• Tag Archives learning

  • 5 Steps For How To Develop A Confidence Stack

    Posted on by Tim

    Countering imposter syndrome is tough. The steps below are ways to develop a confidence stack and they are worth a read.

    1. Be willing to suck for a while
    2. Find a coach or mentor who will push you
    3. Do the reps
    4. Take small, measured risks
    5. Rinse and repeat

    The concept of stacking isn’t new. If you ever played with Lego blocks, you know how stacking works.

    Lego Technic BMW motorcycle

    By design, a stack adds up to form something out of parts. The saying, “the sum of the whole is greater than its parts.” reveals a result of stacking.

    When I was searching for a way to break from childhood to adulthood, the military provided a way. The process of becoming a Sailor is stacking by building confidence based on an old and new experiences.

    I understood American history from school. I stacked Navy history and tradition on my previous learning.

    Using the same process, the Navy stacked on physical education. As well, it stacked on basic math and added basic engineering.

    Develop a confidence stack

    We all have abilities and skills. Some we are born with. Others we develop over time.

    As we learn, we build or stack on basic structures. As a result, each new concept connects with a prior concept and triggers a neurochemical response.

    The five steps listed above acknowledge learning is tough. As we get older, we become risk-averse.

    Some avoidance might come from fear. Other exclusion might come from ego. It doesn’t matter where the response comes from, it has to be evaluated and understood.

    Our brains are conditioned to side-step danger when it’s possible. However, most of life in modern times is not dangerous in the pure sense.

    So, we have to make an effort to override survival instinct. In effect, we’re rewiring instinct with logic to build confidence by taking calculated risks.

    It all starts with willingness. Are you ready to suck at something new to build confidence?


    📂This entry was posted in Teamwork Training 📎and tagged

  • Learning Made Easy For Hard Heads Like Mine

    Posted on by Tim

    This was originally posted on LinkedIn. A Scrum training learning enhancement tool I endorse.

    Actual game results

    Learning is my thing. It just is. I enjoy concept application as much as the experience of expanding the boundaries of my understanding.

    What about you?

    My interest leads me to continually improve my skills as a Scrum Master. As a result, playing games are complimentary to my willingness to learn. 

    I was introduced to a tool that may enable Scrum teams to learn by practice.

    Scrum training – online scrum card game

    Tim, the creator of Scrum Card Game – Scrum Simulation. Simple and realistic. He walked me, James, Sweta, and Valerie through the most recent updates to the simulation. 

    We learned the “why” behind its creation and had Tim as our coach while going through the Sprints.

    I’m not going to spoil the enjoyment you might receive from trying this experience out, so there are no details provided in the remainder of this post!

    I will give you a peak behind the curtain with this video. 

    Tim shared that the online version of the experience came from community feedback. He noted that the online game is based on iterative development of the original, physical product that he used in training classes.

    As the tool evolved, it was met with more positive feedback, going from a PDF file to a physical card deck to the online version of the same, but better!


    📂This entry was posted in Scrum Teamwork Training 📎and tagged

  • Team “Human” And How Co-workers Can Make You Laugh, Smile, And Be Happy

    Posted on by Tim

    This was originally posted on LinkedIn. Team human, we’re all on it.

    How were you this week with your team at #humans_being?

    To follow up on my post on Monday, I wanted to share my experience this week showing up with my colleagues. I didn’t experience tech issues this time around, which was wonderful!

    Our learning session on teamwork was thoughtful and thought-provoking.  We tested a couple of approaches in the process of creating the learning experience.  IMO, I’m happy with the outcome, but I could improve my timing and sharing.

    For me, using electronic tools is easy.  Mural, PowerPoint, and Teams are not overly challenging to get proficient at using.  They are and have been part of my way of working for a while and are an enabling constraint for me to deliver content and information that is intended to enable learning.

    Not everyone is so fortunate.  Not every electronic tool is built for #accessiblity or #ease_of_use.  I am mindful that while I might make training #look_easy, it is not easy to #create and #facilitate engaging training.  The electronic tools might hinder learning and prevent the experience of #humans_being.

    Here in the United States and Canada, we are heading into a holiday weekend.  I want to challenge you, my followers, and my connections to consider how the fall or spring seasons might be for you and your teams.

    Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Team human

    Be mindful that we are still moving through stressful times that serve to create PTS.  Be thoughtful about meeting people where they are at in their career journey, both at work and socially.  Take time to be empathetic and compassionate with yourself and with the people around you.

    Enjoy your weekend and please share your stories.  I have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth, so I should be listening and watching twice as much as talking!

    Huge thanks to Janelle, Lisa, Nicole, and the rest of my Improving colleagues for being a part of the learning journey and showing up!


    📂This entry was posted in Teamwork Technology Training 📎and tagged