about to embark on an enlightening journey into the
The 4 Keys to Making Agile Development Work for Your Company
Jim Schiel2022-05-23T06:52:42-07:00Making agile development work for your company can seem daunting, but if you focus
Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) Courses
Jim Schiel2023-10-07T09:47:09-07:00Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Evaluating the Performance of a Scrum Master
Jim Schiel2022-01-14T11:21:55-08:00Measuring the performance of an employee is never easy to
A Little of a Lot Instead of a Lot of a Little
Jim Schiel2021-08-05T09:17:13-07:00A piece of advice I find myself always giving
Scrum for Support Teams
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:17:02-07:00Scrum is the most used Agile framework, yet many still aren't quite sure how to make Scrum work best in a support environment. Let's dive into this topic!
What is Scrum?
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:46:38-07:00The most popular Agile Development framework, Scrum, can be explained in many ways. If you're just trying to understand what Scrum is, this post is for you.
What’s the RIGHT Way to Use Metrics With a Scrum Team?
Jim Schiel2022-01-14T11:27:01-08:00In many organizations, nothing wastes more time than metrics with no purpose. Here's help on the RIGHT way to measure team performance.
Advice for Scrum Leaders During COVID-19
Jim Schiel2022-08-18T19:59:42-07:00This video provides advice to Scrum leaders working with virtual (remote) teams, including problems, feedback, and more.
Speeding up Your Scrum Teams
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:28:04-07:00Effective Scrum use is more than Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, and so on. To see a big difference in your team's Sprints, make these workflow changes.
Don’t Manage Your Product, Own It!
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:43-07:00If your Scrum teams aren't seeing the quality, value, and productivity improvements you were hoping for, it's possible that they don't understand their roles.
Plan Only Small Backlog Items
Jim Schiel2023-09-01T11:11:35-07:00Bigger requirements are more complex, which typically have greater risk, which leads to more cost and/or waste. In other words, bigger is DEFINITELY not better!
Measuring Scrum Team Productivity
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:33:24-07:00Measuring Scrum Team productivity is something nearly every organization wants, but performance metrics should really only be created under two conditions.
The Adaptability Advantage: Preparing Your Team for the Future
Jim Schiel2024-08-09T05:22:30-07:00In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is crucial for survival and success. This post highlights the importance of cultivating adaptability within your team and provides strategies to help your team become more flexible and resilient. By preparing your team for change, you can ensure they are equipped to handle any challenge that comes their way and stay ahead of the curve.
What’s New in Sierra Agility and How It Can Benefit You
Jim Schiel2024-07-30T16:11:38-07:00Discover how Sierra Agility transforms Agile practices with its cutting-edge AI-driven features. Our Intelligent Product Backlog Ordering simplifies backlog management by prioritizing tasks based on value, size, and precedence. This innovative tool ensures your team focuses on the most impactful work, enhances productivity, and streamlines workflow. Experience the ease of automated prioritization and efficient sprint planning with Sierra Agility, empowering your team to deliver high-quality results with confidence. Explore more and elevate your Agile workflows at sierraagility.com.
The Future of Agile: How AI is Shaping the Way We Build Products
Jim Schiel2024-09-18T12:58:44-07:00Discover how AI is transforming the world of Agile development. In this post, we explore the future of Agile and how tools like Sierra Agility are reshaping workflows, from automating backlog management to enhancing sprint planning. Learn how AI can boost your team’s efficiency, improve collaboration, and even support retrospectives by analyzing sentiment and driving continuous improvement. Explore the powerful role AI plays in the Agile landscape and see how it can revolutionize the way your team builds products.
AI-Driven Agile Mastery with Sierra Agility’s Spark
Jim Schiel2024-07-30T16:11:46-07:00Explore how Sierra Agility’s AI, Spark, enhances your Agile processes by breaking down backlog items and optimizing workflows.
The Power of AI in Agile: How Sierra Agility’s Spark Can Transform Your Team
Jim Schiel2024-07-30T16:11:54-07:00Agile methodologies have become a cornerstone for successful project management and product development in today's fast-paced world. However, even the most committed Agile teams often face challenges managing and refining their workflows effectively.
Unlocking Scrum Team Effectiveness: the Daily Scrum
Jim Schiel2024-09-03T06:27:11-07:00As a Scrum Master, your number one job is the effectiveness of your team. This means ensuring that, no matter what challenges arise, your team is equipped to get things right—if not the first time, then quickly after. The daily Scrum plays a crucial role in this. It’s not just a quick check-in; it’s your opportunity to make the work visible and help the team evaluate their progress toward the sprint goal. Listen closely to what’s being said, take action without waiting for permission, and guide your team toward resolving any issues that arise. Your proactive approach is key to their success.
Transform Your Agile Processes: How Sierra Agility Makes It Possible
Jim Schiel2024-08-06T13:36:02-07:00Discover how Sierra Agility can revolutionize your Agile practices with its AI-driven features. This post will explore key functionalities that streamline backlog management, optimize team structures, and enhance collaboration, ultimately driving your team toward greater efficiency and success.
Why Did We Build Sierra Agility?
Jim Schiel2023-08-14T08:02:56-07:00You might be wondering, why did we build Sierra Agility? Imagine being in the heart of a bustling software development team. The pressure to deliver quality products faster than ever is immense. But the processes in place often lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and missed deadlines. We've been there, felt the frustration, and realized that there had to be a better way. That's why we created Sierra Agility – a solution that combines cutting-edge technology with decades of experience to empower teams like yours. With Sierra Agility, we're not just transforming how you manage backlogs and sprints; we're revolutionizing how teams collaborate, innovate, and succeed. Join us as we explore the 'why' behind Sierra Agility and embark on a journey to agile excellence. Stay tuned for more insights on how Sierra Agility can redefine your development process and help you achieve remarkable results. Remember, the future of software development starts here.
