The Mob Mentality Show

Leadership Wayfinding: The Organic Art of Pathmaking in the Unknown with Kevin Callahan

In this exciting episode of Mob Mentality, we are joined by the excellent Kevin Callahan, a master in Leadership Wayfinding. Join us as we explore the organic art of pathmaking in uncharted territories, and discover how to lead with confidence and adaptability in the face of unpredictability.
Episode Highlights:🧭 Learn the art of guiding your team through unfamiliar landscapes with skill and finesse.🔍 Uncover the fascinating history and metaphor behind the term "Wayfinding" and its relevance in leadership.📈 Why Wayfinding vs. Taylorist Style Big Upfront Plans: Delve into the contrast between and how the former thrives in complexity.🌌 Explore the interplay between complexity theory and the challenge of predictability in leadership.🔧 Equip yourself with strategies to navigate and adapt to unexpected changes with confidence.✅ Discover the power of checklists as tools for managing uncertainty and ambiguity in leadership.⚙️ Learn from real-world examples when managing changes that were too big and their consequences.📋 Utilize Kanban visualization and batch size experimentation for enhanced efficiency.💡 When Enterprise Coaching Goes Well and Goes Wrong 🔄 Learn how to embrace and recover from failed experiments, fostering a culture of growth and learning.🤝 Understand the importance of humility and radical candor in building strong leadership and consultant connections.🏢 Team vs. Enterprise Level Complexity🛣️ Master the art of making a rapid series of small decisions to maintain safety and stability.🎯 Enterprise Kanban and Visualization🔎 Leverage the Cynefin framework for informed decision-making in complex environments.🗣️ Enhance your coaching skills with effective probing, sensing, and responsive techniques.📏 Gain insights from queuing theory for optimizing workflow and productivity.🏭 Unravel the applicability of successful team-level practices at the enterprise level.🧪 Learn how to align with natural laws governing industries and systems for sustainable success.💼 Define and recognize value within the broader context of enterprise operations.⌛ Identify and minimize organizational wastes for streamlined efficiency.🤝 Examine enterprise collaboration practices between departments, groups, and workflows.🎼 Enterprise Ensembles?🏢 Embrace holistic perspectives by bringing the entire system together for meaningful dialogue and decision-making.
Join us for this insightful episode filled with strategies and practical wisdom on Leadership Wayfinding in an ever-changing world. Watch now and embark on your journey towards becoming a more agile and adaptable leader with Kevin Callahan as your guide. 
Video and show notes: https://youtu.be/qhbmDFpZ9Bk 

Crafting Agility: How to Assemble a Lightweight XP Team with Jim Speaker

Are you eager to assemble a lean and effective XP team? In this action-packed episode of Mob Mentality, we sit down with Jim Speaker to unravel the secrets of crafting agility within your organization. Join us as we delve into the art of creating a small XP team that's agile, proficient, and ready to craft code.
Episode Highlights:📝 Learn about job descriptions crafted to align with the agile XP principles and practices.🚀 Discover strategies to build a nimble and dynamic XP team, capable of navigating any challenge.📚 Gain valuable insights into the journey from crafting job descriptions to successfully hiring the right candidates.🤝 Unlock the potential of pair and mob programming during interviews to bring out the best in candidates.🎓 Create an environment where both candidates and interviewers can learn from each other.🛠️ Explore Jim's passion for craftsmanship, XP principles, and the art of dealing with legacy code.🧩 Unravel the dilemma of choosing between specific tech stacks and XP principles when hiring.🔥 Learn from Jim's experiences of dealing with challenges when hiring senior developers.🗣️ Decode the art of discerning authentic candidates from those who merely play buzzword games.🌟 Explore the advantages of hiring entry-level developers with a thirst for learning and growth.🧠 Embrace the essence of tacit expert knowledge and its impact on craftsmanship.🤼 Discover Jim's personal journey of overcoming pairing challenges and reaching new heights.🔄 Understand the journey of experimentation from Scrum to Kanban to No Estimates, and the insights gained along the way.⛓️ Grasp the concept of flow in an XP team using the conveyor belt analogy.🎣 A shoutout to Jim's Hatchpedia App built on the Uno Platform.
Tune in to this extraordinary episode filled with practical insights and actionable tips on building a lightweight XP team that thrives in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the passionate XP enthusiast, Jim Speaker. Subscribe now and embark on your journey towards crafting true agility within your team!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/NColnIZjqSs 

From Illusions to Competence: Insights from Neuroscience on Learning Alone and Together with Barbara Oakley

