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Executive Scrum Master Blog
I believe the best scenarios are win/win.
What's in it for you?
A place to discover strategies and insights to help you out in your daily work IRL and elevate your team's performance by learning to think like an experienced business coach and project manager.
What you can expect:
You'll come on a journey with me as I document the process of building a brand new business from scratch using my experience as a business coach and project manager. I'll build a marketing funnel that feeds content for my digital presence on a new social media channel to attract my next high performance scrum teams to me to lead (helping me stand out in a crowded market place) while building platform for change makers and the people who love them.
Table of contents
  • Push vs. Pull Marketing on Digital Platforms
Push vs. Pull Marketing on Digital Platforms
Push Marketing
Actively "pushing" your product or service to an audience, bringing the message directly to potential customers whether or not they're actively looking.
Characteristics
  • Interruptive approach
  • Focused on direct exposure
  • Creates demand/interest
Digital Examples
  • Display ads on websites
  • Social media paid ads
  • Email campaigns to leads
  • Retargeting ads
Best For
Launching new products, promoting time-sensitive offers, targeting specific demographics quickly
Pull Marketing
Creating content that "pulls" customers toward your brand by aligning with their existing needs or interests. Customer-centric approach focusing on those already searching for solutions.
Characteristics
  • Inbound and non-intrusive
  • Builds trust and authority
  • Long-term relationship focus
Digital Examples
  • SEO optimization
  • Content marketing
  • Organic social media
  • YouTube content
Best For
Building brand authority, nurturing leads, driving organic traffic over time
For optimal results, consider a hybrid approach combining both push and pull techniques to leverage their respective strengths for both short- and long-term goals.
This Week's Work
Thought we'd jazz up the update this week and put together a little 1 min dance party (listen with audio!)
Insights from the Animated Video of the Executive Scrum Master Launch
Last week, we launched our very first animated video introducing the Executive Scrum Master platform, and we’re excited to share some early insights from LinkedIn analytics! The goal of this video was to kick off our journey of building a digital space for high-performance teams and to introduce our approach to finding like-minded Scrum teams through a unique marketing funnel. Here’s a look at how our launch went and what we learned so far.
Engagement and Impressions
The post featuring our video generated 298 impressions, with 7 reactions, 6 comments, and 2 reposts. While these numbers may seem modest, they’re significant for an initial launch, providing a solid starting point to build upon. Impressions indicate that nearly 300 people came across the video, meaning we’re already reaching new audiences and sparking interest in the community.
Viewer Demographics by Company Size
One of the most intriguing insights was the demographic breakdown by company size:
•	21% of viewers were from companies with 10,001+ employees, indicating that our content reached large enterprise audiences.
•	17.4% were from companies with 1,001-5,000 employees, showcasing interest from mid-to-large-sized organizations.
•	Smaller businesses also engaged, with 10.2% from 11-50 employee companies and 9% from 51-200 employee organizations.
This diverse demographic suggests that our message resonates across a broad spectrum, from large enterprises to small, agile-focused teams. We’re excited by the range of companies and roles engaging with our content, as it aligns well with our goal to attract a variety of high-performance teams looking to drive meaningful change.
Growth in Followers and Visibility
In the past week, our follower count increased by 0.2%, bringing us to 662 followers. While this growth is gradual, it’s a step in the right direction. Additionally, we had 438 post impressions across LinkedIn, which, despite a slight dip, reflects continued visibility. Our profile had 73 viewers over the past 90 days, which shows steady interest, and 16 search appearances last week alone signal that people are discovering us through LinkedIn search—a good sign for organic reach.
Takeaways and Next Steps
Based on these early results, here’s what we’re focusing on moving forward:
•	Building on Engagement: The comments and reactions we received on this post show that people are interested in our journey. We’ll be engaging more actively with followers, responding to comments, and encouraging conversation to build a stronger community.
•	Targeted Content for Enterprise Audiences: Given the high percentage of viewers from large companies, we’re considering creating content specifically tailored to the needs of enterprise teams. This could include topics like scaling Agile, managing large Scrum teams, and tackling challenges unique to big organizations.
•	Experimenting with Different Formats: Our first animated video was an exciting experiment, and we’re encouraged by the positive reception. For future posts, we’ll experiment with other formats like infographics, Q&A sessions, and thought leadership articles to keep the content fresh and engaging.
•	Tracking Growth in Real-Time: As we continue to build our digital platform, tracking metrics like follower growth, engagement, and demographic insights will be key to understanding what resonates with our audience and refining our approach.
