Top Predictions of 2024, Tested in 2025
06 September 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
How well can experts predict the future of technology in a rapidly innovating world? The IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024, released in February 2024, offered insights into emerging trends. Scott M. Graffius shared the report’s top five predictions on social media and, one year later, posted follow-up comments evaluating their accuracy. This article revisits and provides a deeper dive on those predictions—Generative AI Applications, Next-Generation AI, Advances in Cybersecurity, Managing Misinformation, and Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors—to assess how they held up. This evaluation:
This article evaluates the IEEE Computer Society report’s foresight and practical value for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in a rigorous yet accessible way.
See the bibliography section of this article for sources.
Prediction 1: Generative AI Applications
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Generative AI use will increase with rapidly expanding efficiency and new applications and services both beneficial and detrimental. Ethical and societal issues will continue to rise. Expect strong short-term impacts on business, education and society."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"With 71%+ of organizations employing generative AI, use is widespread. But there are significant ethical and societal issues."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s prediction about generative AI was remarkably accurate. By 2025, generative AI has become deeply woven into daily professional and personal life. In business, organizations deploy generative AI for customer service, coding assistance, marketing content, and product design. In education, AI tools are utilized for tutoring, research support, and accessibility, while simultaneously sparking debates over plagiarism, learning outcomes, and the integrity of assessments.
Societally, generative AI is a double-edged sword: it drives productivity and creativity but also raises ethical concerns. Bias in outputs, the spread of misinformation through AI-generated text and media, and the challenge of “AI hallucinations” have become widely recognized issues. Regulatory efforts—such as the European Union’s AI Act—reflect the urgency of addressing these concerns.
In short, the IEEE foresaw both the opportunities and the challenges of generative AI.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 2: Next Generation AI
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"The evolving advancements and developments in the field of artificial intelligence that push the boundaries beyond current capabilities. It is the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is expected to be more advanced and sophisticated than the current AI systems."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"Advancements such as more sophisticated LLMs and multimodal systems pushed beyond previous capabilities with broader adoption and impact."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s forecast of “next generation AI” anticipated that new models would surpass the systems available in 2024. In hindsight, that framing was well-judged. Over the past year, breakthroughs have centered on three areas:
Although the field is still at an early stage, these trends clearly move AI “beyond current capabilities,” as the IEEE predicted. The term “next generation” fits: these are not incremental tweaks but foundational shifts in how AI is conceived and applied.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 3: Advances in Cybersecurity
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Advances in Cybersecurity will enhance public confidence and will enable reliance on the cyber infrastructure for large scale applications including energy production and distribution."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"AI-driven threat detection has bolstered trust and supported critical applications. But rising ransomware and phishing attacks persist."
Expanded Assessment:
The prediction that cybersecurity would advance significantly—particularly in ways that bolster public confidence—has proven largely accurate. In 2025, three developments stand out:
Cybersecurity remains a dynamic challenge. Ransomware groups, state-sponsored attacks, and vulnerabilities in emerging technologies continue to pose serious risks. However, the IEEE was correct that the net effect of recent advancements has been to increase trust in cyber infrastructure, particularly for large-scale applications.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 4: Managing Misinformation
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"AI deepfakes (text, audio, visual) will become regular tools that will require careful management."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation escalated, spreading across digital platforms and demanding robust countermeasures throughout."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s prediction was prescient. In 2024 and 2025, AI-generated misinformation—especially deepfakes—became a defining feature of political communication. During election cycles around the globe, fabricated audio of candidates, manipulated images, and synthetic videos circulated widely across social media. These were used not only for disinformation campaigns but also for satire, further blurring the line between parody and deception.
In response, platforms have taken steps to introduce AI-content labeling and watermarking mechanisms, but these measures remain inconsistent and easily circumvented. Governments have likewise begun exploring regulatory frameworks: for instance, the European Union and the United States both advanced proposals targeting transparency and accountability for synthetic media. Still, implementation lags behind the speed of innovation.
The prediction’s emphasis on “careful management” captures the current state well. Managing misinformation is less about eliminating deepfakes—an unlikely outcome—and more about mitigating their societal impact through education, detection tools, and policy interventions.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 5: Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Remote Healthcare, monitoring sensors and system-level data integration will enable patients to obtain remote medical assistance, physicians to improve diagnosis and treatment, optimal utilization of individuals’ medical history, and efficient health care delivery protocols."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"Telehealth surged. Wearables advanced monitoring. Data integration improved diagnosis. Full medical history use, etc. still progressing."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE correctly anticipated the continued rise of remote healthcare and monitoring technologies. Since 2024, wearable devices—from smartwatches tracking vital signs to medical-grade biosensors—have seen broader adoption. Healthcare providers increasingly integrate these data streams into patient records, enabling more personalized and proactive care. Similarly, telemedicine platforms have matured, offering virtual consultations, chronic disease management, and remote monitoring that reduce the need for in-person visits.
However, progress has been uneven. Integration across healthcare systems remains fragmented, with interoperability challenges slowing widespread adoption. Privacy and security concerns also loom large, as sensitive health data transmitted across networks remains an attractive target for cyberattacks. Moreover, issues of equity and access persist: while urban and affluent populations benefit from connected health solutions, rural and underserved communities often face barriers such as limited internet connectivity, lack of insurance coverage, or prohibitive device costs.
Overall, the IEEE’s forecast captured the direction of change but overstated the universality of its impact. Remote healthcare has advanced, but the promise of widespread, efficient system-level integration is not yet fully realized.
