Every Monday, I have a “Connect” meeting with each of my three teams: 30 minutes long, they’re intended to be a sync-up for the week ahead. Product, Engineering, and UX tend to have their respective updates on how actual work is going, whereas I try to give a heads up on any company-wide initiatives or goings-on that may be relevant to them. I also like to report on (and ask for) some “emotional intelligence”, wherein I try and give a read of how we all might be feeling outside of work. For example, during the pandemic, I’ve taken a look at the regions my teams are based and, if COVID numbers are up, acknowledge that stress levels may be elevated as well. This is a powerful but honest way of recognizing that we’re human, and respond to so much more than what’s in the backlog.
Today’s Connect meetings were fairly straight-forward. It’s what I call an “off-week” – no Sprint kick-off/close-out ceremonies – so teams are mostly heads down getting stuff done. When it came time for my update, however, I had to acknowledge that it’s Election Day in the US tomorrow, and stress levels may be high both here and abroad, regardless of who wins. This begged the question from a couple of team members: Who do I think will win? The question was genuine – politics plays no role in our day-to-day – but it also had dark undertones: The world is aware of our election troubles, both real and made-up, and they’re watching to see how we respond.
My answer to the question was long and winding and apolitical. Perhaps this is to be expected when you ask a Poli. Sci. major his thoughts on politics, but perhaps it’s because this election is full of nuance not easily gleamed from headlines and talking heads. The best I can do – and indeed, what I told my teams to do – their part: Vote if you’re able, encourage others to do so, and by all means, read the room a bit. A lot of folks across the political spectrum are in for a tough week. Scrum Masters and Coaches would be wise to keep us all honest in this effort as we plow through our backlogs this November.
Goscin.ski 