Jim Schiel's Blog

The 4 Keys to Self-Managing Teams

Self-managing teams are the future of high-performing organizations. This post explores the four essential keys to creating self-managing teams: autonomy, collaboration, adaptability, and accountability. By integrating these principles, you can empower your team to take ownership of their work, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and achieve exceptional results. Learn how to implement these keys effectively and transform your team into a self-managing powerhouse.

By Jim Schiel|2024-08-08T07:58:25-07:00August 8th, 2024|Categories: Agile Management, Leadership, Management in Agility, Scrum Roles, Scrum Teams|

Transform Your Agile Processes: How Sierra Agility Makes It Possible

Discover 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.

By Jim Schiel|2024-08-06T13:36:02-07:00August 5th, 2024|Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Best Practices, Sierra Agility|

AI and Agile at the Global Scrum Gathering

Covering the presentation Jim Schiel did at the New Orleans Global Scrum Gathering, late May 2024.

By Jim Schiel|2024-07-01T13:57:33-07:00July 1st, 2024|Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Best Practices, Scrum Alliance, Scrum Career, Scrum Roles, Sierra Agility|

The Latest in Artificial Intelligence: Sentient Sprinting

Unveiling the Future of Agile: The Rise of Sentient Sprinting The Agile methodology has revolutionized software development, fostering faster release cycles, improved team collaboration, and a more responsive approach to project management. However, even the most well-oiled Agile teams face challenges. Manual tasks, repetitive processes, and the ever-present struggle with accurate estimation can

By Jim Schiel|2024-06-05T13:38:22-07:00June 5th, 2024|Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Futures, Scrum Roles, Sierra Agility|

Creating a Supportive Culture: Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace

Mental health first aid isn't just for healthcare professionals; it's a crucial part of managerial responsibility. This blog post delves into the practical ways managers can add mental health first aid in their everyday work. From understanding the signs of emotional distress to guiding employees to appropriate resources, managers play a crucial role

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-03T19:18:11-07:00October 25th, 2023|Categories: Agile Management|

A New Approach to Performance: Balancing Work and Well-being

What if performance management included a focus on mental well-being? This blog post explores how managers can shift their perspective from solely evaluating output to considering the whole employee experience and improving work-life balance. Managers can foster a more balanced and productive work environment by engaging in regular well-being check-ins, utilizing the principles

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-05T11:48:04-07:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: Agile Management|

From Awareness to Action: Managing Mental Health at Work

Recognizing mental health challenges in the workplace and managing mental health at work is the first step; taking appropriate action truly makes a difference. This post details the journey from awareness to action, outlining how managers can support employee mental health by identifying unhelpful thoughts, applying cognitive reframing, and encouraging behavioral activation. Explore

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-05T12:29:35-07:00October 11th, 2023|Categories: Agile Management|

Empathetic Leadership: Navigating Employee Mental Health

This blog post explores the concept of empathetic leadership, providing managers with tools and strategies to recognize signs of distress, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster a culture of mental well-being. Let's dive into the essential active listening, empathy, and confidentiality skills managers should integrate into their daily practices. In a fast-paced world

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-05T12:52:43-07:00October 4th, 2023|Categories: Agile Management, Leadership|

What is a Scrum Master’s Salary in the US?

The relatively new term "ScrumMaster", ranked #10 on LinkedIn's list of "Most Promising Jobs of 2017", is now known as a valuable role to companies worldwide.

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-29T15:10:33-07:00September 28th, 2023|Categories: Scrum Alliance, Scrum Career, ScrumMaster|Tags: Certification, SAFeatured|

How To Claim PDUs for a CSM or Other Artisan Agility Event

You can PDUs for Artisan Agility Training Events where there is a clear connection to project management. PDUs can be claimed as follows (please understand that PMI® frequently changes the process and my instructions may be wrong in minor ways): Log in to PMI.org. You need to log in to the PMI website

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-28T13:58:59-07:00September 28th, 2023|Categories: Best Practices|Tags: SAFeatured|

Embracing Change: Transitioning from Traditional to Agile Management

Transitioning from traditional to agile management can be a significant shift for many organizations. In this blog post, we'll provide a roadmap for making this transition smoothly. We'll tackle potential challenges that may arise and offer practical tips on how to overcome them, ensuring a successful adoption of agile methodologies.

By Jim Schiel|2023-08-15T06:46:34-07:00September 27th, 2023|Categories: Agile Management, Leadership|

Get Certified, Get Ahead: How Scrum Certification Can Boost Your Career

Learn the benefits and career opportunities of becoming Scrum Certified and the steps to start today! Scrum Certification is a great way to increase your value in the job market!

By Jim Schiel|2023-09-25T08:30:41-07:00September 25th, 2023|Categories: Best Practices|

Jim Schiel’s Blog