Creativity:

I’m pretty chuffed with myself this week:

• I finally switched to back button focus (learn more here if you want to) which has changed my photography game. Especially self-portraits. I lock the focus with my camera on my tripod then move into place, click the shutter remote, toss that away and do my best to look glamorous.

• I learned multiple exposures in camera. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Now my creativity can be even more creative.

I used both to do my weekly self-portrait and it’s coooooooooooool if I do say so myself.

Corporate:

Learning and developing an Operations playbook is a bit mind-blowing. There are a ton of resources out there but they really don’t say very much except “Here’s a light framework, figure the rest out for yourself.” So that’s what I’ve been doing. I love these ideas:

• Categorize the details into Systems (ie: Plays or Processes), References (supporting information) and Templates (exactly what it says).
• Group Systems or Plays into Game Plans.
• Weekly or monthly Systems review sessions – maybe combine that with Feedback Fridays / Monthly Mentions

Also… it’s important to make sure your client understands what you’re delivering to them. Making Agile data relatable for the layperson is important. We’re learning that the hard way over here however we’re also learning how to be better. Focus on Business Process and User Roles; Functional Areas and Value Streams. Do top down User Stories versus bottoms up Design Requirements.

Consider Roadmaps at different levels: Portfolio (high-level what are the big rocks), Functional Area or Site or Program or Solution (what are we delivering and when), then Program Increment (looking forward more than 1 PI). Include Milestones and Releases including Fixed such as decision points, Go-live dates, and combined testing.

Learning:

I’m currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. This week’s tidbits that resonated the most were about Making Habits Attractive and related to group culture and belonging. Working with my team at my current consulting contract, we’ve been focused on Roles & Responsibilities moving towards Team Agreement that includes Team Values and associated Behaviours. Understanding how we imitate others – the Close, the Many, and the Powerful – definitely helps shape how I approach our team.

• “Join a culture where (1) your desired behaviour is the normal behaviour and (2) you already have something in common with the group.” How can we link personal values and expected behaviours with group commonality?
• “The normal behaviour of the tribe often overpowers the desired behaviour of the individual.” How do we make sure the individual is still able to speak up and be themselves within the team?
• “We are drawn to behaviours that earn us respect, approval, admiration, and status… Once we fit in, we start looking for ways to stand out.” How will we enable our team members to stand out while continuing to benefit the team?

I’ve started the Business Architect certification course through Agora Insights that will get me ready to write the Certified Business Architect exam through the Business Architecture Guild. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can transform my Organizational Transformation approach using the Business Architect framework as well as what new Consulting opportunities may show up. Now to Atomic Habits the heck out of the training.