Mark Levison
Original account: [email protected]
Scrum/Agile trainer. Skeptical of #GenAI hype, pragmatic about where it actually helps teams. Evidence over vendor demos. 8000+ alumni across #Scrum, #Kanban, and #BehaviouralPsychology work. Ottawa.
Side interests: #PKM, #Obsidian. On the fediverse since the day Twitter died.
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@johnvoorhees Catching up a AppStories a few minutes ago. I heard you recommend Zed to @viticci
I thought it might make you smile to know that you missed the opportunity for two groan worthy references.
Zed is written in Rust. As we all know, Rust Never Sleeps.
In the immortal words of Bruce Willis: "Z's dead babe, Z's dead"
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#ottawa friends does anyone know why Kirkwood is blocked off at Carling? All traffic westbound on Carling was forced south on Kirkwood.
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GitLab is rebuilding around GenAI. Social media is loud about that bet. The part most people ignore is the restructuring itself, and it's mostly sound:
- Smaller teams with end-to-end ownership
- Fewer management layers
- Fewer countriesWhat Agile coaches have urged for years.
The AI mandate, "daily use by every individual," is a KPI searching for a purpose. Set it aside and the org changes deserve credit.
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GenAI vendors brag about benchmark scores. A new paper, "Potemkin Understanding in LLMs," explains why they're hollow.
Tests built for humans assume the test-taker passes or fails like a human. LLMs break that. A model can define a haiku, then write one that doesn't fit, then misclassify its own output.
When a vendor waves a benchmark, ask what it can do on YOUR work, on problems it hasn't seen.
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GenAI prototypes: built in minutes, not weeks. Game changer?
But at #ProductCamp Ottawa 2026, an informal poll showed few people test hypotheses with real users before shipping AI code.
Even cheap building wastes time on wrong features. Use GenAI for faster Fake Door and Wizard of Oz tests. Vet ideas upstream to avoid feature bloat.
What’s your next experiment?
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Brian Graham calls it the Knowledge Cliff: automating away understanding you need.
GPS replaced taxi drivers’ mental maps. NASA lost rocket expertise to retirement. In software, every LLM decision erodes skill while giving false confidence.
Before automating, ask: Can I evaluate this? Is this core to my craft?
Automate small tasks. Protect ones that build judgment.
https://kb.buildingbetterteams.de/docs/AI-Augmentation/antipattern-knowledge-cliff/
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AI agents promised faster delivery. They also delivered 39% more Cognitive Complexity and 30% more static analysis warnings.
Research found a reinforcing cycle: AI generates more code → complexity rises → debt accumulates → velocity drops → teams generate even more AI code to compensate. Initial speed gains? Gone within months.
This isn’t a tooling problem; it’s a systems problem. More code was never the goal.
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GenAI is making it easier to switch tool providers. I’m frustrated with our email marketing platform: most features are GUI-only, no API access.
I’ve written code to extract our entire newsletter archive + stats. When the time comes, exporting will be painless.
The irony: our provider keeps adding AI features I don’t need instead of making their product easier to use.
We don’t need more shiny AI features. Ease of use matters more.
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AI models are trained to bluff.
Pass/fail training offers no reward for admitting uncertainty. Instead of "I don't know," you get a confident wrong answer. Researchers call it "test-taking mode."
They learned from the internet's code. No grasp of architecture or design patterns. Just next-token prediction dressed up as engineering.
And newer models aren't always better. Some now silently remove safety checks.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/genai-code-quality-fundamental-flaws-and-how-bluffing-makes-it-worse/ -
"I tested it and it works great." The most dangerous sentence in AI usage.
Test an LLM a few times, it mostly works, you assume it works. But failure might show up 1 in 20 tries. You'll never run it enough to know.
Multiply across a team: six people, ten AI tasks per week. A small error rate means several unnoticed mistakes weekly.
Catching them requires what we're short on: domain expertise, critical thinking, time. Never assume the output is correct.
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Heavy GenAI users now prefer it over teammates -- it's "more empathetic and non-judgmental."
That should worry us. When people turn to AI instead of colleagues, team cohesion weakens. You don't have a team, just people in the same virtual space.
The fix isn't less AI. It's intentional collaboration: pairing, ensemble work, team autonomy.
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The result? Code that looks correct but quietly introduces bugs that surface in production at 2 am.
Irony: LLMs helped me research this article across 15 sources. They're genuinely good at that. They're just not good at writing code that won't bite them later. The tool matters less than how you use it.
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Sprint Planning is the canary in the coal mine. It reveals dysfunction building all Sprint long.
These problems are fixable. Start by inviting everyone to Refinement—offer popcorn if you have to. Treat the underlying issues, not the symptoms.
