Reblogged with permission from Jem D'jelal, the original author of this content, as a contributor to blogagility.com. Originally published on LinkedIn June 18, 2016.
Jem D’jelal Coaching individuals & teams to find “better” ways of working.
Are we in a war?
Who is it, we’re exactly trying to kill?
Uncertainty?
The competitors?
Internal silos?
Human Resources?
Look, call me a hippie if you like.
But I don’t think of war when I think of agile or Scrum.
Language plays a big part in the type of energy you create in the work place.
And please, if your response is ” you’re looking into things too much..people know what I actually mean”… that’s complete BS.
Your intentions ain’t reality. Perception is reality.
When I was throwing around military phrases, I didn’t known until I’d left that some old peers would refer to me as the lieutenant or Rambo.
And yeah I laughed it off, but deep down I wondered why no one approached me.
Ouch. The truth hurts but what’s better than the truth? Taking action to be “better”.
So WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH AGILE?
Lots.
Loads.
Language especially in our domain is everything.
We’ll be seeing more change agents from psychology backgrounds then we will technical – because every problem is a human problem.
I mean look, Scrum especially & agile was inspired by people who wanted to create a workplace of empowerment, sustainable pace, collaboration, openness…in short it was not JUST about iterative delivery – it was also about creating a community of people where aggression to get what you needed was a thing of the past.
I find most military phrases aggressive.
That has an impact on behaviour.
I’m weening myself off of these.
How about you? Do you use any of these phrases? Can you add to this list?
THOSE MILITARY’ESQUE PHRASES.
Hit The Ground Running. Does this military analogy where paratroopers can land safely on their feet and immediately start running towards the T.A.R.G.E.T get you into that servant leader mode?
Boots On The Ground. “Boots on the ground”a phrase for combat troops deployed in a foreign country. Feeling relaxed & in the mood for collaboration with your peers yet?
War Room. Does this military headquarters where maps show the current status of troops in battle get you thinking: “Mmm collaboration over negotiation?”. MMmm.Nah.
All Guns Blazing. “To enter with great but reckless determination and energy”. Does this phrase get you into that relaxed, composed & non-judgemental mode? Got me all Zen like right now.
Shock Therapy. Though not military some of the Scrum guys like this. For your information.This sweet little phrase which is going to make you win lots of hearts was born through the treatment of Chronic mental conditions by electroconvulsive therapy by inducing physiological shock.
Block & tackle. Does the high impact sport of American football help you create that feeling of oneness with your Product Owner? “Can I just ask Dave the Developer..” BOOF. The ScrumMaster said NO.
AM I SAYING ALL MILITARY RELATED STUFF IS “BAD”.
I personally have a hard time relating the military to agile but there is some really interesting literature & experience out there which enriches the agile world (think “Team of Teams”).
THIS IS MORE ABOUT LANGUAGE IN GENERAL.
Words, phrases, sayings….I’m not trying to single out the Military. It’s just that Military phrases seem to be sooo common in the business world & have come along into the agile world along with people’s old habits.
I don’t think expressions which create a sense of aggression, force, over-guiding, coercion are useful for anyone trying to cultivate an environment which encourages empathy, compassion & understanding.
THESE BITS MADE ME STOP & THINK…
Non-violent communication by Marshall Rosenberg
The people’s Scrum by Tobias Mayer
This upcoming short course is something i’ll also be investing in:http://tinyurl.com/hulvrt8
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