The Mob Mentality Show

Remote Cross Continent Mob Programming with Jeff Langr, Nick Goede, Merlijn Tishauser

Set out on a journey across continents in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, where we explore the dynamic realm of remote cross-continent mob programming. Join our guests Jeff Langr, Nick Goede, and Merlijn Tishauser as they share stories and insights from their year-long collaboration on a front-end project.
🌐 **Episode Highlights:**
**Navigating Time Zones:** Explore the intricacies of establishing core working hours in a cross-continent ensemble. Uncover how the team managed flexibility and handled work outside of these core hours, featuring insights into maintaining a relaxed yet productive schedule.
**Fluid Team Dynamics:** Learn how the mob coped with the dynamic flow of people coming and going. Understand strategies for a more flexible and adaptable team/mob schedule, fostering a collaborative environment that thrives on change.
**Optimal Mob Size:** Join the discussion on the optimal mob size for maximum engagement and productivity. Delve into the impact of day-to-day variance in mob size, and discover how automation and various roles can contribute to efficient mobbing, especially when mobbing on "pixels."
**Outsourced Mob Challenges:** Understand the client collaboration patterns in an outsourced mob setting. Navigate the challenges of being a team without access to internal people/resources.
**Remote vs. In-Person Collaboration:** Compare the experiences of remote and in-person collaboration, examining the unique dynamics of XP mobs interacting with potentially non-agile stakeholders. Explore the joy of mobbing and building trust through seamless delivery despite system challenges.
Tune in for a compelling exploration of remote cross-continent mob programming and discover the delight that emerges amidst the complexities of global collaboration. Don't miss this episode packed with real-world experiences and insights from seasoned technical coaches! 🌍🚀
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/6jI-VI8-TLU  

Mob Programming in Summer of Nix 2023 with Lorenz, Dawn, Valentin, Albert, and Auguste

Embark on an immersive exploration of Mob Programming in the Summer of Nix 2023 in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show. Joining us are participants Lorenz, Dawn, Valentin, Albert, and Auguste as they unravel the intricacies of this unique collaborative experience.
🚀 **Episode Highlights:**
**Understanding Nix and the Summer of Nix Program**   - Gain insights into the fundamentals of Nix and an introduction to the Summer of Nix program. Explore how ensemble programming is utilized to learn, collaborate, and tackle issues across a spectrum of technologies.
**Mobbing to Learn: Navigating the Nix Community and NixOS Project**   - Dive into the fascinating world of mob programming as a tool to efficiently onboard less experienced programmers. Discover how the Summer of Nix acts as a gateway to the Nix community and the expansive NixOS project.
**Open Source Collaboration Challenges: From Visibility to Accessibility**   - Uncover the general challenges faced in a program like Summer of Nix, focusing on making open source work more visible and accessible. Explore the redundancy and social commitment benefits of mobs when collectively working on impactful open-source projects.
**A Ride through Summer of Nix: Past Editions vs. 2023**   - Take a comparative journey through the previous editions of Summer of Nix and the unique aspects defining the 2023 edition. Learn about the dynamics of helping project authors get their work "taken for a ride" through collaborative efforts.
Tune in to this illuminating episode for an insider's perspective on the Summer of Nix 2023, where mob programming becomes a catalyst for knowledge-sharing, problem-solving, and fostering a vibrant open-source community. Don't miss out on the camaraderie and insights shared by our awesome panel. 🌟 
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/VnT5VxMFGAI 

A Dispassionate Tour of Complexity, Imprecision, and Unprofessionalism with Seb Rose

Dive into a thought-provoking episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we embark on a dispassionate tour of complexity, imprecision, and unprofessionalism with the insightful Seb Rose.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
**Beyond "Best Practices"**: Challenge the fallacy of "best practices" as Seb Rose unveils a pragmatic perspective on navigating the intricate world of software development. Explore the implications of the Cynefin Framework and learn the art of offering advice in a pattern format, promoting a culture of learning over dogmatic adherence.
**Dispassionate Professionalism**: Discover the difference between passion, professionalism, enthusiasm, and grit. Explore the realms of dispassionate professionalism, the allure of fast universal answers, and the power of vulnerability.
**Sustainability & Agility**: Join us as we reflect on the relation between sustainability, agile conferences, lean, computing, and remote mob programming. 
Tune in for an enriching conversation that explores navigating complexity with a dispassionate yet engaged mindset. 🚀
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/VfZfBDidNXE 