Full breakdown: https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/sprint-planning-from-hell/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=archive-reshare
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Are you using GenAI effectively, or just rolling the dice? 🎲 This piece offers
a reality check on AI's capabilities, highlighting its limitations in
originality, learning, and true reasoning.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/gen-ai-vs-human-intelligence-a-reality-check/
#GenAI #LLM #TechReality #AgileCoaching #AIPragmatist #AIExplained -
🔥 Sprint Planning from Hell 🔥
A team spends hours debating user stories they barely understand, leaving with a
plan they don't believe in, pressured by stakeholders. Sound familiar?This isn't just bad luck; it's a symptom of deeper issues like inadequate
backlog refinement, unclear definitions of done, or a missing Sprint Goal.
https://buff.ly/b3Bi2rU [https://buff.ly/b3Bi2rU]#ScrumMaster [https://agilealliance.social/tags/ScrumMaster]
#AgileTransformation [https://agilealliance.social/tags… -
🔥 Sprint Planning from Hell.🔥 Debating user story sizes for hours isn't just a waste of time, it's often a symptom of deeper issues like poor backlog refinement, unclear Definitions of Done, or even just a lack of a clear Sprint Goal. The whole sprint suffers, leading to scope creep, reduced quality, and frustrated stakeholders. Dig into the causes to start planning your fixes: 👉🏻 https://buff.ly/QQyj3Gu
#AgileTransformation #ScrumMaster #TeamEffectiveness #AgileDevelopment #ScrumTips
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Does your team feel busy but stuck? Here are common culprits:
- Self-Interruptions: Multitasking, boredom-driven switching, waiting on slow processes (like GenAI builds).
- Team Interactions: Teammate help requests, socializing, unnecessary meetings (even some Scrum events if not run well).
- External Interruptions: Notifications, outside meetings, production issues, external dependencies.Each interruption comes at a high cost. Learn more: https://buff.ly/CuPTnO6
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🔥 Sprint Planning from Hell 🔥
A team spends hours debating user stories they barely understand, leaving with a plan they don't believe in, pressured by stakeholders. Sound familiar?This isn't just bad luck; it's a symptom of deeper issues like inadequate backlog refinement, unclear definitions of done, or a missing Sprint Goal. https://buff.ly/b3Bi2rU
#ScrumMaster #AgileTransformation #SoftwareDevelopment #TeamBuilding #ProductManagement #AgileMindset
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5 GenAI Truths:
* Mimics, not thinkers
* Data-driven prediction
* No real memory
* Human oversight needed
* Core to Effective Scrum: critical thinking!Learn more 👉🏻 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/human-powered-ai-a-fun-way-to-understand-how-gen-ai-really-works/
Take our 5-minute Agile Checkup for solutions to your biggest Scrum challenges: https://agilepainrelief.scoreapp.com/
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Scrum is designed to organize teams for delivering value and continuous improvement. Kanban is a powerful tool for optimizing the flow of that work. Together, they're a powerhouse! 💪 Learn to combine them for:
✅ Better flow
✅ Reduced bottlenecks
✅ Increased predictabilityReady to get unstuck? Elevate your team's ability to deliver value consistently. Join us December 18th:
https://agilepainrelief.corsizio.com/event/68f6882e06bbf4d5cb97e71a#ValueDelivery #AgileFlow #Scrum #Kanban #TeamEffectiveness #Productivity #AgileTraining
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The oversized product backlog. You know, where you can't even remember what the original goal was? We break down why it's a killer for progress and motivation, and then show you how to use story mapping to get back on track. It’s a game-changer for clarity.
Take a look: https://youtu.be/IiWDBxingksHave you tried the 5-minute Agile Checkup? https://agilepainrelief.scoreapp.com/
#ScrumTips #ProductBacklogManagement #AgileDevelopment #Teamwork #SoftwareDevelopment
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A group that lacks clear purpose or psychological safety will struggle, no matter the framework. "How to Build a Powerful Team from Scratch" https://buff.ly/ygpkCli goes step-by-step how to build a solid foundation with a Team Launch. Foster better collaboration and reduce workplace stress.
Identify your team's challenges and get solutions. 🩺 Take the 5 Minute Agile Checkup:
https://buff.ly/4yiIN00
#TeamDynamics #Agile #Scrum #Collaboration #TeamEffectiveness -
Enhance your Scrum without a revolution. This isn't about replacing Scrum, but about making it more effective by visualizing work, managing WIP, and optimizing flow.
