Book Review: Collaboration Explained
Photo by Garry Knight
I've noticed that some project managers who become Scrum Masters struggle because they lack the facilitation skills needed, so I picked up Jean Tabaka's Collaboration Explained, hoping it would be a resource I could recommend or would provide me with ideas on how to teach them to be more effective. Needless to say, I was underwhelmed by the book.
Jean Tabaka is an Agile Coach with Rally Software Development, and she included some good anecdotes throughout the book, but overall I felt like the book was a long read that didn't share anything new. There is information on how to run various Agile meetings, including agendas in the back of the book. There are some tips and tools throughout that can be used by any project leader on how to manage team collaboration and conflict, including basic information like how to decide who to include in meetings and setting a meeting agenda.
It may be a great resource for those who are starting to transition into a role where more facilitation skills are needed, but it is probably not a book to help you improve your skills and step up your game. At least, I hope that experienced folks would be familiar with all of the information found in this book!
