Agile Education Case Study

Case Study Summary 

In “Communication Agility: Understanding Your Team’s Unique Communication Styles”, learn how Director of Public Training Megan Fremont-Smith facilitates better communication habits for Scrum Teams by championing the DiSC (Dominant, Influential, Steady, Compliant) model of communicating. Megan led an experiment for two Scrum teams, both of which deal with outside customers, to improve their communications internally, cross-team, and externally. Data from the experiment was tracked empirically over time and achieved both qualitative and quantitative results, with powerful feedback from the group.

SUMMARY: Using DiSC Profiling to Better Understand How We Communicate

DiSC is a communication assessment tool, designed to both help team members better understand themselves and adapt their behaviors for others to achieve communication agility. Ultimately, everyone is a blend of all four DiSC styles, but generally one or two stand out for each person. Identifying and understanding these characteristics facilitates better workplace conversations at first, which in turn helps healthier organizations to grow. DiSC helps teams do the following: Increase self-knowledge; Improve working relationships; Facilitate better teamwork; Develop stronger sales and shorten sales cycles; and Manage more effectively.

For the design of the experiment, Megan took two existing Scrum Inc. teams, which work with external customers. She performed individual assessments on each team member, to help them understand their unique DiSC profile. She then presented a workshop on the teams’ communication preferences so that each developer on the team is aware of how their styles individually differ. Next, she taught participants how to adapt their own style to help others on the team. From there, the team tracked ongoing data for a period of four weeks to four months and charted how it continued to improve team communication.

The Solution: DiSC is a Communications Powerhouse

Following the data period, Megan and the Scrum Teams observed some significant results and also gained powerful testimonials from the experiment group regarding the DiSC impact on communication agility.

From the qualitative perspective, DiSC created opportunities for more effective Sprint Planning, by scheduling co-trainers with similar communication styles to lead trainers. It also increased efficiency during team swarming, by leveraging strengths and balancing weaknesses. Live-class producers were also better able to answer questions based on trainee’s profiles. In sales, DiSC additionally enabled the ability to get to “no” more quickly, which leaves more room in the sales pipeline for “real opportunities”. Finally, DiSC helped to promote an environment of psychological safety.

Quantitatively speaking, DiSC led to an overall increase of 35% in response rates of outbound sales emails. Following a Scrum Inc. Community Survey, 92% of students felt DiSC would be beneficial to them as an Agile Coach; 70% of students indicated an interest in taking a private class on DiSC to further their understanding; 100% of students felt learning DiSC was both a game changer at the Scrum Team level, and would be valuable for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Team Members, and Registered Agile Coaches.

Outcomes from Implementing the DiSC Model at Scrum Inc.

By embracing DiSC, the team members were better equipped to collaborate, both internally and externally, whether the conversation was casual or more serious. DiSC also helped to improve empathy and psychological safety. Furthermore it led to better sales for the respective teams.

• Sprint Planning, co-training, and swarming altogether became more productive for the Scrum Teams.
• Getting to “no” more quickly during sales calls increased the opportunity space for future “yes” calls.
• Lead generation response rates to outbound sales emails also increased from 15% to 50%.
• Employing a DiSC approach especially provided more psychological safety for team members.
• Improved responsiveness and cross-team collaboration overall.

Who Is Megan Fremont-Smith

Megan is currently serving as the Director of Public Education for Scrum Inc. She brings a significantly high level of enthusiasm, energy, and experience to the workplace. With a background in Sales and DiSC communication profiling – she is expertly trained in communication and thrives as a Corporate Trainer. She also develops curriculum, technical presentations, demonstrations, classroom delivery, and has considerable experience training across industries.

Megan is obsessed with psychology, employee experience/engagement, the teachings of Simon Sinek, meditation, and Sandler Training. She inspires a desire for others to perform at their best using her warmth and keen sense of humor. Furthermore, she has proven effective in developing individuals and teams to deliver projects on time and under budget. Megan welcomes the opportunity to connect!

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