How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — The agile world is colorful and loud. If you are part of the Scrum and agile communities, you might think that there are only extroverted people. But that impression is deceptive. Since extroverts are louder, they are the ones you hear and see at first sight. Introverted Scrum Masters tend…

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Agile Coaching — a world of extroversion? When you look around the world of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, you sometimes feel like you’re in a parallel universe. Are there only extroverts? Probably not, but at first glance, you only notice loud people. Open floor plans are often appreciated as agile workplaces. They should encourage cooperation and…

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Am I even introverted? There are several test procedures available that can help you to find out whether you are more extroverted or introverted. With the popular Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI), you can determine your psychological type. Many coaches and people in the human resources departments use it. …

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Strengths of introverts Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. However, even in childhood, the focus is on our imperfections, leading to constant comparison with others. Early on, we learn to detect, analyze, and correct deficits. Strengths, on the other hand, are often accepted but not further considered. But focusing on the weaknesses is not…

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — The perfect Scrum Team pairing In a study, Adam Grant, Francesca Gino, and David A. Hofman examined introversion and extraversion in leadership (“Reversing the Extraverted Leadership Advantage: The Role of Employee Proactivity”, 2011.) Since we, as Scrum Masters, are servant leaders, the results could also be relevant for our work.

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Benefit from your strengths as an introvert in your daily work According to the Scrum Guide, Scrum Masters are accountable for establishing Scrum. Scrum Masters promote Scrum and help all relevant people to understand the theory, practices, rules, and values of Scrum. In addition, the Scrum Master is the servant leader of the Scrum Team, who helps those who are not…

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Tips for introverted Scrum Masters Not only Scrum Masters, but introverted leaders, in general, tend to pretend to be extroverted because the outside world expects it from them. That works, but the costs are high because stress constantly rises. In addition, this has negative consequences for your health. Be proud of your introversion You are not…

How to successfully use your strengths as an introvert in an agile world — Exercises for introverted Scrum Masters Self-reflection Learn more about yourself with this short self-reflection exercise. The exercise description is concise and may sound unusual, but give it a try. Task: Write a short story (half a page to two pages) on the subject: “I am a car.” Do that now before you read further. Don’t think about…