Closing Thoughts
Launching our first animated video was a significant milestone, and the early feedback has been encouraging. We’re thrilled to see interest from diverse company sizes and engage with individuals who resonate with our vision for the Executive Scrum Master platform. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue sharing our journey, connecting with Scrum teams, and building a community of change-makers.
Thank you to everyone who has viewed, commented, or shared our launch video! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to document our progress, share insights, and create resources for high-performance teams.
If you haven’t already, check out the 2 minute video in the card below and let us know what you think!
Updates and Hot Takes from our first video
Leveraging Game Theory to Build High-Performance Teams in Challenging Work Environments
Building strong teams is about finding the right balance between individual strengths and group success. Game theory, a way of understanding how people make decisions in situations where their choices affect each other, can be a powerful tool for leaders. Think of it like a playbook for building teams that can handle pressure and work together effectively in agile environments.
In this post, we'll explore how to use some basic game theory ideas to help your team collaborate, achieve great things, and stay positive even when things get tough. The focus will be on how these ideas can be applied to streamline your team's workflow and make them more agile.
The Prisoner's Dilemma: Working Together for a Shared Goal
Imagine two friends, let's call them Alice and Bob, who are working on a project. They could each try to do the whole project on their own, hoping to get the most credit. Or, they could work together and share the workload, leading to a better outcome for everyone. The Prisoner's Dilemma highlights this common challenge: sometimes, people might be tempted to put their own interests first, even if it hurts the team overall. This can be particularly true in agile environments where rapid iterations and collaboration are key.
Here's how to use this idea to build your team:
  • Reward Teamwork: Celebrate successes as a team, not just individual achievements. Make sure everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger, especially when the team is working in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
  • Open Communication: Help everyone understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. When people see their role in the team’s success, they’re more likely to put the team first. Encourage open communication and transparency, which are essential in an agile setting.
The Nash Equilibrium: Finding the Sweet Spot in Team Dynamics
Think of a team where everyone's working towards the same goal but has different strengths. The Nash Equilibrium is about finding a balance where everyone’s skills are used effectively, and no one is overworking or feeling overwhelmed. This can be tricky, especially when roles overlap or conflicts arise. In an agile setting, this becomes even more crucial as teams need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands.
Here's how to use this idea to manage your team:
  • Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Make sure everyone knows what they’re responsible for and how their work connects to others on the team. This helps avoid confusion and conflict. Regularly review roles and responsibilities as the team's work and priorities evolve in an agile environment.
  • Build Understanding: Help team members learn about each other’s roles. When everyone understands what each person does, it’s easier to work together smoothly and use each other's strengths. This understanding is key to smooth transitions and collaboration in agile work.
Tit-for-Tat Strategy: Building Trust and Respect
In business, trust is essential for teamwork, and this is even more true in agile environments. The Tit-for-Tat strategy is like a simple rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. When people see that you're reliable and helpful, they’re more likely to be the same way back. This builds a positive team culture where people feel supported and valued.
Here’s how to use this idea to lead your team:
  • Lead by Example: Be the first to show appreciation for teamwork. Recognize when people go the extra mile to help others, and make it clear that negative behaviors won't be tolerated. In an agile environment, positive reinforcement and trust are essential for team cohesion.
  • Encourage Mutual Support: Promote a culture where everyone feels comfortable asking for and offering help. This creates a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels like they’re in it together. This is crucial for overcoming challenges and adapting to change in an agile setting.
Zero-Sum vs. Non-Zero-Sum Games: Collaboration Over Competition
In some situations, there can be a sense that someone has to "lose" in order for someone else to "win." But, in a non-zero-sum game, everyone can win! When people see each other as allies, not competitors, they’re more likely to work together to achieve amazing things. Agile methodologies are all about collaboration and shared success, so this principle is particularly relevant.
Here’s how to use this idea to encourage your team:
  • Growth Mindset: Help everyone understand that success is not a limited resource. When one person does well, it benefits the whole team! This helps create a positive and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to grow. In agile, continuous learning and improvement are key to success.
