Hi Thanks for stopping by my profile. I am a Product manager/Agile coach with vivid experience working with Agile methodologies and product practices, helping individuals teams and organizations to succeed in building products that customers love. I started my first job as a software developer 16 years back. Initial 8 years of my career I worked as a team lead, people manager and business analyst. During this journey I became an 'accidental Scrum master' for one of the teams. Since then I am an avid fan of Agility . I worked as an Agile coach for 7 years .I always try to bring Agile and product management practices together to create best product by best teams . Being a coach I help teams and organization to reshape their workplaces by adopting collaboration-based work environments and helping them to be more customer centric.Now I am working as a product manager to build customer centric product.
My Mentoring Topics
- -Career transition to Scrum Master /Agile coach
- -Career transition to Product manager.
- -Interview preparation help for Scrum masters/Agile coach
- - Expectation of role and responsibilities of an Agile coach/Scrum master
- - Career path of a scrum master
- - Agile transformation
- - OKR
- - Coaching and mentoring
A.
26.January 2024I reached out to Archana seeking her expertise to review my resume and provide insights into the broader job application process. With a profound understanding of the hiring dynamics in both the Indian and German job markets, Archana's input is invaluable. I highly recommend her to anyone pursuing Product Management roles. Her ability to articulate the nuances of the position and offer a comprehensive perspective is commendable, all delivered in a friendly and approachable manner.
G.
29.April 2023I recently had a mentoring session with Archana and it was wonderful! She has a deep understanding of Agile methodologies and creating customer-centric work environments. She provided valuable insights on transitioning to Scrum Master/Agile Coach and Product Manager roles, and the expectations of these roles. Her coaching style is engaging, informative, and supportive. Highly recommend her as a mentor for Agile transformation, coaching, mentoring, and Scrum Master career path.
F.
20.January 2023I am grateful to Archana for giving me the confidence to begin my new role. My current situation has been framed in a positive light as a result of your subject matter expertise and empathy for people. I greatly appreciate all the feedback and support you have provided.
T.
3.August 2022Thank you for the great conversation. It felt great to talk to someone outside my bubble to get "unstuck". You did great by listening and asking questions to be able to reflect my situation so you could summarise my main concerns and then share what worked well in your teams and where I can grow and learn more. I really liked the book recommendation. Overall this chat was very engaging and motivating to me. Thank you.
Atomic Habits - An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
Key Facts and Insights: Understanding the impact of compound effects of tiny habits. Identifying the Four Laws of Behavior Change as a simple set of rules for habit formation. Recognizing the role of Identity-based habits in personal change. Appreciating the importance of the habit environment and how to design it for success. Applying the concept of habit stacking to create a series of desired behaviors. Understanding the significance of immediate rewards in reinforcing habits. Recognizing the power of a habit tracker as a form of visual measurement. Learning the power of improvement by 1% to achieve remarkable results over time. Understanding the importance of making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Recognizing the role of mindset in fostering long-lasting habits. Appreciating the concept of never missing twice as a strategy for maintaining habits. An In-depth Analysis and Summary In "Atomic Habits," James Clear provides an innovative framework for habit formation and personal growth. He introduces the idea of the compound effect of tiny habits, suggesting that minor changes and decisions can lead to significant outcomes over time. This reinforces the principle that success doesn't result from massive actions but from small, consistent steps taken daily. Clear explains the Four Laws of Behavior Change which are: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. These principles offer a practical and straightforward approach to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. They are based on the understanding that our habits are the response to our environment and the cues it provides. The author emphasizes the importance of Identity-based habits. Instead of focusing on goals, Clear suggests that we should concentrate on becoming the type of person who can achieve those goals. This is a profound shift from the outcome-based approach to an identity-based approach, which is more durable and long-lasting. The book further explores the role of our environment in shaping our behaviors. Clear suggests that by designing our habit environment, we can make the desired behaviors easier and the undesired ones harder, thus facilitating positive habit formation. Habit stacking is another powerful tool that Clear introduces. It involves pairing a new habit with an existing one, thereby using the existing habit as a cue for the new one. This technique takes advantage of the neural connections that our brain forms when we establish a routine. Clear also explains the importance of immediate rewards in forming new habits. Our brains are wired to prioritize immediate gratification, so pairing a habit with an immediate reward can reinforce the behavior. Habit tracking is another effective strategy that Clear proposes. It serves as a visual reminder of your progress, providing a satisfying sense of achievement that motivates you to maintain the behavior. The concept of improvement by 1% is a recurring theme in the book. Clear argues that if you get 1% better each day, the benefits will compound over time, leading to remarkable results. This underlines the importance of making small, consistent improvements instead of seeking overnight success. Clear's concept of never missing twice is a practical strategy for maintaining habits. It recognizes that while we may occasionally slip up, it's crucial not to let a one-time mistake turn into a recurring pattern. Finally, Clear underscores the importance of mindset in fostering long-lasting habits. He stresses that habits are not a finish line to be crossed but a lifestyle to be lived, emphasizing the significance of process over outcome. "Atomic Habits" synthesizes complex psychological concepts into practical, actionable strategies. Clear's approach is backed by scientific evidence, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to understand and improve their habits. The concepts discussed in the book align with many established theories in behavior psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, further validating their effectiveness and applicability. By understanding and applying the insights from "Atomic Habits," individuals can navigate the path of personal growth with greater clarity and confidence. It equips readers with the knowledge and tools to transform their habits and, ultimately, their lives.