Collaborating with AI: Insights from David Bernstein’s New Book

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we delve into the fascinating realm of collaborating with AI. Our guest, David Bernstein, is the co-author of a new book on prompt engineering, and he's here to provide key insights into mastering the art of working with AI.
📚 Episode Highlights:
**Prompt Engineering for Everyone**: David introduces the concept of prompt engineering and highlights the universal applicability of this skill.
**A Glimpse into David's New Book**: Get a sneak peek into David's latest book, co-authored with AI 🤖. Learn how it can empower you to become a proficient collaborator with AI systems.
**Unlocking AI Collaboration for All**: Explore the scope of the book, covering prompt engineering from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels, making AI collaboration accessible to all.
**Treating AI as a Human**: David discusses the importance of approaching AI as if it were a human, enabling effective collaboration and communication.
**Common Pitfalls and Challenges**: David sheds light on common pitfalls to avoid when engaging with AI/LLM systems.
**Exploring Prompt Nuances**: Delve into the subtleties of prompt engineering techniques, encompassing both open-ended and close-ended prompts.
**AI Collaboration Beyond Coding**: David shares fascinating insights into using prompt engineering for diverse domains.
**Thriving with AI**: Discover how AI can be a valuable asset for software developers, aiding in prototyping and problem-solving.
Tune in for an illuminating discussion on the power of prompt engineering and effective collaboration with AI. Whether you're a coding enthusiast or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode will provide valuable insights into the AI landscape. Don't miss it! 🤖🎙️
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/tYGRT4clt88  

A Less Technical Coach’s Guide to Effective Mobbing with Nazee Hajebi

Join us for an expansive episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we jump into effective mob programming with a twist: facilitating as a less technical coach. We are joined by Nazee Hajebi as she brings this fresh perspective into the world of ensemble programming.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
**Starting the Mob Journey**: Nazee shares her real-life experiences and insights into helping teams kickstart their mob programming journey.
**Obstacles and Overcoming**: Discover the common obstacles Nazee faced as a non-technical coach and learn her valuable tips for overcoming these challenges. Find out how to tackle the fear of other developers and the art of establishing an experimental mindset that encourages trying twice before saying "no forever."
**Setting the Stage**: Learn the crucial steps to set the stage effectively before diving into a mob programming session. Identify common anti-patterns and pitfalls of the first mob session and how to steer clear of them.
**Why Non-Tech Coaches Mob**: Understand the compelling reasons why non-technical scrum masters or coaches should try facilitating mobbing sessions. Explore the value of mobbing and whether it's a waste of time from a non-tech perspective. Compare a 2-week pull request process to all tasks completed in the same day with mobbing.
**Domain First**: Uncover the importance of helping the mob speak in plain language, demystifying complex technical jargon.
**Vulnerability and Growth**: Learn the power of demonstrating vulnerability and fostering a growth mindset within the mob. Delve into coaching anxiety in a mob and the deliberate purpose of each mob session. Discover the art of coaching not just on code but also on effective communication and collaboration.
**Mentoring the Mentors**: Nazee's insights into mentoring other non-tech coaches to facilitate mobs and lower the bar for what it takes to be a great mob coach.
**Tech Allies and Tech Learning**: The role of having a tech ally within the mob session and the when, why, and how of starting with simple problems like "fizz buzz." Learn the process of non-technical coaches learning tech as they facilitate mobs.
Tune in to gain unique insights into effective mob programming from a non-technical angle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering collaborative and productive teams, regardless of their technical background. Don't miss it! 🌟Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/9OHBV9GSJJQ  

Mastering the High Stakes Arena: A Story of Mobbing Under Pressure with Giovanni Asproni