This prediction earns a ‘Partial Hit’ for its accuracy.
Conclusion
The IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024 demonstrated remarkable foresight. Across five key areas—Generative AI Applications, Next-Generation AI, Advances in Cybersecurity, Managing Misinformation, and Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors—the predictions were largely validated by subsequent developments.
Generative AI and Next-Generation AI delivered rapid, transformative progress, reshaping business, education, and society as anticipated. Cybersecurity advancements bolstered trust in critical infrastructure despite ongoing threats. The rise of AI-generated misinformation underscored the need for careful management, as predicted. Remote healthcare and monitoring sensors progressed significantly, though challenges resulted in a partial hit.
These outcomes highlight the value of thoughtful technology forecasting. Predictions are not certainties but provide a framework for understanding trends, preparing organizations, and guiding policy and research. The IEEE report shows how informed projections can help society navigate opportunities and challenges, even as the pace of technological change remains uneven and complex.
In sum, revisiting these predictions a year later offers both affirmation and insight. The IEEE Computer Society’s 2024 report largely hit its mark, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and evaluation. As technology evolves, such analyses will remain critical for shaping innovation, informing policy, and ensuring equitable outcomes in an increasingly connected world.
About the IEEE
The following is an excerpt from the IEEE (here).
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and is a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.
About the IEEE Computer Society
The following is an excerpt from the IEEE Computer Society (here).
Engaging computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from all areas and levels of computing, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) serves as the world’s largest and most established professional organization of its type. IEEE CS sets the standard for the education and engagement that fuels continued global technological advancement. Through conferences, publications, and programs that inspire dialogue, debate, and collaboration, IEEE CS empowers, shapes, and guides the future of not only its 375,000+ community members, but the greater industry, enabling new opportunities to better serve our world. Visit https://computer.org for more information.
Bibliography
Here's the select bibliography for this article. It features several of Graffius' articles, as they address related topics.
Bhattacharya, P., Mukherjee, A., Bhushan, B., Gupta, S. K., Gadekallu, T. R., & Zhu, Z. (2025, July 2). A Secured Remote Patient Monitoring Framework for IoMT Ecosystems. Scientific Reports, 15 (1): 22882. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04774-y.
Brown, Sara (2025, June 2). Machine Learning and Generative AI: What Are They Good For in 2025? MIT Sloan Management Review. Available at: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-and-generative-ai-what-are-they-good-for.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2024, September 27). Teaching AI What It Should and Shouldn’t Do. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2024/teaching-ai.
Dragos (2025). 2025 OT Cybersecurity Report: 8th Annual Year in Review. Dragos. Available at: https://www.dragos.com/ot-cybersecurity-year-in-review/.
Graffius, Scott M. (2024, September 26). How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/algorithms-and-the-user-experience.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29149.01767.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 2). Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/meta-and-anduril-eagleeye-and-the-future-of-xr-how-gaming-ai-and-agile-are-transforming-defense.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 8). Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 18). AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-institute-features-work-of-scott-m-graffius.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 22). Scott M. Graffius Premieres His New "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk at Corporate Event in Las Vegas. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-premieres-talk-on-human-and-ai-exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. First on the top five list is Generative AI Applications. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Generative AI use will increase with rapidly expanding efficiency and new applications and services both beneficial and detrimental. Ethical and societal issues will continue to rise. Expect strong short-term impacts on business, education, and society.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758178136137826491.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Second on the top five list is Next Generation AI. Here's an excerpt from the report: “The evolving advancements and developments in the field of artificial intelligence that push the boundaries beyond current capabilities. It is the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is expected to be more advanced and sophisticated than the current AI systems.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758205743969550376.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released predictions for 2024. Third on the top five list is Advances in Cybersecurity. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Advances in Cybersecurity will enhance public confidence and will enable reliance on the cyber infrastructure for large scale applications including energy production and distribution.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758218228399325458.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Fourth on the top five list is Managing Misinformation. Here's an excerpt from the report: “AI deepfakes (text, audio, and visual) will become a regular electioneering tool that will require careful management.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758225882278416535.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Fifth on the top five list is Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Remote healthcare, monitoring sensors, and system-level data integration will enable patients to obtain remote medical assistance, physicians to improve diagnosis and treatment, optimal utilization of individuals’ medical history, and efficient health care delivery protocols.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758309611315294543.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 2). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #RemoteHealthcare (see below)? 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. Telehealth surged. Wearables advanced monitoring. Data integration improved diagnosis. Full medical history use, etc. still progressing. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1951824321334419750.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 2). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #Misinformation (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation escalated, spreading across digital platforms and demanding robust countermeasures throughout. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1951864035630276964.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 4). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included Next Gen #AI (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. Advancements such as more sophisticated LLMs and multimodal systems pushed beyond previous capabilities with broader adoption and impact. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1952427998839476336.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 6). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #Cybersecurity (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. AI-driven threat detection has bolstered trust and supported critical applications. But rising ransomware and phishing attacks persist. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1953132783980954002.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 6). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #GenerativeAI (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. With 71%+ of organizations employing generative AI, use is widespread. But there are significant ethical and societal issues. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1953203709602943194.
Hahn, M., Zeng, W., Kannen, N., Galt, R., Badola, K., Kim, B., & Wang, Z. (2025, May 1). Proactive Agents for Multi-Turn Text-to-Image Generation Under Uncertainty. In Proceedings of International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2025. Google DeepMind. Available at: https://deepmind.google/research/publications/121578/.
