What can An Agile Coach Learn from Ted Lasso? with Justin Thatil

Agile Coaches' Corner

This week, Dan Neumann is joined by Justin Thatil to discuss the connection between the popular series that just came to an end called Ted Lasso, and Agile Coaching. In this episode, Dan and Justin dive deep into Ted Lasso’s messages which are filled with wisdom. They analyze the many parallels that can be found in the main character’s approach to bring about change. His humorous ways of connecting with others amongst his many other tactics are certainly good examples that Agile Coaches can model after. (FYI: Relax! There are no spoilers contained in this episode!)

Key Takeaways

• Working in conditions of uncertainty:

• Ted says, “I can fill two internets with the things I don’t know about football.” which reflects the uncertainty that many Agile Coaches experience when they take on specific projects, specifically when doing brand-new product creation.

• An Agile Coach has to move forward even in conditions of uncertainty.

• The end goal needs to be clearly defined.

• When Ted starts his job, even his boss sets him up for failure.

• What does it mean for an organization to “be Agile”? What does success look like under Agile principles?

• Effective vs. Efficient:

• Sometimes the help available is good enough to move forward while waiting for an expert could be an unnecessary waste of time and delay in finding the solution to the problem at hand.

• Be willing to experiment; sticking too much to your expertise could prevent your Team from moving forward.

• Achieve Engagement:

• First, Ted tries to heal the Team’s dynamics.

• “You don’t have to be best friends to be good Teammates.”

• Creating a safe environment:

• Ted starts with the “suggestion box.” Sometimes it is easier to speak our minds anonymously.

• Check for alignment:

• An Agile coach needs to make sure that she/he is in alignment with what the Team also considers a priority.

• Innovators, early adaptors, and laggers:

• Ted appears to be against a number of laggers.

• There is a need for early victories, celebrating those small wins is valuable in order to achieve the overall goal.

• Believe!

• You have to believe things can happen, things can change!

• Have a 10-second memory like Goldfish: Let go! Don’t let your emotions take over.

• Strive for excellence but don’t get paralyzed by the circumstance.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures: Simple Rules to Unleash A Culture of Innovation, by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless.

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