In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, coaches Geoff and Paul discuss the concept of video reviews, a method they’ve used in advanced Scrum Master training for over a decade. Inspired by NBA coach Phil Jackson's unconventional methods, they explain how videos and various other media can provide valuable insights for scrum masters and product owners. They describe the structure they use (What, So What, Now What) to help students digest and apply the content. They also share plans to provide tools and curated video content for listeners to try the exercise themselves, aiming to foster deeper learning and broader connections beyond traditional scrum and agile topics.

Downloadble content available at:

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep8-leveraging-video-reviews-to-abstract-thinking/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:09 The Concept of Video Reviews

01:13 Origins and Inspiration from Phil Jackson

03:20 Implementing Video Reviews in Training

04:10 Benefits and Outcomes of Video Reviews

06:32 Practical Application and Structure

13:08 Diverse Content and Storytelling

14:01 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, the hosts introduce the 'core values exercise,' a simple yet impactful technique used in both individual and team coaching sessions to uncover and understand core values. The hosts demonstrate the process using a deck of cards, guiding listeners on how to identify their most important values and explaining the significance of being aware of these values. The exercise is noted for its wide applicability and potential to enhance self-awareness, decision-making, and team dynamics. Helpful resources for listeners to implement this technique themselves are also provided.

Downloadable Content:

www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep7-exploring-core-values-a-key-exercise-for-personal-and-team-growth

00:00 Introduction to the Core Values Exercise

00:44 Why Core Values Matter

02:36 The Core Values Exercise: Step-by-Step

04:19 Refining Your Core Values

06:41 Revealing and Reflecting on Core Values

09:28 Applying Core Values in Daily Life

15:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Geoff and Paul discuss Geoff’s new book, "Surviving the Stakeholder Safari," a stakeholder-management approach using “expedition mapping” as an alternative to their earlier “battle mapping” metaphor. The method uses 50 animal archetypes (each an acronym) to describe common workplace behaviors such as the seagull and the lion, stressing empathy and avoiding labeling people as villains. Geoff outlines six steps: set a clear destination, define non-negotiables, identify relevant animals, assess likelihood/impact and triggers (including pack dynamics and balancing stakeholder types), choose strategies/tactics for each archetype, and “pack your backpack” with navigation, evidence, relationship, boundary, and self-management tools. They note the value of storytelling and visual, card-based mapping, and share where to find the book and a downloadable expedition mapping template.

Downloadable content here: www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep6-expedition-mapping

01:03 Book Launch Announcement

02:07 From Battle to Safari

02:54 Animal Archetypes Explained

04:26 Expedition Mapping Setup

05:54 Six Steps Overview

06:41 Step Two Non Negotiables

07:43 Step Three Identify Animals

09:45 No Labeling Just Empathy

11:25 Step Four Risk Assessment

12:42 Packs and Stakeholder Dynamics

14:44 Step Five Strategy Planning

14:58 Tactics for Seagulls

16:01 Handling the Lion Now

17:04 Pick Tactics per Animal

17:22 Pack Your Backpack

18:07 Navigation and Evidence Tools

19:51 Relationship and Boundary Tools

21:24 Self Management Tools

23:48 Wrap Up and Resources

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, hosts Paul and Geoff delve into the critical topic of emotional intelligence. They explore key theories from psychologists, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in agile environments, and provide practical coaching tips. The episode includes insights from the world of improvisation, Daniel Goleman's five elements of emotional intelligence, and an interactive game to foster emotional awareness and empathy within teams. The hosts also address considerations for neurodiversity and offer a downloadable resource to help facilitate emotional intelligence exercises in teams.

Downloadable content available at:

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep5-enhancing-emotional-intelligence-in-agile-teams/

00:00 Welcome to the Agile Skills Library

00:29 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

01:25 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Agile Teams

03:52 Daniel Goldman's Five Elements of Emotional Intelligence

06:22 Practical Exercise: Emotions, Emotions, Emotions

13:04 Using Emotional Intelligence in Various Settings

18:50 Neurodiversity and Emotional Intelligence

22:22 Conclusion and Downloadable Content

In this episode, Geoff and Paul discuss the concept of 'User Manuals' as a technique to enhance team communication and understanding. Inspired by a listener's question from the UK, the hosts detail how team members can create their own user manuals to share their work preferences, stress indicators, and personal traits. They provide various methods for implementing the technique and explain the importance of psychological safety. The episode concludes with an invitation for feedback and sharing of experiences.

Downloadable content:

https://www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep4-user-manuals

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library, hosts Paul Goddard and Geoff Watts delve into the art of receiving feedback, following their previous discussion on giving feedback. They explore the importance of being open to feedback for personal and professional growth, discuss common traps and defensive behaviors, and introduce the SARA model for processing feedback. The hosts also provide practical tips for depersonalising and filtering feedback, and they offer downloadable content with role-playing scenarios to practice giving and receiving feedback effectively.

Downloadable content available from

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep3-receiving-feedback-to-empower-self-managing-teams/

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Why Receiving Feedback Matters

05:40 Common Traps in Receiving Feedback

09:25 The SARA Model

13:11 Tips for Receiving Feedback

19:18 Downloadable Resources & Wrap-up

In this episode of the Agile Skills Library podcast, experienced agile coaches Paul Goddard and Geoff Watts explore the art of giving feedback within teams. They discuss why feedback is vital for empowerment and self-management, highlight common pitfalls, and introduce practical models like Non Violent Communication and AID. Sharing personal stories and actionable tips, they emphasise the importance of timing, environment, and tailoring feedback to individuals. Their informal, insightful conversation inspires agile practitioners to embrace feedback as a regular, constructive practice for team growth and stronger collaboration.

