BONUS: The Power of TWI in Transforming Supervisory Skills and Software Leadership | Hugh Alley

Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

BONUS: The Power of TWI in Transforming Supervisory Skills and Software Leadership With Hugh Alley

In this BONUS episode, we delve into how Training Within Industry (TWI) principles can revolutionize leadership and supervision, and those principles can be adapted to the software industry. Hugh Alley, industrial engineer, author of The TWI Memory Jogger, and seasoned consultant, brings invaluable insights on how adapting these timeless methods can enhance team cohesion, productivity, and job satisfaction.

From Toxic Workplaces to Transformative Solutions

"When I first saw supervisors shouting in the workplace, I knew there had to be a better way." Hugh's journey began in the high-stress world of manufacturing where ineffective leadership was the norm. His turning point came when he discovered TWI, which shifted a company from zero employee suggestions to implementing 2-3 improvements per week. He shares the importance of recognizing poor patterns and seeking practical solutions that lead to lasting change.

"A key insight? The power of TWI isn't just in theory; it creates immediate, real-world results."

The Historic Power of TWI: Lessons from World-War II

"We learned that repetition is essential for true skill mastery." Hugh recounts the origins of TWI during WWII when the U.S. War Manpower Commission had to quickly upskill the workforce and develop leaders. He highlights the drastic improvement in training time for complex tasks, such as lens grinding, reduced from five years to just five days. This approach emphasized breaking tasks into micro-skills and practicing them repeatedly.

"The secret to learning is practice—not just once, but deliberately and consistently."

Core Managerial Responsibilities: Mission and People

"If you don’t look after your people, they’ll leave." Hugh elaborates on two often-overlooked managerial duties: achieving the mission and caring for the team. In software projects, where meeting deadlines becomes paramount, leaders may overlook their teams' well-being. He shares a case where training in TWI’s Job Relations (JR) module reduced turnover from 60% to 10%, proving that attention to people directly impacts results.

"Feedback isn’t optional—it’s the backbone of a motivated team."

The Five Essential Supervisory Skills

"Getting people up to speed isn’t luck; it’s skill." Hugh discusses the five essential skills for supervisors outlined in TWI: giving instructions, fostering performance, improving methods, setting priorities, and listening. These skills ensure that new team members integrate smoothly and that ongoing work aligns with team goals. For software teams, he emphasizes that structured training can prevent future issues and enhance productivity.

"Supervisory success is built on clear guidance and active listening."

Why TWI Gets Overlooked and How to Revitalize It

"We don’t need heroes; we need high-functioning teams." Post-WWII, TWI lost momentum as it was seen as outdated, and the culture shifted toward individual heroics in the workplace. Hugh argues that today's teams thrive not on isolated brilliance but on collective efficiency and shared learning.

"Our challenge today is to reclaim TWI’s structured approach for consistent team performance."

Addressing Performance Issues with TWI

"Inspection isn’t just watching; it’s understanding and acting." Hugh explains how the Job Relations module of TWI can be adapted for software teams to address performance issues. He shares practical steps for leaders to approach these conversations constructively, improving team trust and transparency.

"Proactive feedback, rooted in observation, fuels team growth."

Application for Scrum Masters and Agile Leaders

"Basic certifications don’t cover these leadership essentials." Hugh talks about how Scrum Masters can leverage the insights from his book, The TWI Memory Jogger, to build vital supervisory skills that foster better team dynamics and output. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning beyond basic training to handle real-world challenges effectively.

"To be truly effective, Scrum Masters must master supervisory fundamentals."

The Art of Listening in Leadership

"Respect starts with truly hearing your team." Hugh shares a story about a colleague named Angie, illustrating how active listening can uncover underlying issues affecting performance. He discusses how TWI encourages leaders to move beyond surface-level interactions and engage meaningfully with their teams.

"Listening is the gateway to trust and respect in leadership."

Improving Methods: A Supervisor’s Guide

"Ask better questions, get better answers." For supervisors and Agile Coaches, Hugh introduces six reflective questions that improve work methods. He explains how applying these questions can enhance retrospective meetings and process improvements in software teams, reinforcing TWI’s impact on continuous improvement.

"Improvement begins when you challenge every assumption and ask the right questions."

TWI’s Influence on Team Cohesion and Values

Hugh shares a success story from his book where TWI principles transformed team unity. He shows how applying these principles nurtures an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

"True cohesion comes from shared learning and collective effort."

Hugh encourages listeners to explore TWI resources and start with practical application in their teams. For those eager to dive deeper, his books Becoming the Supervisor and The TWI Memory Jogger offer accessible entry points to mastering these crucial skills.

About Hugh Alley

Hugh Alley is an industrial engineer, author, and consultant specializing in continuous improvement and supervisory skills. He has led multiple manufacturing firms and trained over 1,000 front-line leaders, authoring two books on effective supervision. Based near Vancouver, Canada, Hugh supports clients across North America with practical strategies for leadership development.

You can link with Hugh Alley on LinkedIn.