IEEE Computer Society (2024, February 15). Technology Predictions Report 2024. IEEE Computer Society. IEEE Computer Society. Available at: https://ieeecs-media.computer.org/media/tech-news/tech-predictions-report-2024.pdf.
Khandabattu, H. (2025, July 8). The 2025 Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence Goes Beyond GenAI. Gartner. Available at: https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/hype-cycle-for-artificial-intelligence.
Le Poldevin, Olivia (2025, July 11). UN Report Urges Stronger Measures to Detect AI-Driven Deepfakes. Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/un-report-urges-stronger-measures-detect-ai-driven-deepfakes-2025-07-11/.
Lopez, C. T. (2025, June 18). DARPA Calls on Industry to Assist with Improving, Strengthening DOD Cybersecurity. U.S. Department of Defense. Available at: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4220945/darpa-calls-on-industry-to-assist-with-improving-strengthening-dod-cybersecurity/.
Marr, B. (2024, December 16). 6 Game-Changing AI Breakthroughs That Defined 2024. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/12/16/6-game-changing-ai-breakthroughs-that-defined-2024/.
McKinsey & Company (2025). The Economic Potential of Generative AI: The Next Productivity Frontier. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier.
Morley, Colleen (2025, January 1). From Vital Signs to Virtual Care: The Evolution of Remote Patient Monitoring in Modern Healthcare. HealthTech. Available at: https://www.healthtechmagazines.com/from-vital-signs-to-virtual-care-the-evolution-of-remote-patient-monitoring-in-modern-healthcare/.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2025). The Effects of Generative AI on Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. OECD. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-effects-of-generative-ai-on-productivity-innovation-and-entrepreneurship_b21df222-en.html.
Patishman, Henry (2025, August 12). AI and Deepfake Laws of 2025. Regula Forensics. Available at: https://regulaforensics.com/blog/deepfake-regulations/.
Sandalow, Maya, & Harris, Julia (2025, January 9). Maximizing the Value of Remote Patient Monitoring. Bipartisan Policy Center. Available at: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/maximizing-the-value-of-remote-patient-monitoring/.
Stanford Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) (2025). The 2025 AI Index Report. Stanford HAI. Available at: https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2025-ai-index-report.
Sweeney, Erica (2025, July 23). Cedars-Sinai's AI Tool Delivered 24/7 Care to 42,000 Patients. Business Insider. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/cedars-sinai-la-healthcare-organization-ai-platform-patient-care-treatment-2025-7.
U.S. Department of Energy (2025). Cybersecurity Strategy. U.S. Department of Energy. Available at: https://www.energy.gov/topics/cybersecurity.
White, Monica J. (2025, August 31). AI Impersonation Scams are Sky-Rocketing in 2025, Security Experts Warn - Here's How to Stay Safe. TechRadar. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/ai-impersonation-scams-are-sky-rocketing-in-2025-security-experts-warn-heres-how-to-stay-safe.
More
Continue reading for:
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
How well can experts predict the future of technology in a rapidly innovating world? The IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024, released in February 2024, offered insights into emerging trends. Scott M. Graffius shared the report’s top five predictions on social media and, one year later, posted follow-up comments evaluating their accuracy. This article revisits and provides a deeper dive on those predictions—Generative AI Applications, Next-Generation AI, Advances in Cybersecurity, Managing Misinformation, and Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors—to assess how they held up. This evaluation:
- Features brief excerpts from the IEEE Computer Society’s top 5 tech forecasts made in 2024.
- Incorporates content from Graffius’ follow-up posts on social media in 2025.
- Provides an expanded evidence-based analysis, classifying each prediction as a "Hit," "Partial Hit," or "Miss."
This article evaluates the IEEE Computer Society report’s foresight and practical value for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in a rigorous yet accessible way.
See the bibliography section of this article for sources.
Prediction 1: Generative AI Applications
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Generative AI use will increase with rapidly expanding efficiency and new applications and services both beneficial and detrimental. Ethical and societal issues will continue to rise. Expect strong short-term impacts on business, education and society."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"With 71%+ of organizations employing generative AI, use is widespread. But there are significant ethical and societal issues."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s prediction about generative AI was remarkably accurate. By 2025, generative AI has become deeply woven into daily professional and personal life. In business, organizations deploy generative AI for customer service, coding assistance, marketing content, and product design. In education, AI tools are utilized for tutoring, research support, and accessibility, while simultaneously sparking debates over plagiarism, learning outcomes, and the integrity of assessments.
Societally, generative AI is a double-edged sword: it drives productivity and creativity but also raises ethical concerns. Bias in outputs, the spread of misinformation through AI-generated text and media, and the challenge of “AI hallucinations” have become widely recognized issues. Regulatory efforts—such as the European Union’s AI Act—reflect the urgency of addressing these concerns.
In short, the IEEE foresaw both the opportunities and the challenges of generative AI.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 2: Next Generation AI
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"The evolving advancements and developments in the field of artificial intelligence that push the boundaries beyond current capabilities. It is the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is expected to be more advanced and sophisticated than the current AI systems."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"Advancements such as more sophisticated LLMs and multimodal systems pushed beyond previous capabilities with broader adoption and impact."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s forecast of “next generation AI” anticipated that new models would surpass the systems available in 2024. In hindsight, that framing was well-judged. Over the past year, breakthroughs have centered on three areas:
- Multi-modality: Models now handle text, images, audio, and video within unified frameworks, enabling richer interaction and broader application.
