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This week on the podcast, Dan Neumann is joined by Che Ho! Che Ho is leading an agile transformation for the County of Santa Clara, California. He also recently got certified as a Scrum Master Professional through Agile Alliance. And, fun fact: He\u2019s also a martial arts instructor for Wing Chun! He\u2019s been studying it since he was 10 and has been teaching it now for 20-odd years.

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Speaking of martial arts, the topic today directly relates to it! Shu Ha Ri is a concept that comes from Japanese martial arts\u2019 kata (AKA forms) and is a fantastic tool for Agile coaches in their approach to agile adoption. In this episode, Dan and Che Ho are completely breaking down the concept of Shu Ha Ri to make it just a little more tangible.

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Key Takeaways

What is Shu Ha Ri?

• \u2018Shu Ha Ri\u2019 is not levels, nor is it a self-contained stage that you go through
• The description of Shu Ha Ri comes from Japanese martial arts\u2019 kata (AKA forms)
• Shu Ha Ri is similar to a pyramid; each phase supports one another and one cannot exist without the other
• It\u2019s simply a way to look at a maturity level which can help with agile adoption

Breaking down Shu Ha Ri:

The \u2018Shu\u2019 phase:

• Shu is when you first start learning (it\u2019s essentially like learning the alphabet and how to put things together)
• Where you learn the \u2018why\u2019
• The time for getting comfortable with the rhythm of things

The \u2018Ha\u2019 phase:

• Ha is about playing with the techniques and stringing them together in your own unique way
• You can begin to personalize within the framework
• You can move off script as the framework is internalized
• Motivation comes to light at this phase

The \u2018Ri\u2019 phase:

• Ri is the \u2018ultimate mastery\u2019 \u2014 it\u2019s described as the phase where the form no longer matters (it\u2019s a \u2018formless form\u2019)
• It\u2019s more of a lifestyle \u2014 it becomes so ingrained in you that it just becomes the way that you are rather than something that you do
• The activity becomes organic
• Through this, you create ways that are uniquely yours and you can become playful with it
• A lot of experimentation can signify a \u2018Ri\u2019 level of maturity
• Ri is when you become so comfortable with what\u2019s going on that it just becomes you; and you\u2019re free to innovate, create, and experiment

How to address resistance to Shu Ha Ri:

• Firstly, don\u2019t take it personally \u2014 as Che Ho says, \u201cThey\u2019ve honed their habits over decades to get to the success where they\u2019re at now \u2014 so of course they\u2019re going to resist changing it!\u201d
• Address the \u2018why\u2019 for the change
• Remember: it takes time
• You can only get so far studying by yourself but a coach helps you get great
• A study group can be a form of coaching if they are focused and have their intention set for growth and change

Che Ho\u2019s key takeaways:

• Shu Ha Ri is a way to bring people to the same understanding
• Be sure to have patience with the change
• Celebrate the small wins along the way
• Instead of trying to achieve something, Shu Ha Ri should become an internalization and part of your being

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Mentioned in this Episode:

Che Ho's LinkedIn Profile

Agile 2019 Conference

Wing Chun

Shu Ha Ri

Bruce Lee

Coaching Agile Teams: A Companion for ScrumMasters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition, by Lyssa Adkins

Alistair Cockburn

Kata

Woody Zuill

Agile Coaches\u2019 Corner Ep. 45: \u201cThe Benefits of Mob Programming with Chris Lucian\u201d

The Agile Manifesto

County of Santa Clara

Nonviolent Communication (Approach by Marshall Rosenberg)

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Che Ho\u2019s Book Picks:

Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, by Oren Jay Sofer

Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness,
by Rick Hanson Ph.D. and Forrest Hanson

Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind,
by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel M.D.

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