ViewThe 5 Second Rule - Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
Mel Robbins
Key Facts and Insights from "The 5 Second Rule" The 5 Second Rule is a simple tool that undercuts most psychological limitations by interrupting habitual thought patterns with a countdown. It is a metacognition technique that can help us break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt, leading to greater productivity and self-confidence. The rule is straightforward: whenever you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill the idea. The rule is not just about action, but also about developing the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It can be applied to various areas of your life, including career, relationships, health, and personal growth. The rule is based on the concept of metacognition - thinking about thinking. The 5 Second Rule is also a form of mindfulness, as it forces us to be present and conscious of our thoughts and actions. It’s a tool that helps us change our behavior, not just our thinking. The rule can also be used for emotion regulation and overcoming anxiety. It's a tool that can be used to build and maintain good habits and to break bad ones. The 5 Second Rule is not about ignoring your feelings, but about not letting your feelings control you. A Detailed Analysis of "The 5 Second Rule" "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins is a remarkable contribution to the self-help genre. It presents a simple yet powerful tool to overcome procrastination, self-doubt and fear. This tool is the eponymous 5 Second Rule, a metacognition technique that can disrupt habitual thought patterns, leading to greater productivity and self-confidence. The rule, as Robbins explains, is straightforward: whenever you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds, or your brain will kill the idea. This is a powerful statement on the importance of immediate action. Not only does it underscore the necessity of seizing the moment, but it also highlights the role of physical movement in shaping our mental state. It's a call to action that challenges our very human tendency to overthink and procrastinate. The 5 Second Rule is not just about action, but also about courage. Robbins argues that the rule can help us develop the courage to step outside our comfort zones. This is a critical insight, as many of us often find ourselves trapped in our comfort zones, afraid to take risks or embrace change. The rule can be applied to various areas of our lives, including career, relationships, health, and personal growth. This versatility makes it a powerful tool for personal transformation. It's not just about achieving specific goals, but about becoming a better version of ourselves. Robbins bases her rule on the concept of metacognition - thinking about thinking. This concept is central to many psychological theories and therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It's about becoming aware of our thought patterns and learning to control them. The 5 Second Rule can be seen as a form of metacognition, as it forces us to be present and conscious of our thoughts and actions. It’s important to note that the 5 Second Rule is a tool that helps us change our behavior, not just our thinking. This is a crucial distinction, as changing our behavior often requires more than just changing our thoughts. It requires consistent action and perseverance. Robbins also explains how the rule can be used for emotion regulation. By counting down from 5, we can interrupt our automatic emotional responses and choose a more appropriate response. This can be especially helpful in situations where our emotions tend to get the better of us, such as in moments of high stress or anxiety. Furthermore, Robbins discusses how the rule can be used to build and maintain good habits and to break bad ones. This aligns with the current understanding of habit formation and change. Research shows that habits are formed through a loop of cue, routine, and reward. By interrupting this loop with the 5 second countdown, we can break our bad habits and create new, healthier ones. Lastly, Robbins emphasizes that the 5 Second Rule is not about ignoring our feelings, but about not letting our feelings control us. This is a critical point, as it acknowledges the importance of our emotions while also empowering us to take control of them. In conclusion, "The 5 Second Rule" offers a simple yet powerful tool for personal transformation. It challenges our habitual thought patterns and encourages us to take immediate action, step outside our comfort zones, and take control of our emotions. It's a tool that can help us become more productive, confident, and courageous.