- Agentic systems: AI is increasingly deployed as autonomous or semi-autonomous “agents” capable of reasoning, planning, and executing tasks across digital environments with minimal human intervention.
- Efficiency and scaling: Advances in model compression, specialized hardware, and algorithmic design have improved performance while reducing energy demands and latency.
Although the field is still at an early stage, these trends clearly move AI “beyond current capabilities,” as the IEEE predicted. The term “next generation” fits: these are not incremental tweaks but foundational shifts in how AI is conceived and applied.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 3: Advances in Cybersecurity
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Advances in Cybersecurity will enhance public confidence and will enable reliance on the cyber infrastructure for large scale applications including energy production and distribution."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"AI-driven threat detection has bolstered trust and supported critical applications. But rising ransomware and phishing attacks persist."
Expanded Assessment:
The prediction that cybersecurity would advance significantly—particularly in ways that bolster public confidence—has proven largely accurate. In 2025, three developments stand out:
- AI-driven defenses: Security platforms increasingly integrate machine learning to detect anomalies, identify threats in real time, and automate responses. This has improved resilience against phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks.
- Zero-trust architectures: Organizations have accelerated adoption of zero-trust principles, ensuring that no user or device is inherently trusted. This shift has been critical in protecting remote and hybrid workforces.
- Critical infrastructure protection: Governments and private sector stakeholders have prioritized safeguarding energy grids, healthcare systems, and financial networks. Initiatives in North America, Europe, and Asia have strengthened baseline defenses for these vital systems.
Cybersecurity remains a dynamic challenge. Ransomware groups, state-sponsored attacks, and vulnerabilities in emerging technologies continue to pose serious risks. However, the IEEE was correct that the net effect of recent advancements has been to increase trust in cyber infrastructure, particularly for large-scale applications.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 4: Managing Misinformation
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"AI deepfakes (text, audio, visual) will become regular tools that will require careful management."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation escalated, spreading across digital platforms and demanding robust countermeasures throughout."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE’s prediction was prescient. In 2024 and 2025, AI-generated misinformation—especially deepfakes—became a defining feature of political communication. During election cycles around the globe, fabricated audio of candidates, manipulated images, and synthetic videos circulated widely across social media. These were used not only for disinformation campaigns but also for satire, further blurring the line between parody and deception.
In response, platforms have taken steps to introduce AI-content labeling and watermarking mechanisms, but these measures remain inconsistent and easily circumvented. Governments have likewise begun exploring regulatory frameworks: for instance, the European Union and the United States both advanced proposals targeting transparency and accountability for synthetic media. Still, implementation lags behind the speed of innovation.
The prediction’s emphasis on “careful management” captures the current state well. Managing misinformation is less about eliminating deepfakes—an unlikely outcome—and more about mitigating their societal impact through education, detection tools, and policy interventions.
This prediction earns a ‘Hit’ for its accuracy.
Prediction 5: Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors
Excerpt from IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024:
"Remote Healthcare, monitoring sensors and system-level data integration will enable patients to obtain remote medical assistance, physicians to improve diagnosis and treatment, optimal utilization of individuals’ medical history, and efficient health care delivery protocols."
Excerpt from Graffius’ 2025 Post with an Abridged Assessment of the Prediction:
"Telehealth surged. Wearables advanced monitoring. Data integration improved diagnosis. Full medical history use, etc. still progressing."
Expanded Assessment:
The IEEE correctly anticipated the continued rise of remote healthcare and monitoring technologies. Since 2024, wearable devices—from smartwatches tracking vital signs to medical-grade biosensors—have seen broader adoption. Healthcare providers increasingly integrate these data streams into patient records, enabling more personalized and proactive care. Similarly, telemedicine platforms have matured, offering virtual consultations, chronic disease management, and remote monitoring that reduce the need for in-person visits.
However, progress has been uneven. Integration across healthcare systems remains fragmented, with interoperability challenges slowing widespread adoption. Privacy and security concerns also loom large, as sensitive health data transmitted across networks remains an attractive target for cyberattacks. Moreover, issues of equity and access persist: while urban and affluent populations benefit from connected health solutions, rural and underserved communities often face barriers such as limited internet connectivity, lack of insurance coverage, or prohibitive device costs.
Overall, the IEEE’s forecast captured the direction of change but overstated the universality of its impact. Remote healthcare has advanced, but the promise of widespread, efficient system-level integration is not yet fully realized.
This prediction earns a ‘Partial Hit’ for its accuracy.
Conclusion
The IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024 demonstrated remarkable foresight. Across five key areas—Generative AI Applications, Next-Generation AI, Advances in Cybersecurity, Managing Misinformation, and Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors—the predictions were largely validated by subsequent developments.
Generative AI and Next-Generation AI delivered rapid, transformative progress, reshaping business, education, and society as anticipated. Cybersecurity advancements bolstered trust in critical infrastructure despite ongoing threats. The rise of AI-generated misinformation underscored the need for careful management, as predicted. Remote healthcare and monitoring sensors progressed significantly, though challenges resulted in a partial hit.
These outcomes highlight the value of thoughtful technology forecasting. Predictions are not certainties but provide a framework for understanding trends, preparing organizations, and guiding policy and research. The IEEE report shows how informed projections can help society navigate opportunities and challenges, even as the pace of technological change remains uneven and complex.
