Course Rationale:  If you are working in an Agile environment this is a “must have” course for you. The Agile manifesto values people and their interactions over processes and tools. However, this fact escapes many people managing Agile projects and transformations. Following the Agile method is given priority, almost to the exclusion of people issues and the need for collaboration. This course helps people to understand the rationale behind the Agile way of working and the behaviours needed from everyone to make Agile succeed. It specifically deals with the behaviours and skills that Agile team members need to focus on to maximise their personal contributions.

Overview:  This two day course develops delegates’ Agile collaboration skills and is suitable for all Agile practitioners at all levels of experience. It will be of most benefit to those who would like to improve their personal style and ways of working, or those who are responsible for managing teams in an Agile environment.

Attendees will participate in engaging group activities and discussions. They will explore the vital people elements of working in an Agile team. The course will address how to create rewarding Stand-ups and Retrospectives; how to build a “one team culture” and many other positive behaviours and interactions required of Agile teams. It will also deal with strategies for managing difficult conversations such as, how to address the dysfunctional behaviours of colleagues and when are we allowed to say no?

• Have a full understanding of what is required of you when working within an Agile team
• Be provided with tools and resources that will support you in making the transition to a more Agile way of working
• Understand the difference between self-organising and tightly-managed teams
• Have the tools to improve your communication style and its effectiveness
• Have the tools to improve your working relationships
• Have a greater understanding of team dynamics and how to improve the performance of your team
• Understand how people factors influence the effectiveness of the Agile ceremonies and how to address these issues

Prerequisites:  Delegates will have a basic appreciation of the terminology, ideas and principles behind Agile.

• What is Agile and how do we work differently?
• Agile: Working with change and uncertainty
• The Pillars of Lean

• The cornerstones of effective team working - I vs We
• The psychology and dynamics of teams
• Self-Organising/Self-Managing vs tightly managed teams
• Agile values: How close does your team align with the values?
• Effective communication
• Resourceful conversations – introduction to a useful model
• The art of listening
• Inner dialogue
• Anti-Patterns of effective communication
• Persuasion, negotiating and influencing
• The how and when of saying no
• Delivering and receiving feedback
• Modes and styles of communication

• Relationships that work
• Working together – effective collaboration
• Working with difficult people
• Adult to adult and parent-child relationships
• Dealing with difference

• Rights and responsibilities of the Agile Team
• Who holds who accountable?
• Building commitment and goal-setting

• Emotional intelligence
• Two opposing forces of creativity
• Stress, pressure and performance

• Models of learning
• Continuous Improvement
• Understanding and dealing with change
• Improving the effectiveness of our ceremonies