Session Title

Engagement is Essential

Abstract

"Without passion, nobody cares."

"Without responsibility, nothing gets done."

Sound familiar? Forcing smart people to do agile practices without asking is not the best way to "transform" a company or engage the people. Forcing 'agile' is actually quite DUMB.

A better approach might be to demonstrate respect for people, by including the folks in the decision to change. Imagine including people in the decision.

Executives that have seen forced-march 'agile transformation' fail in a big way will get the most out of this session.

We'll run down what it takes to engage people, why engaging people is essential, how everyone needs a sense of control, and belonging, and how to explain all of this stuff to executive decision-makers in 3 minutes. Just like that.

We'll also discuss why the issue of imposing change on people is by far the largest "elephant in the room" of the worldwide Agile industry. And how otherwise outspoken "thought leader" incumbents who have absolutely nothing to say about this are in fact perpetuating the problem.

Everyone exists with a toolkit of PDF checklists from my classes, and also some other resources. When we discuss tools, we'll be focusing on the use of Open Space Technology to bring some humanity and indeed, some fun....to the difficult task of organizational change.

Those who are wondering when things are going to change will get the most from this session.

Bio

Coaching executives and teams in Agile since 2006, Daniel Mezick leads Improving Agility. Daniel has guided dozens of organizations in the art and science of Agile improvement. An author and co-author of three books on organization change, Daniel is a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences and events.

Daniel Mezick is the originator of OpenSpace Agility, an engagement model for enabling authentic and lasting organizational improvement. He is also an Advisory Board member and co-Founder of The Open Leadership Network, a certification body and community of practice dedicated to implementing Open patterns and practices inside business enterprises worldwide.