In sum, revisiting these predictions a year later offers both affirmation and insight. The IEEE Computer Society’s 2024 report largely hit its mark, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and evaluation. As technology evolves, such analyses will remain critical for shaping innovation, informing policy, and ensuring equitable outcomes in an increasingly connected world.
About the IEEE
The following is an excerpt from the IEEE (here).
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and is a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.
About the IEEE Computer Society
The following is an excerpt from the IEEE Computer Society (here).
Engaging computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from all areas and levels of computing, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) serves as the world’s largest and most established professional organization of its type. IEEE CS sets the standard for the education and engagement that fuels continued global technological advancement. Through conferences, publications, and programs that inspire dialogue, debate, and collaboration, IEEE CS empowers, shapes, and guides the future of not only its 375,000+ community members, but the greater industry, enabling new opportunities to better serve our world. Visit https://computer.org for more information.
Bibliography
Here's the select bibliography for this article. It features several of Graffius' articles, as they address related topics.
Bhattacharya, P., Mukherjee, A., Bhushan, B., Gupta, S. K., Gadekallu, T. R., & Zhu, Z. (2025, July 2). A Secured Remote Patient Monitoring Framework for IoMT Ecosystems. Scientific Reports, 15 (1): 22882. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04774-y.
Brown, Sara (2025, June 2). Machine Learning and Generative AI: What Are They Good For in 2025? MIT Sloan Management Review. Available at: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-and-generative-ai-what-are-they-good-for.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2024, September 27). Teaching AI What It Should and Shouldn’t Do. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2024/teaching-ai.
Dragos (2025). 2025 OT Cybersecurity Report: 8th Annual Year in Review. Dragos. Available at: https://www.dragos.com/ot-cybersecurity-year-in-review/.
Graffius, Scott M. (2024, September 26). How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/algorithms-and-the-user-experience.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29149.01767.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 2). Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/meta-and-anduril-eagleeye-and-the-future-of-xr-how-gaming-ai-and-agile-are-transforming-defense.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 8). Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 18). AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-institute-features-work-of-scott-m-graffius.html.
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 22). Scott M. Graffius Premieres His New "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk at Corporate Event in Las Vegas. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-premieres-talk-on-human-and-ai-exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. First on the top five list is Generative AI Applications. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Generative AI use will increase with rapidly expanding efficiency and new applications and services both beneficial and detrimental. Ethical and societal issues will continue to rise. Expect strong short-term impacts on business, education, and society.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758178136137826491.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Second on the top five list is Next Generation AI. Here's an excerpt from the report: “The evolving advancements and developments in the field of artificial intelligence that push the boundaries beyond current capabilities. It is the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is expected to be more advanced and sophisticated than the current AI systems.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758205743969550376.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released predictions for 2024. Third on the top five list is Advances in Cybersecurity. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Advances in Cybersecurity will enhance public confidence and will enable reliance on the cyber infrastructure for large scale applications including energy production and distribution.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758218228399325458.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Fourth on the top five list is Managing Misinformation. Here's an excerpt from the report: “AI deepfakes (text, audio, and visual) will become a regular electioneering tool that will require careful management.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758225882278416535.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2024, February 15). 🔮 Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2024 🔮 #IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing #technology for the benefit of humanity, and I'm proud to be a member. The IEEE's Computer Society released #predictions for 2024. Fifth on the top five list is Remote Healthcare/Monitoring Sensors. Here's an excerpt from the report: “Remote healthcare, monitoring sensors, and system-level data integration will enable patients to obtain remote medical assistance, physicians to improve diagnosis and treatment, optimal utilization of individuals’ medical history, and efficient health care delivery protocols.” Other predictions from the top five list are highlighted in separate Tweets. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1758309611315294543.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 2). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #RemoteHealthcare (see below)? 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. Telehealth surged. Wearables advanced monitoring. Data integration improved diagnosis. Full medical history use, etc. still progressing. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1951824321334419750.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 2). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #Misinformation (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation escalated, spreading across digital platforms and demanding robust countermeasures throughout. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1951864035630276964.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 4). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included Next Gen #AI (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. Advancements such as more sophisticated LLMs and multimodal systems pushed beyond previous capabilities with broader adoption and impact. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1952427998839476336.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 6). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #Cybersecurity (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. AI-driven threat detection has bolstered trust and supported critical applications. But rising ransomware and phishing attacks persist. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1953132783980954002.
Graffius, Scott M. [@scottgraffius]. (2025, August 6). Predictions Follow-up. #IEEE #ComputerSociety's top #predictions from a year ago included #GenerativeAI (see below). 🎯 Hit or miss? Hit. With 71%+ of organizations employing generative AI, use is widespread. But there are significant ethical and societal issues. [Post]. X. Available at: https://x.com/ScottGraffius/status/1953203709602943194.
Hahn, M., Zeng, W., Kannen, N., Galt, R., Badola, K., Kim, B., & Wang, Z. (2025, May 1). Proactive Agents for Multi-Turn Text-to-Image Generation Under Uncertainty. In Proceedings of International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2025. Google DeepMind. Available at: https://deepmind.google/research/publications/121578/.
IEEE Computer Society (2024, February 15). Technology Predictions Report 2024. IEEE Computer Society. IEEE Computer Society. Available at: https://ieeecs-media.computer.org/media/tech-news/tech-predictions-report-2024.pdf.
Khandabattu, H. (2025, July 8). The 2025 Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence Goes Beyond GenAI. Gartner. Available at: https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/hype-cycle-for-artificial-intelligence.
