Theo van der Westhuizen

  • 11 Aspects of Servant Leadership: Building a Better Tomorrow

    Servant leadership is a unique approach to leadership that emphasizes serving others before oneself. Instead of traditional leadership, which often focuses on power and authority, servant leadership is about humility, empathy, and the growth of those being led. By understanding and implementing the 11 aspects of servant leadership [Barbuto and Wheeler (2002) ] managers can…

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  • The Zone is Being on the Same Page

    Have you ever been in a team where everything just clicked? Where everyone seemed to know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to work together seamlessly? If so, you’ve experienced the power of Shared Mental Models (SMMs) – a fancy term for when team members are truly “on the same page.”…

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  • How to Get Your Team On the Same Page

    The research on Shared Mental Models (SMMs) offers a wealth of insights that a Scrum Master can use to enhance their Agile team’s performance. Here are some practical interventions based on each of the five SMM dimensions to get your team on the same page: Equipment Mental Models: Host a “Tools and Tech Talk” session…

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  • Team Reflection: Single- and Double-loop Learning in Practise

    In the dynamic world of Agile teams, team reflection is of the utmost importance. This concept serves as the cornerstone for achieving heightened performance and effectiveness within Agile frameworks, especially for Scrum Masters navigating the complexities of team dynamics. Let’s delve deeper into this essential aspect. Deciphering Team Reflection Team reflection encompasses the collective process…

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  • The Increment: Adding Pieces to Complete the Puzzle

    In the captivating realm of Scrum, the Increment resembles a vital piece of a puzzle—a tangible addition that brings the product one step closer to completion. Just as assembling a puzzle involves fitting together individual pieces to reveal the bigger picture, the Increment represents a cohesive unit of work that contributes to the evolving product.…

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  • The Sprint Goal: Setting Sail Towards Treasure Island

    In the adventurous world of Scrum, the Sprint Goal stands as the shimmering treasure—a beacon that guides the team towards a common objective during the Sprint. Just as a group of intrepid adventurers sets sail towards Treasure Island, the Sprint Goal serves as the main target that unites the team’s efforts and fuels their journey…

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  • The Product Backlog: Crafting the Culinary Roadmap

    In the culinary world of Scrum, the Product Backlog serves as the well-organized pantry stocked with a vast array of ingredients, each meticulously selected to elevate the final dish to culinary perfection. It’s a dynamic to-do list that charts the course for culinary innovation, guiding the team’s efforts towards crafting a product that delights customers…

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