BONUS: Unlocking Language and Agility With Victor Pena and Michelle Pauk

Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

BONUS: A Coaching Masterclass - How Our Language Affects Our Leadership Style, And The Culture We Create, With Michelle Pauk and Victor Pena

In this BONUS episode, Victor Pena and Michelle Pauk dive deep into the power of language in shaping our work as leaders, Agile Coaches, and Scrum Masters. Together, we explore how the words we use influence relationships, decisions, and the success of Agile practices. From navigating the ambiguity of language to fostering effective communication, this episode provides actionable insights to help you thrive in a constantly changing workplace.

Language as a Culture Carrier

“Language is how we carry culture, but without clarity, it can lead to misalignment and conflict.”

Victor and Michelle discuss how language reflects and shapes workplace culture. Misaligned terminology—like “servant leader”—can create tension between teams and executives. They highlight the importance of achieving shared understanding and the role of language in fostering trust and collaboration.

“Start by asking what others mean by key words—it’s the first step toward alignment.”

Feedforward vs. Feedback

“Feedback gets us stuck in the past, while feedforward builds a path to a better future.”

Drawing inspiration from Marshall Goldsmith, we discuss how focusing on future-oriented improvement (feedforward) avoids the blame game and builds positive momentum. As Agile practitioners, shifting from root cause analysis to solution-focused coaching allows teams to move forward effectively.

“Ask yourself, what can we do better tomorrow instead of dwelling on what went wrong yesterday?”

The Ambiguity of Language in Collaboration

“Words mean different things to different people—be curious about how others see the world.”

Victor and Michelle unpack how language ambiguity impacts communication and decision-making. They emphasize the need to explore the assumptions behind others’ words and how Agile principles like #NoEstimates challenge traditional views on planning and work management.

“When you encounter a term that seems obvious, ask: What does this mean to you?”

Semiotics and the Language of Work

“Symbols are the silent drivers of collaboration.”

Semiotics, the study of symbols, plays a vital role in Agile practices like visual management. From story cards to team boards, symbols help teams communicate and navigate their work. The duo discusses how the language of Agile evolves through symbols and how to introduce these effectively in organizations.

“Create visual symbols that align with your team’s values—they’ll anchor your collaboration.”

Beyond the “Agile is Dead” Debate, Raising The Bar Of Our Shared Conversation

“What’s trying to come forward in the evolution of Agile?”

While some criticize Agile as outdated, Victor and Michelle argue that its core principles—delivering value faster and improving quality—remain timeless. They explore how Agile can evolve to meet current challenges while retaining its essence.

“Instead of asking if Agile is dead, ask what the next evolution looks like.”

About Victor Pena and Michelle Pauk

Victor Pena is an Agile Coach dedicated to helping organizations achieve business agility. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering great customer value, Victor transforms practices to ensure long-term success in a dynamic environment.

You can link with Victor Pena on LinkedIn and connect with him via email at [e-mail].

Michelle Pauk is the founder of Streamside Coaching, helping leaders and organizations thrive through change. With over 15 years of experience in Agile environments and certifications from the International Coaching Federation, Michelle specializes in leadership development and organizational growth.

You can link with Michelle Pauk on LinkedIn and connect with her at StreamsideCoaching.com.