Welcome to an adrenaline-pumping episode of The Mob Mentality Show! In this captivating installment, titled "Mastering the High Stakes Arena: A Story of Mobbing Under Pressure with Giovanni Asproni," we dive into the thrilling world of Mob Programming in high-pressure environments.
Join us as we embark on an exploration of high stakes work, dissecting the very definition of what "high stakes" truly means. Giovanni Asproni takes us on a roller-coaster ride through his enthralling story of Mob Programming under the intense pressure of a high-stakes scenario. 
Discover the challenges and triumphs faced during those critical first moments with a new team amidst a high-stakes project. Giovanni provides insights into the diverse skill sets and experience levels within and outside the mob, shedding light on whether the decision to mob was driven by the high stakes or not.
Uncover the significance of bugs in high-stakes products, and the accessibility and security constraints in this specific situation. In the midst of high-stakes work, Giovanni emphasizes the unwavering commitment to quality, exemplified by full Test-Driven Development (TDD) and the art of story slicing.
Delve into the world of unorthodox design for observability and the dynamics of decision-making in high-pressure mob settings. Explore the rapid shift to radical candor while the pressure mounts and learn strategies for managing stress within the ensemble.
Giovanni shares his experiences of mobbing under pressure with unfamiliar team members, touching upon the role of a team/mob firewall/gatekeeper and the value of pairing during meetings. Gain insights into overcoming major challenges when mobbing versus working solo and the critical importance of the bus factor and resilience in high-stakes endeavors.
Unearth the secrets behind maintaining high automation levels and Giovanni's epic 16-hour mobbing marathon learning Terraform. Discover the nuanced approach to TDD within the mob while having manual testing support outside of it.
And yes, we even explore the surreal scenario of having a prime minister as a major stakeholder - you won't want to miss that story! Join us as we discuss their race against time to deliver and authentically demonstrate lean principles within the mob.
Uncover the concept of "Productive Paranoia," and understand the impact of real vs. artificial crisis modes on work dynamics. Is it possible to channel the benefits of crisis-mode work into non-crisis projects without causing destruction? Giovanni shares his thoughts not only on this but also on coaching in a crisis and whether non-XP ways of working naturally lead to crises.
Don't miss this high-energy, high-insight episode as we unravel the secrets of how a team mastered a high-stakes arena through Mob Programming. Tune in and immerse yourself in the world of ensemble teaming like never before! 
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/-tgjrd8sL2U 

Revolutionizing Education: Agile@School® Methodology Unveiled with André De Sousa

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Mob Mentality Show! In this episode with André De Sousa we dive deep into the innovative approach of Agile@School® methodology and its transformative impact on education.
Join us as we explore various facets of this groundbreaking methodology, including pairing and mobbing within the school environment, the criteria for selecting pairs/mobs and granting autonomy to students. André De Sousa sheds light on how work is allocated and curated, alongside discussions on eduScrum, curriculum, excellence, and code quality.
Discover student reactions to newfound autonomy, the significance of reflection and retro cadence, and the broader scope of the methodology across different educational settings. André shares insights into the integration of Agile@School® in coding schools, emphasizing its unique aspects compared to traditional educational experiences.
We unravel the remarkable journey of a school story, evolving from a modest start to educating 450 students within six years, some of whom began with no prior coding experience. Listen as we explore the pivotal roles of mentors, their inspiring influence on students, and how former students contribute by teaching current peers.
Intrigued by the logistics of "20% Google Time," apprenticeships during degree programs, and subsequent job offers post-degree? André discusses experimentation, failure, Kanban Gemba Walk, and constructive feedback mechanisms among students.
Learn about the impressive results achieved by the school by the third and fifth year, the emotional responses and feedback from students, and the ambitious scaling to two classrooms. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into a methodology reshaping the educational landscape.
Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion that could revolutionize the way we perceive and approach education. Don't miss this episode of The Mob Mentality Show!
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/c0tRUTQkPV0 