  • Share Knowledge: Create opportunities for team members to share their skills and ideas with each other. This helps everyone learn from each other and makes the team stronger as a whole. This type of knowledge sharing is essential for an agile team to adapt to new challenges and situations.
Game Theory in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Game theory can be a powerful tool for dealing with disagreements and finding solutions that benefit everyone. It’s about working together to find a "win-win" solution, rather than focusing on who "wins" the argument. This is especially important in agile environments where quick decisions and compromises are often needed.
Here’s how to use this idea to manage conflicts in your team:
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: When there's a conflict, frame it as a chance for the team to work together to find a solution that everyone can agree on. This fosters a positive and productive environment where everyone feels like they’re part of the solution. This is crucial for agile teams to stay on track and deliver value quickly.
  • Facilitation and Mediation: As a leader, you can be a neutral mediator. Help team members understand each other's perspectives and work together to find common ground. This ensures that everyone's voice is heard and respected. This helps build trust and respect within the team, which is crucial in agile work.
Putting Game Theory into Practice
These game theory ideas can be used every day to improve team dynamics, especially within an agile context. Here are some practical ways to apply them to your team:
  • Team Check-ins: Have regular meetings to check in with your team and see how they’re doing. Encourage feedback and make adjustments as needed to ensure that everyone's contributing effectively and feeling supported. These check-ins are particularly important in agile, as teams need to constantly adjust to new challenges and opportunities.
  • Long-Term Incentives: Design reward systems that recognize ongoing teamwork. For example, consider quarterly bonuses that reward the whole team for consistent good performance, rather than just individual wins. This fosters a culture of collaboration and shared success in an agile team.
  • Open Feedback Loops: Create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Encourage open communication and make sure that feedback is used to improve the team’s performance and collaboration. This is crucial for continuous improvement and adaptation in agile environments.
The Takeaway: A New Perspective on Teamwork
Game theory offers a fresh perspective on building high-performance teams. By incorporating these principles into your leadership style, you can create a team culture that values collaboration, trust, and strategic thinking in an agile setting. This can be the difference between a team that just gets by and a team that truly thrives!
Remember, building a strong team is about creating an environment where everyone's working together, supporting each other, and reaching for shared goals. With a little help from game theory, you can create a team that can achieve amazing things in an agile environment!
How Organizations Can Pivot in 2025 Toward Innovation and Growth Without Requiring Return-to-Office Mandates
As we enter 2025, forward-thinking companies are re-evaluating the necessity of return-to-office mandates, focusing instead on strategies that drive innovation and growth. The last few years have proven that remote and hybrid work models can be successful, giving organizations an opportunity to pivot toward a more flexible, future-focused approach that prioritizes employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. Here’s how companies can redefine their workplace practices in 2025 to foster innovation without mandating a return to the office.
Invest in Technology for Seamless Remote Collaboration
A modern workforce demands modern tools. Instead of emphasizing physical presence, innovative companies can invest in advanced collaboration technologies that enhance virtual teamwork. Video conferencing, project management platforms, and asynchronous communication tools allow employees to stay connected and productive, regardless of location. By continuously improving and updating these tools, organizations can replicate many of the benefits of in-office collaboration, creating a flexible environment where innovation thrives.
Redesign Offices as Collaboration Hubs
Rather than maintaining large office spaces for everyday work, organizations can rethink their real estate usage by turning offices into collaboration hubs. These spaces can be optimized for strategic planning sessions, team-building activities, and cross-departmental projects—allowing employees to gather in person for high-impact engagements rather than routine tasks. This approach allows companies to balance in-person collaboration with the flexibility employees now expect, fostering creativity while respecting individual work preferences.
Foster a Culture of Results, Not Location
The future of work values results over location. Companies can shift their focus from hours spent in the office to tangible achievements and project milestones. By prioritizing clear goals, deliverables, and accountability, organizations empower employees to work in ways that suit their productivity preferences. This results-driven culture not only enhances performance but also creates a trusting environment where employees feel valued for their contributions rather than their physical presence.
Adopt Flexible Policies for a Diverse Workforce
