Training Series - How Great Scrum Masters Handle Process Resistance - Part-1

Turning Team Resistance into Teaching Opportunities

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I’m Vibhor, and welcome to the 🔒 subscriber-only edition 🔒 of my weekly Training Series powered by Winning Strategy.

This week’s training - How to address “process-related” concerns within teams.

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For Scrum Masters handling Scrum or, in general, “Process” related concerns is more a rule than an exception. Often, these concerns are more like strong resistance from the team. What underpins this resistance, however, is rooted deep within our neurobiology.

Ever wondered why introducing Scrum or any other Agile process can sometimes feel like trying to turn a cat into a dog lover?

Note: This post is not about psychology, but understanding the brain activity of team members is crucial for handling resistance effectively.

Science has some cool insights for us. Turns out, our brains are kind of like cats – they're not big fans of sudden changes.

Dr. Srini Pillay from Harvard did some digging and found that our brain sees unpredictability, much like we see that unexpected item in the baggage area (yep, it's a bit freaked out).

It's all about our brain's "worry-wart" center, the amygdala, getting jumpy with the unknown. So, when your team grumbles about this event or that ceremony, it's not just about Scrum – it's their inner brain cat hissing at a new dog!

But here’s the good stuff.

With a dash of neuroscience know-how, Scrum Masters can make that brain-cat purr, turning resistance into a harmonious team chorus. Let's dive in and see 10 scenarios showcasing the art of handling (navigating) resistance by great Scrum Masters.