BONUS: Improving Scrum with Kanban! With Todd Little & Joey Spooner

Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

In this BONUS episode, we delve into the merging of Scrum and Kanban with Todd Little, Chairman at Kanban University, and Joey Spooner, Vice President of Product Management at Kanban University. Join us as we uncover the journey and strategies behind integrating Scrum and Kanban to replace project management and enhance team productivity.

The Genesis of Agile and Kanban Integration

"Finding the right balance between Scrum and Kanban came from a need to handle uncertainty in tech projects better," explains Todd.

Both leaders discuss their initial encounters with agile methodologies and how challenges in their projects led them to innovate and blend Scrum with Kanban to improve flexibility and responsiveness.

Understanding Scrum and Kanban

"There's a historical divide between the Scrum and Kanban communities, but bridging them can significantly enhance how teams operate." Notes Joey.

They break down the fundamental aspects of Scrum and Kanban, explaining how each contributes uniquely to managing projects and how combining them can mitigate the limitations of using one over the other.

Real-World Benefits of a Hybrid Approach

Todd shares a case study from Vanguard, highlighting their "Scrum stall" and how integrating Kanban principles like mapping work flows and setting WIP limits dramatically improved cycle times and overall efficiency. Joey adds, "Visualizing work and adjusting processes to reduce bottlenecks, especially in QA, transformed our team dynamics and output."

Challenges and Insights in Combining Methodologies

"Start where you are, and evolve incrementally," advises Todd

Todd and Joey emphasize the importance of recognizing current practices and gradually introducing Kanban elements to enhance Scrum frameworks. Joey reflects on early challenges in adoption, suggesting a cautious approach to avoid overwhelming teams and to foster more sustainable improvements.

Navigating Change and Resistance

The discussion touches on managing resistance to change. Todd and Joey highlight strategies like using historical data for forecasting and focusing on evolutionary change to gain buy-in from stakeholders and team members, ensuring a smoother integration of practices.

What Does Agile Look Like, When We Push it to 11?

Looking ahead, Todd envisions a focus on refining product discovery processes to make workplaces more dynamic and fulfilling. Both speakers emphasize the importance of continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of current agile practices to maximize their impact.

Learn More and Connect

To explore more about integrating Scrum with Kanban and to connect with Todd and Joey, visit the Kanban University website or find them on LinkedIn (see links below). Also, don't miss the upcoming Product Owner Summit for more insights from industry leaders.

About Todd Little

Todd Little is the Chairman of Kanban University, a seasoned executive, and a pioneer in lean and agile methodologies. His extensive experience in leading technology developments and his contributions as an author and speaker have positioned him as a key figure in global project management circles.

You can link with Todd Little on LinkedIn and connect with Todd Little on Twitter.

About Joey Spooner

Joey Spooner is the Vice President of Product Management at Kanban University, with a rich background in managing complex projects across various industries. He holds a degree from the University of Florida and is known for his innovative approaches to community development and product management.

You can link with Joey Spooner on LinkedIn.