Downloadable content available from

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep2-giving-feedback-that-transforms-agile-teams/

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:03)

Paul and Geoff introduce themselves, the podcast, and the purpose of sharing agile and leadership techniques.

Why Feedback is Important (00:01:06)

Discussion on the significance of feedback for team empowerment, agency, and self-management.

Cultural and Emotional Barriers to Feedback (00:03:29)

Exploring why feedback is uncomfortable, including cultural differences and personal sensitivities.

Benefits of Overcoming Feedback Fear (00:05:07)

How teams improve after difficult feedback conversations and the positive impact on team dynamics.

Frequency and Timing of Feedback (00:06:06)

The importance of giving feedback regularly to reduce discomfort and improve effectiveness.

Common Feedback Traps (00:06:45)

Overview of pitfalls like the praise sandwich, hearsay, long-winded feedback, and sugarcoating.

Additional Feedback Traps: Labeling and Extremes (00:10:18)

Highlighting the problems with labeling people and using words like "always" and "never."

Structured Feedback Models Introduction (00:11:09)

Transition to introducing structured models for giving effective feedback.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Model (00:12:03)

Explanation of the NVC model: observation, feeling, need, and request.

AID Model for Feedback (00:15:25)

Introduction to the AID model: Action, Impact, Desired outcome.

The Perfection Game (00:16:31)

Description of the Perfection Game feedback method, including scoring and improvement suggestions.

General Tips for Giving Feedback (00:18:34)

Practical advice for offering, framing, and personalizing feedback.

Creating a Safe Feedback Environment (00:20:28)

Importance of preparing the recipient and choosing the right timing and setting for feedback.

Adapting Feedback Delivery to the Receiver (00:22:29)

Tailoring feedback methods to the preferences of the person receiving it.

Owning Your Feedback and Overcoming People-Pleasing (00:23:04)

Encouragement to own feedback and address people-pleasing tendencies that hinder honest communication.

Little and Often: Building Feedback Habits (00:25:04)

Advocating for frequent, small feedback moments to normalize the process.

Avoiding Annual Feedback Rituals (00:26:10)

Critique of infrequent, formal feedback sessions and their ineffectiveness.

Episode Wrap-Up and Next Steps (00:26:38)

Preview of the next episode on receiving feedback and invitation for listener feedback.

In this first episode of The Agile Skills Library, Geoff Watts and Paul Goddard unpack SPEED coaching — a simple way to choose how to help, not just what to do.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Should I give advice here… ask better questions… step back… or change the system instead?” — this episode is for you.

SPEED is a simple but surprisingly powerful way to consciously choose how you help, based on the situation, the relationship, and the kind of impact you’re aiming for. It’s not about “doing coaching properly” or sticking rigidly to one style. It’s about judgment.

In this episode, we walk through the full SPEED model using a very real Scrum Master scenario, exploring when each approach makes sense, the trade-offs involved, and why faster help often creates dependency — while slower help tends to stick.

This episode is primarily aimed at Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and team coaches, but the ideas apply just as well if you’re a leader, a manager, or even thinking through your own decisions.

You’ll also find a free downloadable SPEED coaching template from the link below to help you use the model with a team, a colleague, or yourself.

https://www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep1-speed-coaching

Timestamps

Introduction to the Podcast and Series (00:00:03)

Geoff and Paul introduce themselves, the podcast, and the Agile Skills Library series.

Purpose and Audience of SPEED Coaching (00:00:46)

Explanation of the SPEED Coaching technique, its intended audience, and why it’s important.

Coaching Myths and Directive vs. Non-Directive Styles (00:03:04)

Discussion of common coaching myths, especially about Socratic questioning and directive vs. non-directive coaching.

Overview of the SPEED Model (00:04:30)

Introduction to the SPEED acronym, its temporal aspect, and the impact of different coaching stances.

Scenario Setup: Retrospectives Not Leading to Action (00:07:03)

A practical scenario is introduced: a team not implementing retrospective improvements.

S: Suggestions (00:08:14)

Explaining the “Suggestions” stance—giving direct ideas or advice to the team.

P: Proof (00:12:19)

Explaining the “Proof” stance—providing data, evidence, or encouraging experiments to inform decisions.

E: Enablers (00:16:38)

Explaining the “Enablers” stance—helping the team by removing impediments or providing tools/templates.

E: Environment (00:20:28)

Explaining the “Environment” stance—changing systemic or environmental factors to influence team behavior.

D: Drivers (00:23:53)

Explaining the “Drivers” stance—exploring core values, motivations, and personal/team drivers for deeper change.

Recap and Application Tips (00:26:15)

Summary of the SPEED model, emphasising conscious choice and that no stance is inherently good or bad.

Template and Listener Engagement (00:28:10)

Announcement of a downloadable SPEED Coaching template and invitation for listener feedback.

Series Continuation and Call for Input (00:28:44)

Encouragement for listeners to suggest future topics and help shape the podcast’s direction.

Closing Remarks (00:29:49)

Thanking listeners, encouraging use of the technique, and signing off.