ViewEscaping the Build Trap - How Effective Product Management Creates Real Value
Melissa Perri
Before diving into a comprehensive analysis of "Escaping the Build Trap," let's first outline some of the most important key facts or insights that the book offers: The significance of understanding the difference between building products and creating value. How to identify and escape the 'build trap' - a cycle of endless product development without strategic value. The role of effective product management in creating real value. The importance of aligning product strategy with business strategy. The necessity of building cross-functional teams for successful product management. The need for an outcome-oriented approach as opposed to an output-oriented approach. The critical role of feedback loops and learning in product management. The importance of product discovery in mitigating risks and maximising value. The concept of 'Product Kata' as a framework for continuous learning and improvement. The need for a cultural shift in organizations for successful product management. The role of leadership in fostering an environment for effective product management. An In-Depth Analysis and Summary "Escaping the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri is a seminal book that delves into the intricacies of product management while underscoring the importance of creating real value. In the realm of product development, organizations often fall into the 'build trap,' where they become incessantly obsessed with building features without understanding if they bring any strategic value to the business. This is the first lesson that Perri expounds on, highlighting the significance of understanding the difference between building products and creating value. The book then moves on to educate readers on how to identify if they are in the 'build trap' and offers a roadmap on how to escape it. This is a critical insight as it helps organizations identify a pervasive issue that can significantly hamper their growth and success. By aligning product strategy with business strategy, organizations can ensure that every product development effort contributes to overarching business goals. Another crucial facet that Perri discusses is the role of effective product management in creating real value. She emphasizes the need for product managers to transition from being 'feature brokers' to 'value creators.' This transition can be facilitated by building cross-functional teams that work collaboratively towards common objectives. Perri also highlights the need for an outcome-oriented approach as opposed to an output-oriented approach. While the latter focuses on the quantity of products or features developed, the former emphasizes the impact or value these products create for the customers and the business. This shift in perspective is essential for organizations to escape the 'build trap.' The book also underscores the critical role of feedback loops and learning in product management. By integrating feedback loops into the product development process, organizations can continuously learn and adapt based on user feedback and market trends. This is closely linked to the concept of 'Product Kata,' which Perri introduces as a framework for continuous learning and improvement. Furthermore, Perri emphasizes the importance of product discovery in mitigating risks and maximizing value. This involves validating ideas and assumptions before investing heavily in product development, thereby reducing the chances of failure. Finally, the book asserts that escaping the 'build trap' requires a cultural shift in organizations. This involves fostering a culture of learning, experimentation, and customer-centricity. The role of leadership is crucial in this regard as they need to create an environment that encourages these values. In conclusion, "Escaping the Build Trap" provides a comprehensive guide for organizations to break free from the cycle of endless product development and shift towards creating real value. By intertwining practical insights with theoretical concepts, Melissa Perri provides a valuable resource for anyone involved in product management.
ViewOutcomes Over Output - Why Customer Behavior is the Key Metric for Business Success
Joshua Seiden
Key Facts and Insights Focus on outcomes, not outputs: The key idea of this book is that companies should focus on achieving specific outcomes rather than simply focusing on producing outputs. Customer behavior is key: The success of a business largely depends on customer behavior. Understanding this behavior and shaping business strategies accordingly can lead to success. Outcome-based approaches: The book promotes the use of outcome-based approaches in business, such as Lean Startup, Agile, and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Value of experimentation: The book emphasizes the importance of experimentation in business, as a way to understand and shape customer behavior. Measuring success: It proposes that businesses should measure their success based on customer behavior, not just on financial metrics. Continuous learning: The book suggests that businesses should continuously learn from their customer behavior and adjust their strategies accordingly. Importance of teams: The book explains that it’s not just the individual effort, but the collective work of cross-disciplinary teams that can drive a business towards its desired outcomes. Tools and techniques: It provides various tools and techniques that businesses can use to shift their focus from outputs to outcomes. Case studies: The book includes multiple case studies and real-world examples to illustrate its concepts. Practical advice: The book offers practical advice and steps that businesses can take to implement an outcome-focused approach. Customer-centric approach: The book argues that a customer-centric approach is key to achieving desired business outcomes. In-Depth Analysis and Summary In the book, Joshua Seiden presents a compelling case for shifting the focus from outputs to outcomes. He argues that businesses often concentrate on producing outputs, such as launching new products or services, without considering whether these outputs will lead to the desired outcomes. This approach, he argues, can lead to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. At the heart of this book is the idea that customer behavior is the key metric for business success. Seiden suggests that businesses