Conflict in Agile Teams

Sydney Agile &Scrum User Group @JemBen

& @FrankLetsBe

Community

Venue

Conferences

Encore ! Sydney 2 October

http://www.agileencore.com/

http://www.scrum.com.au/2014/

Your Story: - Where were you when you RSVP?

!

- Who did you think about when you pressed “Yes”?

!

What brought you here?

“Well, what if not everybody on this team is worthy of respect?”

“At the very least, can we just have minimal respect for everyone here?”

http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596518028.do

“Conflict is inevitable !”

People interaction over process and tools

Working software over comprehensive documentation

Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

Reacting to change over following a plan

Acknowledging the Agile Context

http://agilemanifesto.org/

Agile 2014 - InfoQ - Second Keynote - Best Job Ever

http://www.infoq.com/news/2014/08/agile2014-keynote-best-job

Influential factors for interpersonal relationship and

collaboration…

Competitive GoalsMisunderstanding of job / requirements

Interdependence Feedback mechanismConflict of interest

Disagreement about execution StrategyBlame Culture

Fear of Failure Seeking recognition

Lack of Focus

Performance appraisal mechanism

Common Causes of Team Conflict

http://www.infoq.com/research/dealing-with-team-conflicts

Cost of Conflict !What is the cost of delaying the conflict discussion?

Transforming conflict into constructive disagreement

- Ignore

- Win / Lose

- Lose / Win

- Lose / Lose

- Win / Win

What is the problem ?Do we agree?

Do we have the same perspective?Do we agree?

Do we have the same understanding on how to solve it?

Do we agree?

How do you see it ?

U N D E R S T A N D I N G C O N F L I C T 25

How Do You See It? OBJECTIVES• To understand our perception of conflict• To consider a different perspective on conflict • To learn techniques to better handle conflict • To build trust

Group SizeAny

MaterialsOne copy of the Conflict—How Do You See It? handout (provided) for each participant, pens

Time30 to 40 minutes

ProcedureConflict can provide the spark that often leads to better solutions, creativ-ity, and collaboration. This activity helps team members to: (1) become more comfortable with conflict, (2) consider the positive aspects of con-flict, and (3) understand the possible benefits to themselves and the team. Have participants pair up. Provide each person with a copy of the hand-out. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for partners to interview each other. Follow with a group discussion of the interviews and then go over the discussion questions.

TipsFollow this activity with the game Positive Spin.

VariationsHave team members switch partners every three questions to increase the level of trust within the team.

- Exercise as a Game -

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Conflict-Resolution-Games-Communication/dp/0071742247

OBJECTIVES

• To understand our perception of conflict • To consider a different perspective on conflict • To share &learn techniques to better handle conflict • To build trust

Exchange time

1. How do you define conflict? !!2. What is your typical response to conflict? !!3. What is your greatest strength when dealing with

conflict? 4.

4. If you could change one thing about the way you handle conflict, what would it be? Why?

!!5. What is the most important outcome of conflict? !!6. In what ways have you seen your team benefit from

conflict?

7. How can conflict be detrimental to a team? !!8. What do you do when someone avoids conflict with you? !!9. What are some reasons you choose to avoid conflict? !!10. What can you do to promote a healthy attitude toward

conflict within your team?

Discussion time

Were your partner’s perspective different from yours?

- Debriefing questions -

What were some things you learned by considering another’s perspective?

- Debriefing questions -

Does discussing conflict like this make it “ less scary” ?

- Debriefing questions -

Is conflict good or bad ?

- Debriefing questions -

What are some ways in which conflict is detrimental to the team ?

- Debriefing questions -

What are some ways in which conflict enriches the team?

- Debriefing questions -

Which level of conflict are you facing ?http://mikecohnsignatureseries.com/books/coaching-agile-teams

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni

http://www.tablegroup.com/books/dysfunctions

“Embrace the idea that conflict CAN be positive”

The intension shapes the outcome

Working out the collaboration Muscle !