Discover how this evolutionary approach can lead to smoother delivery and better team collaboration. Register for the December 18th workshop:
https://buff.ly/I52XOiV#ScrumEnhancement #KanbanFlow #AgileEvolution #TeamCollaboration #ProcessOptimization #ScrumMaster #AgileCoach
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Had a chat with someone recently whose team had over a thousand items in their backlog. A THOUSAND. 🤯 We did some quick math, and let's just say it wasn't pretty – we're talking years to get through it all! Why this is a huge problem and how to use story mapping to visualize and manage your product. It’s a much saner way to work: https://youtu.be/IiWDBxingks
Also: take the 5-minute Agile Checkup https://agilepainrelief.scoreapp.com/
#AgileMindset #ProductOwner #ScrumTeam #ProjectManagement #TechStrategy -
When "urgent" scope changes hit mid-sprint, it's easy to blame the stakeholder. But these are symptoms of deeper issues: a fuzzy product strategy, weak communication, or stakeholders not being truly involved early on.
Effective teams foster clarity and collaboration before the sprint begins. This isn't about saying "no" to change, but about managing it intelligently. Take the 5-minute Agile Checkup: https://agilepainrelief.scoreapp.com/
#Agile #Scrum #ScopeManagement #AgileMindset #SoftwareEngineering
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Dealing with a product backlog that's gone rogue is a classic Scrum pain point. We've all been there, staring at hundreds of items and wondering how we'll ever get anything done. Our latest video dives into why that massive list is actually killing your team's motivation and how a simple story map can be your lifeline. Ditch backlog chaos for a clear story map: https://youtu.be/IiWDBxingks
#Agile #Scrum #ProductBacklog #StoryMapping #TeamProductivity
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Is GenAI truly intelligent? Nope. 🚫
It's a powerful mimic. Understanding this helps teams leverage AI as a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking, a key aspect of Effective Scrum.
See the simulation and run it for yourself 🔗 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/human-powered-ai-a-fun-way-to-understand-how-gen-ai-really-works/#AI #GenAI #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #Scrum #Agile #AIPragmatist
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GenAI: Intelligent or just a mimic? 🤔 We ran a "Human-Powered AI" simulation to show how these tools predict the next word based on data, not true understanding. This insight is crucial for Effective Scrum teams to use AI wisely. Learn more! #AI #GenAI #LLM #Scrum #Agile #Tech #AIPragmatist
👉🏻 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/human-powered-ai-a-fun-way-to-understand-how-gen-ai-really-works/ -
Are you using GenAI effectively, or just rolling the dice? 🎲 This piece offers a reality check on AI's capabilities, highlighting its limitations in originality, learning, and true reasoning.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/gen-ai-vs-human-intelligence-a-reality-check/
#GenAI #LLM #TechReality #AgileCoaching #AIPragmatist #AIExplained -
🤖 AI code generators promise speed, but what about the hidden costs? From
technical debt to team dynamics, there's more to consider.
If AI integration feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Understanding the full
picture helps reduce uncertainty.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-ai-generated-code-it-s-not-all-it-s-cracked-up-to-be/#AI [https://agilealliance.social/tags/AI] #SoftwareDevelopment
[https://agilealliance.social/tags/SoftwareDevelopment] #TechReality
[https://agilealliance.social/tags/TechReality] -
⚠️ Red flags your client-as-PO setup is failing:
Stories stuck waiting for feedback
Sprint reviews feel like trials
Constant scope creep
Team blocked on decisions dailyThe fix isn't excluding clients - it's proper role separation. Clients provide
vision; dedicated POs handle execution.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/jenga-effect-why-clients-dont-make-good-product-owners/
[https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/jenga-effect-why-clients-dont-make-good-product-owners/]
#Agile [https://agilealliance.social/tags/Agile] #ScrumMaster
[https://agilealliance.social/tags/ScrumMaster] #ClientSuccess
[https://agilealliance.social/tags/ClientSuccess] -
💡 Most successful client Scrum projects have deeply involved clients who AREN'T
the Product Owner
Why? PO role needs:
✅ Daily team availability
✅ Quick decision-making
✅ User story expertise
✅ Technical understanding
Clients excel at business vision, not tactical execution. Let each role play to
its strengths.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/jenga-effect-why-clients-dont-make-good-product-owners/
[https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/jenga-effect-why-clients-dont-make-good-product-owners/]
#ScrumTeam [https://agilealliance.social/tags/ScrumTeam] #AgileTransformation
[https://agilealliance.social/tags/AgileTransformation] -
If “prioritize the backlog” is the start and end of your PO job description… you need this reading list.
📚 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/recommended-books-for-product-owners/
#ScrumPO #ProductOwnership -
🎯 The AI coding revolution has hidden costs nobody talks about.
Feeling uncertain about AI adoption? This breakdown of real trade-offs can help you navigate decisions with more confidence.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-ai-generated-code-it-s-not-all-it-s-cracked-up-to-be/
#AIReality #TechStrategy #WorkplaceWellness -
Want to build software that doesn’t crumble under “Agile Theatre”?