should focus on understanding and shaping customer behavior. This is a significant departure from traditional business thinking, which often prioritizes financial metrics. He argues that financial metrics are lagging indicators – they tell you what happened in the past, but not what will happen in the future. Customer behavior, on the other hand, can provide insights into future trends and opportunities. The book promotes the use of outcome-based approaches in business, such as Lean Startup, Agile, and OKRs. These approaches prioritize learning and adaptation over rigid planning and execution. They recognize that businesses operate in a complex, uncertain environment where success requires continuous experimentation and learning. Seiden emphasizes the importance of experimentation in business. He suggests that businesses should run experiments to understand customer behavior, test assumptions, and validate business ideas. This approach can help businesses avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions. The book proposes that businesses should measure their success based on customer behavior, not just on financial metrics. This perspective aligns with the concept of customer-centricity, which is increasingly recognized as a key driver of business success. Customer-centric businesses prioritize the needs and wants of their customers, and they design their products, services, and experiences to meet these needs and wants. Seiden also discusses the importance of teams in driving business outcomes. He argues that it’s not just the individual effort, but the collective work of cross-disciplinary teams that can drive a business towards its desired outcomes. This perspective aligns with the concept of team effectiveness, which is a key area of research in organizational psychology. The book includes various tools and techniques that businesses can use to shift their focus from outputs to outcomes. These tools and techniques include hypothesis-driven development, customer journey mapping, and outcome-based roadmaps. Finally, the book includes multiple case studies and real-world examples to illustrate its concepts. These case studies and examples provide practical insights into how businesses can implement an outcome-focused approach. In conclusion, "Outcomes Over Output - Why Customer Behavior is the Key Metric for Business Success" by Joshua Seiden is a thought-provoking book that challenges traditional business thinking and provides practical advice for businesses that want to focus on achieving outcomes, not just producing outputs.
ViewMeasure What Matters - How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
John Doerr
Key Insights from "Measure What Matters" The OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system is a powerful tool for setting, tracking, and achieving goals. OKRs are designed to align the efforts of individuals, teams, and organizations towards a common purpose. Transparency is a key principle of OKRs, promoting accountability and collaboration. OKRs should be ambitious (moonshots) and complemented by more achievable (roofshots) goals. OKRs should be flexible, adaptable and not tied to compensation or performance reviews. OKR success is reliant on a supportive, feedback-rich culture. OKRs have been instrumental in the success of major companies like Google, Intel, and the Gates Foundation. The "superpower" of OKRs lies in its focus, alignment, tracking, and stretching capabilities. OKRs are not just for businesses, they can be applied to personal goals as well. Continuous learning and improvement are integral to the OKR system. In "Measure What Matters," John Doerr presents the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system as a vital tool for goal setting and achievement. He does this through a series of compelling case studies from Google, Intel, the Gates Foundation, and even U2's Bono, illustrating how the system is adaptable across different contexts. Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) Doerr outlines the OKR system as a simple method to create alignment and engagement around measurable goals. The system involves setting ambitious objectives and then defining quantitative key results to track progress towards these objectives. This encourages focus and prioritizes action on the most important tasks. Doerr emphasizes that OKRs should not be tied to compensation or performance reviews, as this can encourage risk-averse behavior. Instead, they should be seen as a way to foster learning, innovation, and personal growth. Transparency and Alignment Transparency is a key principle in the OKR system. By making OKRs public within an organization, individuals and teams can see how their efforts contribute to the overall goals. This promotes accountability and encourages collaboration, as everyone understands their role in the bigger picture. Through the use of OKRs, organizations can ensure that everyone is pulling in the same direction. This alignment is crucial for achieving large, ambitious goals, or as Doerr terms them, "moonshots." Moonshots and Roofshots Doerr encourages organizations to set audacious "moonshot" OKRs, which are big, bold goals that inspire and challenge. These should be complemented by more achievable "roofshot" OKRs, which provide a more immediate, realistic target. The combination of moonshots and roofshots encourages organizations to stretch beyond their comfort zones while also providing a clear path to progress. OKRs in Practice The success of the OKR system is exemplified through the stories of Google, Intel, and the Gates Foundation. These organizations have used OKRs to focus their efforts, align their teams, and achieve extraordinary results. For example, Google's Larry Page and Sergey Brin credit OKRs with keeping the company focused during rapid growth. Intel used OKRs to drive a major strategic shift in the 1980s, while the Gates Foundation uses them to tackle complex global health issues. Conclusion Doerr's "Measure What Matters" offers a compelling argument for the power of OKRs. The system's simplicity, flexibility, and emphasis on transparency and alignment make it a potent tool for any organization or individual seeking to achieve their goals. However, as I often stress in my lectures, the implementation of OKRs should be done with care. It requires a supportive, feedback-rich culture and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Used effectively, OKRs can, indeed, rock the world.
