Robert K. Greenleaf formulated his concept of “servant leadership” back in the 1970s. Leadership is understood as a service and support. The focus is on employees and their development. Cooperation and a sense of community are emphasised instead of hierarchies and authority. This strengthens well-being and team spirit; promotes creativity and innovation. The positive effects for employees and companies are clearly noticeable – even measurable. These are precisely the basic ideas behind agile working methods.
We were able to experience a good example of this lived culture in the Scrumkitchen with the Motherson Group. The management met for a scrum cooking team event. Nothing unusual in itself. But the idea of also cooking for the staff and eating together later shows that an innovative management style is being implemented here. The managers travelled from all corners of the world and swapped their laptops and mobile phones for frying pans and chopping boards for a few hours to cook for their teams.
An additional incentive for the management level: learning how to work agile, working in an agile team and getting to know the process from the inside out. After all, this is something that is not possible in “normal” day-to-day management. SCRUM COOKING therefore offers managers in particular a practical team experience and a welcome change of perspective.
A great idea and a really successful event for everyone involved. More of this please!