These books might help.🧱 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/recommended-books-for-scrum-developers/
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⚠️ Red flags your client-as-PO setup is failing:
Stories stuck waiting for feedback
Sprint reviews feel like trials
Constant scope creep
Team blocked on decisions dailyThe fix isn't excluding clients - it's proper role separation. Clients provide vision; dedicated POs handle execution.
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/jenga-effect-why-clients-dont-make-good-product-owners/
#Agile #ScrumMaster #ClientSuccess -
Want to create products people love? 💡 Check out this curated list of books for Product Owners. Grow your skills today: https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/recommended-books-for-product-owners/ #ProductOwnership #Leadership
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Want to lead Agile teams more effectively? These recommended books are a goldmine! 🌟 Dive in: https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/recommended-books-for-scrum-masters/ #ScrumMasters #AgileBooks
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Remote team? You can still do Example Mapping! 💻
Tools like Miro, Mural, MS Whiteboard or even Google Sheets work for collaborative requirement discussions.
The key is having multiple perspectives (Business, Development, and Test) all in the conversation.
Learn how to implement this technique that reduces defects and finger-pointing:
#RemoteAgile #ScrumTips
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/example-mapping-your-secret-weapon-for-effective-acceptance-criteria/ -
Saying "No" is an art — and crucial for effective Product Owners. 🎨 Learn how to set boundaries and prioritize what matters most. Details here: https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/product-owners-and-the-art-of-saying-no/ #AgileTips #ProductOwnership
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Meetings piling up? Features out of control?
😵💫 You’re not alone.
Check out how simplicity boosts resilience—in code, products, and teams:
📖 https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/less-is-more-creating-resilient-systems-through-simplicity/
#Scrum #ResilientSystems #Simplicity -
Is your team stuck writing lengthy specs during refinement? ⏱️
With Example Mapping, you can:
Focus on examples first, syntax later
Identify questions before coding starts
Split stories easily
Keep sessions time-boxed and productiveLearn more about this secret weapon here:
https://agilepainrelief.com/blog/example-mapping-your-secret-weapon-for-effective-acceptance-criteria/ -
6. Work with them on a plan to play their role effectively; invite them to consider changing roles or escalating to HR if they don't want to adapt.
#YourTurn - have you seen ScrumMasters working two jobs? What approach did you take to dealing with it?
Our LeanCoffee's (free) https://agilepainrelief.com/lean-coffee are always engaging, although they're not normally this spicy.
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#YourTurn: Where have you encountered these #Influence obstacles? What strategies did you use to overcome them?
Need more Influence? Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/create-influence-on-demand-13-september-2024-tickets-944554466837
10/10 #Influence
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Is any wonder the people who spend the most time doing procurement work are mistrustful? No matter how much better our new product is, we've walked into an Influence minefield.
Tomorrow we will look at overcoming all of these problems
#YourTurn: Where have you encountered these #Influence obstacles?
Need more #influence Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/create-influence-on-demand-13-september-2024-tickets-944554466837
5/5 -- and for once I made an accurate prediction at the start
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Effective negotiation is more about collaboration than combat. Good negotiators focus on understanding others’ needs and finding ways for both parties to feel satisfied.
The first step toward becoming more influential? Invest time in building healthy relationships with your team, peers, stakeholders, and senior management. Strong relationships are the backbone of influence.
#YourTurn where have you recognized that your giving away #Influence and what did you do to reclaim it.
7/8 #Influence
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- Show That Others Have Overcome Similar Problems - When we see someone similar to us overcoming the problem, we realize we can solve it too.
#YourTurn how have you overcome the Gap?
Need more Influence? Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/create-influence-on-demand-13-september-2024-tickets-944554466837
5/5 (I still can't guess accurately). #Influence
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_Not to single out QA groups--Endowment Effect can pop up anywhere! Even Agile Trainers and Coaches (I love my index cards)._
#YourTurn How have you overcome the Endowment Effect?
6/6 #Influence
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Caveat Clearly the Endowment effect doesn't explain the whole problem, it is just another lens. In addition, it doesn't say there is no value in things like our index cards (❤️). The Endowment effect shows that we and the people we work with over value these things.
#YourTurn Where have you seen the Endowment Effect kick you in the teeth?
Don't navigate this journey alone! Connect with others who are passionate about influence. Follow me here or at https://mlevison.com for more.
4/4
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#YourTurn - Have you ever triggered reactance in your team? How did you manage to turn it around?
Don't navigate this journey alone! Connect with others who are passionate about influence. Follow me here or at https://mlevison.com for more insights.
4/4 #Influence