MicroObjects with Quinn Gil

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Mob Mentality Show! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of MicroObjects with the creator himself, Quinn Gil. Prepare to unravel the intricacies of object-oriented programming practices taken to the next level.
In this episode, we embark on an exploratory journey covering a multitude of key aspects:
Mastering MicroObjects & OOP: Quinn guides us through the world of MicroObjects and how they dial up traditional object-oriented programming practices.
SRP to the Extreme!: Quinn explains how MicroObjects takes the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) to new heights, making emergent design and evolutionary architecture unavoidable.
Ruthless Refactoring: Discover the art of ruthless refactoring - a key practice that MicroObjects emphasizes for keeping code highly resistant to code rot.
Knowledge Transfer to Code: Learn effective methods for having a representation for every concept exist in the code.
MicroObjects Principles Debated: Join us as we discuss many of the key MicroObjects principles including no 'new' inline, no primitives, composition over inheritance, no enums, no constructor logic, wrapping 3rd party code, and preventing yourself from doing bad things. 
Persuading Others to Try MicroObjects: Quinn shares insights into effectively persuading your team to try MicroObjects, highlighting its benefits and advantages including stuff getting done faster.
Defeating the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Understand to overcome the sunk cost fallacy with code, leading to better decision-making in development.
TDD and Design Discovery: Explore the powerful synergy between Test-Driven Development (TDD) and design discovery, and how it can enhance your development process.
Join us for an engaging conversation packed with wisdom and expertise, as we unravel the secrets of MicroObjects and its impact on software development. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing your coding practices and elevating your projects to the next level.
Tune in now to unlock the potential of MicroObjects!Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/W6C1C9i78Ec  

The 5th Habit of a Highly Effective Mobber: Empathetic Listening (7 Habits)

Join us in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show where we venture into the realm of fostering deep listening and understanding within mob programming. In this discussion, we unveil the profound 5th Habit of a Highly Effective Mobber: Empathetic Listening, drawing inspiration from Stephen R. Covey's timeless "7 Habits" book. 
🎧 Episode Highlights:
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Exploring Covey's fundamental principle and its profound impact on effective communication.
Empathy Pathways through Patterns and Diagrams: From "Everyone Draws" Patterns to Causal Loop Diagrams and Decision Trees - navigating empathy for enhanced understanding.
Literary Wisdom on Empathy: Delving into a powerful empathy quote from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and its timeless relevance.
Empathy Mocked: Uncovering humor and lessons in fake "Reflective Listening" from The Office sitcom 😅.
Autobiographical Listening: Understanding its pitfalls and the path to true empathy in our listening approach.
Mob Programming and Empathetic Driver/Navigator Pattern: How this naturally embeds reflective listening, promoting empathy in the team.
Philosophical Musings: Reflecting on the epistemological empathy question, "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?"
Benefits Beyond Perfection: Acknowledging the gains of empathy, even in imperfect attempts, and its positive impact on team building.
Tune in and enrich your understanding of the 5th Habit - an essential pillar for every highly effective mobber. 🌟Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/RqazNQKZ0bM 

Journey to Joy: Tracking Happiness and The Satir Change Model

Join us in this episode of the Mob Mentality Show as we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of happiness tracking and its correlation with the Satir Change Model. Delve into the world of team dynamics, psychology, and the power of tracking in both in-person and remote mob settings.
Episode Highlights:- 🌟 Uncover the origin story and the overview of happiness tracking within mobs.- 🌍 Explore the differences between tracking in-person versus remote.- 📊 Analyze the comparison of tracking data for individuals versus a visual representation encompassing an entire organizational spectrum.- 🔄 Understand how tracking acts as a catalyst for experimentation and continuous improvement within mob environments.- 🗓️ Gain insights into the contrasting approaches of tracking recent versus long-term happiness trends and their implications on team dynamics.- 💬 Explore the need for Radical Candor and Psychological Safety while tracking happiness.- 🎯 Delve into the intriguing question: Is tracking happiness synonymous with tracking the Satir Change Model?- 🧩 Unlock the potential of pattern thinking for happiness tracking.- 🚨 Discover how tracking serves as an indicator for identifying mobs in need of support and intervention.- 🤔 Tracking necessary in a healthy mob with frequent mini-retros?- 🗣️ Learn about the crucial role tracking plays in unearthing silent dissatisfaction and fostering open communication within mobs.- 🌟 Gain valuable insights through real-life examples of coaching based on varying levels of happiness, from low to high.
Tune in to this episode that explores the intersection of happiness tracking and the Satir Change Model. Equip yourself with practical knowledge and actionable strategies to foster joy and well-being within your team or organization. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative journey toward a happier, more effective mob environment! 
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/yBuwU-QwBSc