From Blame to Gain: Cultivating a Problem-Solving Culture in Agile Teams
Jim Schiel2023-06-26T16:15:40-07:00Within the fast-paced dynamics of Agile teams, there's often a natural, yet misguided,
Which is Better: Commit or Forecast? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:38:59-07:00When you're in Sprint Planning, do you commit content into the Sprint, or do you forecast content into the Sprint? What's the difference, and which is better?
How Many Teams Should a Product Owner Have? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-21T13:27:55-07:00How many Scrum Teams should a Product Owner (CSPO) work with at once? The Scrum Guide is very clear, so in this #AskArtisan video, let's sort it out!
Leverage Team Values to Guarantee Successful Outcomes
Jim Schiel2022-05-12T08:35:26-07:00As a leader of one or more teams, you may
What’s a Product Goal? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:52:28-07:00The 2020 Scrum Guide introduced a new concept called the Product Goal, and many are still confused about the purpose and function of Product Goals.
Can QAers be on a Scrum Team? #AskArtisan
Jim Schiel2023-05-26T07:53:06-07:00When you set up a Scrum team, what do you do with your QAers? In this video, I'll explain why they should definitely be part of the team.
Claiming PDUs After a Training Event
Jim Schiel2021-09-02T07:33:14-07:00Claiming Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs)
Development and Support at the Same Time?
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:42:08-07:00How can a development team focus on max product value while also handling support-based interruptions? Here are a few things to pay attention to!
Leading the Way to Organizational Change
Jim Schiel2022-01-14T11:14:37-08:00As a ScrumMaster and organizational change advocate, here's 7 things you can do to help your organization embrace change as a normal way of life.
The Importance of Value to the Product Owner
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:24:00-07:00Understanding outcome value isn’t just beneficial, it’s critically important. After all, delivering value is our priority!
Jim’s 10 Tips for Scrum Development Teams
Jim Schiel2022-01-13T17:40:24-08:00With COVID-19 forcing us all to learn about working from home, we're re-publishing our list of "Jim's 10 Tips for Scrum Development Teams," UPDATED for 2020!
Boosting Work-From-Home Productivity
Jim Schiel2022-08-18T20:00:24-07:00It's hard to stay productive when working from home, but we've got some tips that will make a real difference in your lives. Share them with your teammates!
Video Conferencing Tips for Virtual Teams
Jim Schiel2021-06-03T00:54:42-07:00COVID-19 has forced much of the world into isolation, but we must continue to collaborate. Here's some tips on everything from Zoom usage to overcoming trolls!
Artisan Coaching
Jim Schiel2020-09-18T09:16:25-07:00Our Coaching Approach Our Coaching Approach Artisan
Simplify Your Work by Slicing
Jim Schiel2021-06-03T00:59:05-07:00When slicing a backlog item, we're taking a complex problem and paring it down into smaller problems, which are easier to solve and build.
Should Scrum Teams be Dedicated to a Single Product?
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:27:17-07:00Should Scrum teams be dedicated to a single product? The truth is, there's times when you want a dedicated team and times when you don't. Let me explain!
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Courses
Jim Schiel2023-06-09T15:17:56-07:00Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
What is the Role of the ScrumMaster?
Jim Schiel2022-08-18T19:51:57-07:00Although the Scrum Guide defines the ScrumMaster at length, here we're going to dissect that description and take a much closer look at what a ScrumMaster is.
Self-Organizing Teams
Jim Schiel2021-06-03T01:17:38-07:00When I teach or coach people about Scrum, we talk about self-organization, but the importance of self-organizational principles cannot be understated.
Limited Skills, Great Demand
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:15-07:00Specialists with a particular skill can get stretched thin! But there's ways to solve this dilemma other than assigning them to ten Scrum teams at once.
Ground Rules for Your Team
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:24-07:00Some initial “rules” that everyone agrees to follow will help your team avoid misunderstandings and deliberate misconduct.
DONEness Definitions (DoD)
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:30:35-07:00What's the one thing YOU could do as a Scrum Master to improve your team's reliability, quality, and productivity? Read on and find out!
Keep Your Daily Scrum Short
Jim Schiel2023-04-08T05:04:56-07:00Many Scrum events seem simple, but aren't. The Daily Scrum seems to be the event that causes the most problems for teams.
Keep Your Work In Process Low
Jim Schiel2022-01-13T17:44:03-08:00The fastest team productivity killer is working on 3+ backlog items at once. You'll end up with a team that's great at starting work, but lousy at finishing it.
Swarming Backlog Items
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:32:45-07:00Teams that "Swarm" backlog items find it's a better way to get work done than approaches that lead to handoffs and continuity loss.
Teaching the Scrum Framework
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:32:54-07:00It's critical everyone on a new Scrum Team starts with the same understanding of Scrum. A learning structure called “ShuHaRi” can be related to teaching Scrum.
Backlog Refinement Part 3: When Have We Refined Enough?
Jim Schiel2021-06-03T01:29:52-07:00How do you make sure the Scrum team refines enough backlog items for the next Sprint? Part 3 of my series on Backlog Refinement!
Backlog Refinement Part 2: How Small is Small Enough?
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:34:57-07:00How do you know how small to make your backlog items before you stop refining them and move on to something else? Part 2 of my series on Backlog Refinement!
Backlog Refinement Part 1: What It Is and How It Works
Jim Schiel2021-06-02T23:35:09-07:00While coaching Scrum teams I've noticed how difficult effective backlog refinement is, so I wrote a blog post series on how backlog refinement works.