In today’s workforce, flexibility is essential to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Instead of mandating a set number of office days, innovative companies can develop flexible policies tailored to different roles, project needs, and individual preferences. For example, some departments may benefit from more frequent in-person sessions, while others can operate fully remotely. By adopting a flexible, customized approach, organizations can meet diverse employee needs and ensure everyone can contribute fully, regardless of location.
Prioritize Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance
One of the greatest lessons of recent years has been the importance of employee well-being. Forward-focused organizations understand that supporting work-life balance enhances engagement and productivity. Instead of enforcing office mandates, companies can implement programs that prioritize well-being, such as mental health resources, wellness stipends, and flexible scheduling options. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work, driving innovation and sustained growth.
Embrace Data-Driven Decision-Making
To ensure that flexibility supports productivity, organizations can leverage data to assess the impact of remote and hybrid work on performance. Metrics like project completion rates, employee satisfaction scores, and collaborative engagement data can provide insights into what’s working and where improvements are needed. By analyzing this data, companies can make informed adjustments to their work models, continuously optimizing for both employee satisfaction and business outcomes.
Focus on Continuous Learning and Development
In a world where rapid change is the norm, innovative companies prioritize continuous learning to keep employees engaged and agile. By offering remote training, virtual workshops, and online courses, companies can help employees develop new skills that drive both personal and organizational growth. This commitment to learning supports a culture of innovation, allowing employees to stay at the cutting edge of industry trends without requiring them to be physically present in an office.
Strengthen Leadership Communication and Trust
As companies shift away from location-based work, leadership plays a crucial role in maintaining connection and alignment. Strong, transparent communication from leadership fosters trust and keeps employees engaged. Regular virtual town halls, Q&A sessions, and clear channels for feedback ensure that employees feel informed, valued, and motivated. Leaders who actively support flexible work and model trust reinforce a culture where employees are empowered to excel from any location.
Moving Toward a More Innovative, Inclusive Future
2025 offers organizations a chance to redefine what it means to be modern and innovative by focusing on flexibility, employee-centric policies, and forward-thinking growth strategies. By moving away from rigid return-to-office mandates and embracing a flexible, results-driven approach, companies can build a workplace that supports productivity, diversity, and long-term success.
What’s Your Perspective?
As we look to the future, we’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you think companies can balance flexibility with the need for collaboration and innovation? Do you believe a hybrid model is the best path forward, or is a fully remote future within reach? Share your perspective on how organizations can redefine success in the years ahead and foster an inclusive, innovative environment for all.
My Biggest LinkedIn & Social Media Lessons
Authentic Connection
Build relationships, share your expertise, and be vulnerable.
Consistency is Key
Show up consistently, even when it feels imperfect.
Build Your Personal Brand
Focus on building a strong online presence that reflects your values and expertise.
Ask for Help
Surround yourself with mentors and collaborators.
Give Back
Use your platform to make a positive impact.
Never Stop Learning
Stay curious and keep learning.
Embrace Failure
Failure is part of the journey. Don't let it stop you.
Be Yourself
Authenticity builds a lasting brand.
Think Outside the Box
Experiment and try new things.
The Power of Storytelling
Connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Optimize team collaboration
Foster Open Communication
Encourage regular team meetings, open discussions, and transparent feedback to ensure alignment.
Promote Active Listening
Create a safe space for team members to share ideas, express concerns, and actively listen to one another.
Facilitate Conflict Resolution
Address conflicts constructively and proactively to maintain a positive and productive team environment.
Some of my upcoming Social Media Posts
  • Using AI to help me leverage technology to build a website and platform that brings either my next high performance scrum teams to me or turns me into a digital influencer over time.
  • LinkedIn posts about the importance of building a strong network.
  • YouTube videos explaining my strategy for growing a successful social media following.
  • YouTube videos providing a behind-the-scenes look at building a business as a solo entrepreneur
  • YouTube videos answering frequently asked questions from my followers.
  • LinkedIn post highlighting a recent accomplishment or milestone.
  • YouTube video collaborating with another influencer on a joint project.
  • LinkedIn post sharing a personal story or experience that connected with my audience.
  • YouTube video providing a step-by-step tutorial on a specific skill or topic.
Streamline your agile workflow