ViewCoaching Agile Teams - A Companion for ScrumMasters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition
Lyssa Adkins
Key Insights from the book: 1. Agile coaching is a craft involving skills and expertise - Coaching Agile teams is not just about understanding Agile methodologies, but it's about mastering a new craft that combines teaching, mentoring, problem-solving, conflict navigation and professional coaching. 2. Understanding of team dynamics - The book lays emphasis on the importance of understanding team dynamics and how team members interact with each other. 3. Role of ScrumMaster - The ScrumMaster has a crucial role in Agile teams. They do not just manage the team, but they also coach, mentor, and remove impediments for the team. 4. Conflict navigation - The book provides insights into how to effectively navigate through conflicts within the team and transform them into opportunities for growth and learning. 5. Transitioning to Agile - The book offers guidance for traditional Project Managers transitioning to Agile frameworks and methodologies. 6. Agile mindset - The book emphasizes the importance of having an Agile mindset, not just implementing Agile practices. 7. Coaching Stance - The book introduces the concept of ‘Coaching Stance’, a mental state that helps coaches to be completely present and effective. 8. Addressing Systemic Issues - The book speaks about the importance of addressing systemic issues that could hinder the team's effectiveness and productivity. 9. Importance of Trust - The book underlines the importance of building trust within the team. 10. Agile practices - The book provides a detailed understanding of Agile practices like Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, etc. 11. Coaching Models - The book introduces various coaching models that can be used to improve team performance. Detailed Analysis "Coaching Agile Teams" by Lyssa Adkins is a comprehensive guide that provides a profound understanding of Agile coaching as a craft that requires a multitude of skills and expertise. The author does a commendable job of dissecting the various aspects of Agile coaching, offering deep insights into the role of an Agile coach, ScrumMaster, and Project Managers in Agile teams. To understand Agile coaching, it is essential to comprehend the concept of team dynamics. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding how team members interact with each other, their roles, responsibilities, and how they contribute to the team's overall effectiveness. This understanding is foundational for any Agile coach or ScrumMaster to foster a high-performing team. The role of a ScrumMaster is dissected in detail. The ScrumMaster is not just a manager but a coach and mentor who removes impediments for the team, helps them achieve their goals, and fosters an environment conducive to learning and growth. The ScrumMaster's role is pivotal in navigating through conflicts, one of the many aspects highlighted in the book. Conflict navigation is a crucial skill for any Agile coach or ScrumMaster. The book provides practical guidance on how to navigate conflicts effectively and transform them into opportunities for growth and learning. This is closely tied to the concept of 'Coaching Stance', a mental state that helps coaches be fully present, open, non-judgmental, and solution-focused. One of the book's significant offerings is the guidance it provides to traditional Project Managers transitioning to Agile. The transition is not just about understanding and implementing Agile practices, but it's about adopting an Agile mindset. The book emphasizes the importance of this mindset shift, highlighting that Agile is not just a methodology but a way of thinking and working. The book introduces various coaching models that can be used to improve team performance. These models provide a structured approach to coaching, helping coaches identify areas of improvement and strategies to enhance team performance. One of the critical aspects that the book underscores is the importance of addressing systemic issues within the team. These could be issues related to the team's processes, communication, or overall working environment. Ignoring these issues could severely hinder the team's effectiveness and productivity. Building trust within the team is another theme that resonates throughout the book. Trust is fundamental to any team's success, and the book provides strategies and techniques to foster and maintain trust within the team. In conclusion, "Coaching Agile Teams" offers a detailed understanding of Agile coaching as a craft that requires a multitude of skills and expertise. It provides deep insights into the role of an Agile coach, ScrumMaster, and Project Managers in Agile teams, offering practical guidance and strategies to foster high-performing Agile teams.
View
M.
4.March 2024I had an amazing session with Archana! Her patience in answering my questions and her valuable advice was crucial in clarifying my doubts and organizing my thoughts. Additionally, she provided me with recommendations that complemented our conversation perfectly. I am very grateful for the support and thank you again, Archana!