Le Poldevin, Olivia (2025, July 11). UN Report Urges Stronger Measures to Detect AI-Driven Deepfakes. Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/un-report-urges-stronger-measures-detect-ai-driven-deepfakes-2025-07-11/.
Lopez, C. T. (2025, June 18). DARPA Calls on Industry to Assist with Improving, Strengthening DOD Cybersecurity. U.S. Department of Defense. Available at: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4220945/darpa-calls-on-industry-to-assist-with-improving-strengthening-dod-cybersecurity/.
Marr, B. (2024, December 16). 6 Game-Changing AI Breakthroughs That Defined 2024. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/12/16/6-game-changing-ai-breakthroughs-that-defined-2024/.
McKinsey & Company (2025). The Economic Potential of Generative AI: The Next Productivity Frontier. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier.
Morley, Colleen (2025, January 1). From Vital Signs to Virtual Care: The Evolution of Remote Patient Monitoring in Modern Healthcare. HealthTech. Available at: https://www.healthtechmagazines.com/from-vital-signs-to-virtual-care-the-evolution-of-remote-patient-monitoring-in-modern-healthcare/.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2025). The Effects of Generative AI on Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. OECD. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-effects-of-generative-ai-on-productivity-innovation-and-entrepreneurship_b21df222-en.html.
Patishman, Henry (2025, August 12). AI and Deepfake Laws of 2025. Regula Forensics. Available at: https://regulaforensics.com/blog/deepfake-regulations/.
Sandalow, Maya, & Harris, Julia (2025, January 9). Maximizing the Value of Remote Patient Monitoring. Bipartisan Policy Center. Available at: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/maximizing-the-value-of-remote-patient-monitoring/.
Stanford Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) (2025). The 2025 AI Index Report. Stanford HAI. Available at: https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2025-ai-index-report.
Sweeney, Erica (2025, July 23). Cedars-Sinai's AI Tool Delivered 24/7 Care to 42,000 Patients. Business Insider. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/cedars-sinai-la-healthcare-organization-ai-platform-patient-care-treatment-2025-7.
U.S. Department of Energy (2025). Cybersecurity Strategy. U.S. Department of Energy. Available at: https://www.energy.gov/topics/cybersecurity.
White, Monica J. (2025, August 31). AI Impersonation Scams are Sky-Rocketing in 2025, Security Experts Warn - Here's How to Stay Safe. TechRadar. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/ai-impersonation-scams-are-sky-rocketing-in-2025-security-experts-warn-heres-how-to-stay-safe.
More
Continue reading for:
- Additional Articles,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, September 6). Top Predictions of 2024, Tested in 2025. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/top-predictions-of-2024-tested-in-2025.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
Names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
IEEE and IEEE Computer Society names, marks, and content are the property of the IEEE.
This article uses limited excerpts from the IEEE, IEEE Computer Society, and IEEE Computer Society’s Technology Predictions Report 2024, attributed and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Top 5 Hashtags
#IEEE
#IEEEComputerSociety
#Technology
#Predictions
#TechnologyPredications
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Government of Finland Agency Features Graffius' Phases of Team Development IP
04 September 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction with Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development’ as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development — Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning — inclusive of a graph showing how performance varies by phase, as well as the characteristics and strategies for each phase.
Graffius' intellectual property (IP) is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his 'Phases of Team Development' unique material in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it.
For reference, the visual for the current (2025) edition is below and the details are here.
Organizations around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. To date, he's presented sessions at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries:
Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' IP is central and key to many of those sessions. His rate card and a listing of his engagements are at https://scottgraffius.com/resources/Exceptional-PPM-and-PMO-Solutions-Rate-Card-for-2024-2025-v24071607.pdf and https://scottgraffius.com/publicspeaker.html, respectively.
With authorization/license from Graffius, his 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property is featured and used by businesses, professional associations, government agencies, universities, and others around the world. Examples include:
A Government of Finland Agency was Added to the List!
Business Finland is the Finnish government organization dedicated to promoting innovation, trade, investment, and travel. Operating under the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, it plays a central role in strengthening Finland’s global competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth. The agency provides funding for research and development, supports startups and established enterprises, and connects Finnish companies with international markets. Business Finland is also known for initiatives such as Talent Boost, which helps attract and integrate international talent into Finland’s workforce. With offices in dozens of countries and an extensive global network, it serves as Finland’s official link to the international business community. Widely respected as a trusted government partner, Business Finland is recognized for advancing innovation and enabling collaboration between businesses, academia, and the public sector. Its scope, influence, and reputation make it one of the most important economic development agencies in Europe.
Business Finland featured Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development framework in their Talent Boost leadership program on August 6, 2025. A photo from the event is shown below.
To learn more about Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' work, visit here.
The Business Finland event is described in a LinkedIn post here.
More
Continue reading for:
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction with Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development’ as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development — Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning — inclusive of a graph showing how performance varies by phase, as well as the characteristics and strategies for each phase.
Graffius' intellectual property (IP) is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his 'Phases of Team Development' unique material in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it.
For reference, the visual for the current (2025) edition is below and the details are here.
Organizations around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. To date, he's presented sessions at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries:
- Armenia,
- Australia,
- Brazil,
- Canada,
- Czech Republic,
- Finland,
- France,
- Germany,
- Greece,
- Hong Kong,
- Hungary,
- India, Ireland,
- Lithuania,
- Luxembourg,
- Nepal,
- Netherlands,
- New Zealand,
- Norway,
- Romania,
- Sweden,
- Switzerland,
- United Arab Emirates,
- United Kingdom,
- and the United States.
Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' IP is central and key to many of those sessions. His rate card and a listing of his engagements are at https://scottgraffius.com/resources/Exceptional-PPM-and-PMO-Solutions-Rate-Card-for-2024-2025-v24071607.pdf and https://scottgraffius.com/publicspeaker.html, respectively.
With authorization/license from Graffius, his 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property is featured and used by businesses, professional associations, government agencies, universities, and others around the world. Examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Erste Group Bank AG (Austria),
- FINAT,
- Ford Motor Company,
- FSU College of Medicine,
- Hasso Plattner Institute,
- IEEE,
- James Madison University,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- LeadingEng,
- London South Bank University,
- Manufacturers Alliance,
- Microsoft,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Torrens University Australia,
- Tufts University,
- U.S. National Park Service,
- U.S. Soccer,
- U.S. Tennis Association,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway Ireland,
- Victorian Institute of Technology (Australia),
- Virginia Tech,
- Warsaw University,
- Western Sydney University,
- World Resources Institute,
- Yale University,
- ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences,
- and many others.
A Government of Finland Agency was Added to the List!
Business Finland is the Finnish government organization dedicated to promoting innovation, trade, investment, and travel. Operating under the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, it plays a central role in strengthening Finland’s global competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth. The agency provides funding for research and development, supports startups and established enterprises, and connects Finnish companies with international markets. Business Finland is also known for initiatives such as Talent Boost, which helps attract and integrate international talent into Finland’s workforce. With offices in dozens of countries and an extensive global network, it serves as Finland’s official link to the international business community. Widely respected as a trusted government partner, Business Finland is recognized for advancing innovation and enabling collaboration between businesses, academia, and the public sector. Its scope, influence, and reputation make it one of the most important economic development agencies in Europe.
Business Finland featured Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development framework in their Talent Boost leadership program on August 6, 2025. A photo from the event is shown below.
To learn more about Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' work, visit here.
The Business Finland event is described in a LinkedIn post here.
More
Continue reading for:
- Additional Articles,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, September 4). Government of Finland Agency Features Graffius' Phases of Team Development IP. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/government-of-finland-agency-features-graffius-phases-of-team-development.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
Names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Business Finland name, marks, and content are the property of Business Finland, the Finnish government organization for innovation, trade, investment, and travel.
Photo of Helsinki by Jussi Hellstén, courtesy of and used under terms of license from Visit Finland.
Photo of presentation at Business Finland event by Sari Havukainen, used with permission.
Graffius’ “Phases of Team Development” is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Top 5 Hashtags
#BusinessFinland
#Leadership
#TalentBoost
#TeamDevelopment
#Teamwork
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Scott M. Graffius Premieres His New "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk at Corporate Event in Las Vegas
22 August 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership. He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
This article provides an overview of his new talk, "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration."
This will be Graffius’ 95th session.
Synopsis of "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk
What happens when your new or future teammate is an AI? "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" examines the strange, often counterintuitive ways humans and artificial intelligences (sometimes called hybrid intelligences) work together. Drawing on concepts like inverse decision logic, superposition roles, entangled decision-making, and emergent protocols, the session reframes human-AI teamwork as a new class of exotic team dynamics. But this isn’t just theory: the talk zeroes in on what leaders and researchers can do now. Such as intentionally designing hybrid teams, creating rituals and norms that sustain trust, safeguarding ethics and human well-being, and scaling to multi-AI teams. Delegates will leave with a practical playbook for experimenting, guiding, and thriving in the new frontier of intelligent team collaboration, where AI amplifies rather than replaces human potential. The future of work isn't humans vs. AI. It's human-AI teams—achieving more together.
Three Key Learning Objectives—Each Insightful and Actionable
Design for Exotic Dynamics
Cultivate Human-AI Trust and Norms
Scalable and Sustainable Hybrid Team Modeling
Conclusion
Human–AI team collaboration—also known as hybrid intelligence, human–machine teaming, or joint cognitive systems—is here. If you want your teams to thrive in this new frontier, Scott M. Graffius delivers the insights and actionable strategies to get you there. Invite him to speak at your conference or other event. Complete a speaker engagement request form or email him today.
Bibliography
Graffius' "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" talk was informed by his first-hand work in AI and teamwork tradecraft—including exotic team dynamics—and multiple sources. Here's the select bibliography.
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership. He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
This article provides an overview of his new talk, "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration."
- Event: Session at a leadership retreat
- Company: This is a private corporate event, the company name is not published
- Session delegates: C-level executives, AI strategists, advanced technology leaders, human-AI integration researchers, innovation and transformation leaders, project leaders, futurists, and other attendees
- Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 2:00-2:50 PM Pacific Time
- Location: The Innovation Hub, The Venetian, Las Vegas
This will be Graffius’ 95th session.
Synopsis of "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk
What happens when your new or future teammate is an AI? "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" examines the strange, often counterintuitive ways humans and artificial intelligences (sometimes called hybrid intelligences) work together. Drawing on concepts like inverse decision logic, superposition roles, entangled decision-making, and emergent protocols, the session reframes human-AI teamwork as a new class of exotic team dynamics. But this isn’t just theory: the talk zeroes in on what leaders and researchers can do now. Such as intentionally designing hybrid teams, creating rituals and norms that sustain trust, safeguarding ethics and human well-being, and scaling to multi-AI teams. Delegates will leave with a practical playbook for experimenting, guiding, and thriving in the new frontier of intelligent team collaboration, where AI amplifies rather than replaces human potential. The future of work isn't humans vs. AI. It's human-AI teams—achieving more together.