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Mob Mentality, where we jump into the world of learning, cognition, and neuroscience with the brilliant Barbara Oakley. Join us as we explore the secrets behind learning how to learn, which is essential in product development, tech, agile, engineering, and beyond.
In this mind-expanding conversation, Barbara Oakley will share valuable insights from her expertise in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Discover the science of learning as we unravel the illusions of competence that hinder cognitive growth. Learn how dopamine influences our motivation to learn and the role of retrieval in diagnosing intellectual development.
For all the tech enthusiasts out there, we'll explore the significance of code katas, computer programming, and practice enrichment in becoming a master of your craft. Understand the importance of mastering habits, learning facts, and utilizing cognitive psychology to enhance your learning process.
But that's not all – we'll delve into the world of group learning and mob skill development, where neuroscience plays a pivotal role in optimizing team performance. Uncover the power of interleaving techniques and how they contribute to accelerated learning.
Ever wondered about the impact of brain fatigue on learning and working? We've got you covered. With the lens of neuroscience, discover how efficiency is lost via task switching and learn about the fascinating concept of "supertaskers" in comparison to the rest of us.
Join us as we explore various methods of acquiring knowledge, including speaking, hearing, and typing, and uncover the science behind spaced repetition and Pomodoro.
Not forgetting the significance of sleep in the consolidation of knowledge and the refactoring of grey matter. We'll also discuss the responsible use of AI tools without negatively affecting human learning and problem-solving abilities.
Intrigued by why IQ may decline over time? Tune in to find out the reasons behind this phenomenon and how person formation during memorization and learning plays a significant role.
Are you ready to explore the "Map Habit" and its impact on knowledge retention? We'll also touch upon the surprising benefits of action video games on the elderly and their brains.
Prepare yourself for a knowledge-packed episode that will transform your understanding of learning, cognition, and the human brain. Join us for an unforgettable discussion with Barbara Oakley on Mob Mentality!
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support our channel and stay updated on more thought-provoking content.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/0kLX80LjaPQ 

The Improvement Paradox: Why Don’t We Improve and How to Overcome It with Eddie Bush

Welcome to the latest Mob Mentality Show episode, where we dive deep into the world of improvement and overcoming obstacles. In this episode we are joined by special guest Eddie Bush to explore "The Improvement Paradox: Why Don't We Improve and How to Overcome It."
Join us as we uncover the reasons behind our struggles with improvement, including the delays between cause and effect, the psychology of quality flip flops, and the fear of change. We'll also discuss the false shortcuts to improvement and the chain of pressure cookers that hinder progress. 
Delve into the concept of Lean Flow Thinking and the importance of focusing on the whole system rather than what is easy to measure. We'll also explore the diametric opposition between leadership goals and improvement, as well as the empathy required for leadership transformation.
Discover the joy of an XP (Extreme Programming) shop and the apparently necessary non-XP experiences to become an XP person. We'll also touch upon the foundation of solid product quality and the correlation between speed, quality, and customer retention.
Uncover the benefits of measuring improvement via DORA metrics and unlocking product experimentation. Learn about the prerequisites for transformation and the vital role of coaching in improvement, including the player/coach dynamic and the economy of trust.
Explore the challenges of coaching impostor syndrome and setting improvement work-in-progress limits. We'll also tackle the importance of buy-in at the top for successful change and the impact of Westrum culture on improvement efforts.
Join us as we discuss the necessity of creating space for improvement, the relationship between safety and improvement, and the role of delivery in enabling improvement. We'll even touch upon Code Craft Saturdays and Sundays, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and practice.
Tune in to this enlightening episode filled with valuable insights and strategies to overcome the improvement paradox. Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your own improvement journey!Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/oP-v_FwNCFg  

The Magic of FizzBuzz: Why It Reigns as the King of Code Katas with Steve Kuo

Join Chris and Austin in this episode of The Mob Mentality show as they explore the captivating world of code katas with special guest Steve Kuo. Uncover the secret behind the reigning king of them all: FizzBuzz. Delve into a conversation about deliberate practice, motivation, grit, and feedback. Discover the art of becoming a master in any field and unravel the immense value of repetition and focus.Explore the concept of how much repetition is necessary for mastery and whether it can have a negative impact on team motivation. Brace yourself for tales of katas gone wrong and the common misunderstandings surrounding code katas.
Gain insight into the key mindset required for successful katas and learn the importance of starting with the question, "What am I going to practice today?" Dive into the world of pair, mob, and collaborative katas, and understand their significance in honing your skills.
But why is FizzBuzz hailed as the best code kata around? Unearth its remarkable versatility as a tool not only for learning programming languages but also for grasping design patterns and daily warmups. Discover how FizzBuzz can even teach you the art of ensemble and serve as a psychological safety tool.
Explore the connection between grit and craftsmanship, and contemplate the question: "Are you what you do when no one is watching?" Uncover the intriguing phenomenon of semantic diffusion within the world of craftsmanship and how it influences our perception of skill.
Lastly, Steve ends with a teaser on the six-minute interview. Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in the magic of FizzBuzz and the transformative power of deliberate practice.Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/tCXwUJTvo6I 