1

Define Clear Processes
Establish a structured approach for managing tasks, prioritizing work, and tracking progress.

2

Optimize Task Allocation
Distribute responsibilities effectively to maximize individual strengths and streamline team efforts.

3

Implement Agile Tools
Leverage project management software to enhance collaboration, communication, and task visibility.
Enhance project visibility

1

Track Key Metrics
Monitor progress against goals, identify potential roadblocks, and make informed decisions based on data.

2

Utilize Dashboards
Create centralized dashboards that provide a comprehensive view of project status and key performance indicators.

3

Regular Reporting
Communicate progress updates and insights effectively to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Improve sprint planning
Understand the sprint planning process.
Sprint planning involves defining the sprint goal, selecting user stories to be completed within the sprint, and estimating the effort required for each story.
Optimize sprint planning outcomes.
  • Involve the entire team in planning.
  • Break down large stories into smaller tasks.
  • Use timeboxing to manage time effectively.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
1
Retrospectives
Hold regular sprint retrospectives to reflect on the sprint, identify areas for improvement, and create action items.
2
Experimentation
Encourage experimentation with new processes and tools to find more efficient ways of working.
3
Continuous Learning
Promote a culture of ongoing learning and development to enhance team skills and knowledge.
Leverage data-driven decision making
Smart Goals
  • Specific: Define clear, well-articulated goals that are unambiguous.
  • Measurable: Establish quantifiable targets to track progress and success.
  • Achievable: Set goals that are challenging yet realistic within your team's capabilities.
  • Relevant: Ensure your goals align with the organization's broader objectives.
  • Time-Bound: Establish deadlines to create a sense of urgency and focus.
Get the latest insights and best practices
Expert Articles
Discover practical tips and strategies from experienced change makers.
Case Studies
Learn from real-world examples of successful business/project strategy implementation.
Community Forums
Connect with other change makers and share insights.
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Optimize Your Digital Marketing List
  • Streamlined Sign-Up: Design a clean, user-friendly intake form that captures essential information with minimal friction.
  • Personalized Messaging: Gather data to segment your audience and deliver tailored content and offers for maximum engagement.
  • Compliance and Privacy: Ensure your form adheres to data privacy regulations and provides transparency around how information will be used.
  • Lead Nurturing: Leverage the data collected to create automated nurturing campaigns that guide prospects down the sales funnel.
  • Continuous Optimization: Monitor form performance and user behavior to iteratively improve the sign-up experience over time.

by Stella Baker, MSM-PM, PMP, A-CSM