Agile and Lean Introduction for Scrum Masters

Explore lean and agile as mindsets that optimize end to end value streams, reduce waste, and adapt to change, illustrated by social media content filtering and the agile manifesto.

Reduce waste across the end-to-end value stream by applying lean thinking and shorten lead times. Use Six Sigma DMAIC—define, measure, analyze, iterate, and control—for data-driven software projects.

Explore the first six agile principles, framework-agnostic foundations that drive customer value, flexible requirements, frequent software delivery, project collaboration, motivated teams, and face-to-face communication.

Explore agile principles 7 through 12, including working software as progress, sustainable development, continuous technical excellence, maximizing work not done, and regular team reflection to improve.

Explore emotional intelligence, or EQ, and how it shapes learning, teamwork, and relationships. See why EQ outshines IQ across education and work, and cultivate self-awareness and empathy.

Identify and remove the five dysfunctions—absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results—by building trust, fostering healthy debate, and clarifying decisions.

Explore five agile estimation strategies—relative points, t-shirt sizes, similar sized items, normalized points, and hours—emphasizing flexible planning, forecasting, and selecting the best fit for your team.

Compare Scrum, Kanban, and continuous delivery cycles to identify the best fit for your team. Understand how skills, culture, problem nature, business constraints shape the choice and when to reconsider.

Explore how to select the top agile operating model for your team using a decision tree and weigh the pros and cons of scrum, kanban, lean, XP, and waterfall.

Compare agile operating models from serial to Scrum, Kanban, lean startup and continuous delivery, weighing advantages, disadvantages, and when to use each to improve time to market and team alignment.

Explore Tuckman's five-stage curve—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—and learn leadership styles and practical steps to boost team productivity.

Outline four agile core values for software teams. Learn to prioritize individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change over processes and tools, documentation, contracts, and plans.

Explore the four power skills: communication, problem solving, collaborative leadership, and strategic thinking, and apply them to lead agile teams and navigate turbulent times.

Lead agile teams and facilitate coaching to drive projects to successful completion as a Scrum Master. Earn the industry certification to boost employability and salary prospects.