Mob Programming with AI on Test Automation with Parker Barrett and Aaron Griffith

In this exciting episode with Parker Barrett and Aaron Griffith, we dive into the world of Mob Programming with AI on Test Automation. After a quick intro on Mob Programming, we explore the benefits of testing with both human friends and robot friends. We'll share our fascinating origin story of Mobbing with a Robot and explore how AI can drive test development in an ensemble. Discover how testing with robots can help us uncover ZOMBIES and learn about the limitations and warnings of this approach. Watch an AI Mobbing Demo where ChatGPT generates a Flutter app with unit tests, and witness the power of AI-generated test ZOMBIES using Copilot. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of AI, Mob Programming, and Test Automation!
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/EGySAVY2atE 

Joy of Agility with Joshua Kerievsky

Welcome to a transformative episode featuring the remarkable Joshua Kerievsky, where we unlock the secrets to finding joy in agility. Join us as we embark on a journey through life, business, and tech, discovering the Wooden Way to balance, resilience, and rapid adaptation.
Prepare to hear about the power of combining short stories and principles as Joshua shares insights on selling the invisible. Explore the art of being poised to adapt in the face of unexpected events, as illustrated by a Richard Branson story.
Say goodbye to heroics as we dive into the world of agility and ensembles, witnessing the incredible learning and interpersonal wins that arise from embracing collaboration and diversity of opinion. Discover the importance of taking responsibility for your own learning, accompanied by an intriguing "It Was All Greek to Me" story.
Uncover the perils of learned helplessness and the liberating potential of rapid experimentation. But the journey doesn't end there. Join us as we explore the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, feedback, and the art of naming, all while reflecting on the timeless significance of great books, ensembles, classical education, and "Classic Agile."
Don't miss this episode where passion, agility, and wisdom collide. 
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/A-tGM6BQilc  

The 4th Habit of a Highly Effective Mobber: Think Win-Win (7 Habits)

Join us as we explore unlocking true collaboration with the win-win mindset in the fourth habit of a highly effective mobber. We share experiences on the pitfalls of win-lose and lose-win scenarios within a mob and uncover the spirit of abundance versus scarcity mentality. After walking through the principles of "win-win or no deal" and the benefits of high consideration and high courage within a mob, we cover the challenges of low courage or low consideration. In response we share strategies for coaching and helping ensembles overcome these hurdles. Lastly, come discover the nuances of win-win internally within a mob vs. inter-team collaboration.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/_1aFo2Ti42I  

Supercharge Your Internship Program with Mob Programming: From Interview to Full-Time Hire

Join us as we explore the transformative benefits of mob programming in a software dev internship program, taking you on a journey from interviews to potential full-time hires.
Discover how we interview 10-20 intern candidates at once using mob programming, revolutionizing the way we assess their skills and potential. Explore the pros and cons of interns joining existing mobs versus having an independent intern-only mob, and learn the key steps to prepare for the intern mob experience.
We deep-dive into the essential aspects of intern mob onboarding, project selection, and the crucial roles of intern mob coaches. We share how we witnessed the incredible growth as interns present their end-of-project demonstrations and gain valuable "agile" training at the culmination of their internship. But the journey doesn't end there – we delve into the exciting possibilities that follow the internship. 
Don't miss this episode that combines the power of mob programming, internships, and agile practices. Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/5B7xaAEV3GI 

Unleashing the Power of Living Documentation and FOSS with Steven Baker

Get ready to explore the dynamic world of living documentation and open source software in this episode with Steven Baker. Join us as we uncover the benefits and challenges of executable documentation and how it helps to keep your team's knowledge in sync. Discover the origins of the "describe/it" pattern and RSpec, and learn how to infuse domain into your tests for enhanced understanding.
Next we turn our attention to the implications of GPL and "Copy Left" licenses, and gain valuable tips on understanding your responsibilities within the FOSS licensing landscape. We also touch on the fascinating intersection of AI and open source software, avoiding open source developer burnout, and seeking help within the FOSS community. But that's not all – are you curious about remote work from remote places? We briefly discuss the joys of remote work. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation filled with practical advice, experiences, and valuable insights.
Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/2UPXM8B3BnQ