Words Matter:
Celebrating Linguistic Diversity in Agile Sprints at CareSource

During my time as a Scrum Master at CareSource in Dayton, OH, I had the privilege of being a part of several highly diverse Scrum teams. This diversity was not only in terms of skills, backgrounds, and experiences but also languages spoken. I was given the autonomy to incorporate unique ways to leverage the power of Scrum methodologies to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.

Agile methodologies, at their core, value adaptive planning, early delivery, and continuous improvement, as well as encouraging rapid and flexible response to change. Scrum, an Agile framework, facilitates this by dividing a product into small iterations called "sprints," each producing a potentially shippable product increment. In a similar vein, DE&I initiatives aim to provide an inclusive and equitable environment, where employees of all backgrounds can bring their authentic selves to work and collaborate harmoniously.

Something near and dear to me at CareSource was finding a ways to make everyone feel included, especially given the diversity of languages spoken within our team. The solution we came up with was deceptively simple: the "Word of the Sprint.” During each sprint planning meeting, we selected a word that represented the spirit or theme of the sprint. Team members were encouraged to write this word on the sprint board in their own language. This not only promoted inclusion and cultural exchange but also turned our sprint board into a beautiful tapestry of diverse scripts and languages.

The "Word of the Sprint" practice was more than just an opportunity to showcase our team's linguistic diversity. It was a reflection of our commitment to agile principles and DE&I values. Let’s dive deeper into the elements that made this initiative successful and the broader implications for Agile and DE&I in the workplace.

Incorporating DE&I into Agile Rituals

The practice of incorporating a "Word of the Sprint" in various languages was embedded in our Scrum rituals, most notably during sprint planning. Agile frameworks like Scrum involve frequent interactions and ceremonies that can be leveraged for DE&I purposes. In our case, sprint planning became a forum not just for mapping out the work ahead but also for showcasing and celebrating the linguistic diversity within our team.

Valuing Diverse Perspectives

In Agile, the focus is on harnessing diverse perspectives for problem-solving and product development. The "Word of the Sprint" implementation highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives, showing that everyone’s input, regardless of their language, was valuable. This promoted the Agile values of respect, collaboration, and openness, creating an inclusive environment where team members felt confident in sharing their unique insights and ideas.

Tapping into Cultural Intelligence

The initiative also tapped into the concept of cultural intelligence – the ability to function effectively across cultural contexts. The exposure to different languages led to conversations about cultural norms, values, and communication styles. This cultural exchange allowed team members to develop cultural intelligence, enabling them to work more effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, both within our team and across the organization.

Influence on Psychological Safety

In the world of Agile, psychological safety is paramount. It’s the belief that one can speak their mind without fear of negative repercussions. The "Word of the Sprint" idea contributed to psychological safety by creating an atmosphere where team members felt valued and respected for their unique contributions, including their linguistic heritage. This increased sense of belonging led to higher levels of trust and openness, essential components of psychological safety.

Impact on Employee Engagement and Performance

The positive effects of the initiative were palpable. With the increased sense of inclusion, psychological safety, and cultural intelligence, we observed a rise in team engagement levels. Engaged employees are more invested in their work, which translates to improved productivity, creativity, and overall performance. By embracing both Agile and DE&I principles, we were able to create a highly motivated and high-performing Scrum team.

Direct and positive effects on the team:

1. Inclusivity and a Sense of Belonging: By celebrating the languages spoken by our team members, we made everyone feel valued and acknowledged, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

2. Enhanced Collaboration: The initiative became a conversation starter and helped team members learn more about each other’s cultures and languages, paving the way for deeper connections and collaboration.

3. Richer Decision-Making: Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, leading to better decision-making. By creating an environment where diverse perspectives were valued, we were better equipped to make more informed decisions.

4. Enhanced Employee Engagement: When people feel acknowledged and included, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. The initiative led to increased levels of engagement and commitment from our team members.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy: The exposure to various languages and scripts made team members more aware of cultural nuances and sensitivities, enhancing empathy and understanding.

Conclusion

The "Word of the Sprint" implementation serves as an example of how Agile methodologies and DE&I values can intersect and amplify each other. By embedding DE&I practices into our Agile rituals, we were able to create an inclusive and equitable environment that valued diverse perspectives and fostered cultural intelligence, psychological safety, and employee engagement. The lesson from my experience at CareSource is clear: when we harness the power of agile methodologies and DE&I principles, we can create inclusive and diverse teams that not only produce better results but also create a more harmonious and empathetic work environment for everyone.

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