Three Key Learning Objectives—Each Insightful and Actionable
Design for Exotic Dynamics
- Learning Objective: Session delegates will be able to identify and intentionally design for exotic team behaviors, such as inverse decision logic, superposition roles, entangled decision-making, and emergent protocols.
- Actionable Insight: Use these analogies as diagnostic and design tools to experiment with new human-AI interaction patterns in real-world workflows.
Cultivate Human-AI Trust and Norms
- Learning Objective: Session delegates will gain strategies to build trust, clarify roles, and establish ethical safeguards within human-AI teams—ensuring that collaboration enhances, rather than undermines, human judgment, creativity, and well-being.
- Actionable Insight: Develop governance rituals, communication protocols, and ethical guardrails that reinforce shared purpose in hybrid teams.
Scalable and Sustainable Hybrid Team Modeling
- Learning Objective: Session delegates will learn how to scale human-AI collaboration models—from a single AI teammate to multi-AI scenarios—while preserving adaptability and human-centric values.
- Actionable Insight: Implement monitoring mechanisms for performance and well-being, ensuring that expanding AI presence supports, rather than displaces, human team dynamics.
Conclusion
Human–AI team collaboration—also known as hybrid intelligence, human–machine teaming, or joint cognitive systems—is here. If you want your teams to thrive in this new frontier, Scott M. Graffius delivers the insights and actionable strategies to get you there. Invite him to speak at your conference or other event. Complete a speaker engagement request form or email him today.
Bibliography
Graffius' "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" talk was informed by his first-hand work in AI and teamwork tradecraft—including exotic team dynamics—and multiple sources. Here's the select bibliography.
- Alfateh, Maryam Ali Abu; Messaadia, Mourad; and Ali, Mazen (2023, September). Exploring the Dynamics of Team Formation in Human-Artificial Intelligence Collaboration. In 2023 International Conference on Decision Aid Sciences and Applications (DASA), pp. 384-388. DOI: 10.1109/DASA59624.2023.10286788.
- Anduril Industries (2025, May 29). Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military. Available at: https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-and-meta-team-up-to-transform-xr-for-the-american-military/.
- Arizona State University. (2025, April 4). CHIMERAS: Rethinking Human-AI Teamwork in National Security Screening. Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency. Available at: https://caoe.asu.edu/2025/04/04/chimeras-rethinking-human-ai-teamwork-in-national-security-screening/.
- Berretta, S.; Tausch, A.; Ontrup, G.; Gilles, B.; Peifer, C.; Kluge, A. (2023, September). Defining human-AI teaming the human-centered way: a scoping review and network analysis. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 6: 1250725. DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1250725.
- Bostrom, Nick (2016). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.
- Bouman, A., Ginting, M. F., Alatur, N., Palieri, M., Fan, D. D., Touma, T., Pailevanian, T., Kim, S.-K., Otsu, K., Burdick, J., & Agha-Mohammadi, A. (2020, November 30). Autonomous Spot: Long-Range Autonomous Exploration of Extreme Environments with Legged Locomotion (arXiv:2010.09259). arXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2010.09259.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2023, February 23). Episode 65: A Sprint to Tomorrow, Powered by Teamwork [Podcast]. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2023-02-23a.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2024, September 27). Teaching AI What It Should and Shouldn’t Do. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2024/teaching-ai.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2021, October 5). Navigate the Phases of Team Development with Speed and Agility for Happier and More Productive Teams [Presentation]. Talk delivered at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Day 2021 Conference. Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365. DOI link: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, May 1). AI is a Team Sport: A Confluence of Diverse Technical and Soft Skills are Crucial for Success. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/successful-ai-teams.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20321.79200.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, October 9). Top 5 Roles on AI Teams. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-team-roles.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34857.57449.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, April 5). Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work' Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/cisco-2024.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16689.60000.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, May 3). Leverage Agile and AI to Innovate at the Speed of Light. Talk at private event in Dubai, UAE. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30790.48960.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 24). When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/when-agile-ai-and-strategic-thinking-converge.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 1). Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exploring-team-dynamics-adaptability-and-creative-problem-solving-through-a-metaphorical-toolkit.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 7). Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/phases-of-team-development-update-for-2025.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33705.30564.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, May 13). Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-delivering-2-point-3-billion-dollars-in-impact-for-organizations.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 7). Method and System for Facilitating Hybrid Human–Artificial Intelligence Teams via a Protocolized Mediation Layer for Bi-Directional Translation, Interpretation, and Optimization of Natural Language, Paralinguistic, Prosodic, and Nonverbal Cues Across Text, Audio, and Video Modalities, Incorporating Real-Time Analysis of Auditory Tone, Pitch, Affect, Facial Expressions, Gaze, Posture, and Other Body Language Indicators, Generating AI-Compatible Representations for Human Inputs, Generating Human-Accessible Representations for AI Outputs, Conveying Context-Aware Information in Both Directions, Reducing Cognitive Friction, Enhancing Mutual Intelligibility, Supporting Decision-Making, and Maximizing Collective Task Performance. A novel integration of multimodal communication, cognitive alignment, and human-AI interaction. Los Angeles, California.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 8). Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exotic-team-dynamics.html.
- Jacobsen, Annie (2015). The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency. Little, Brown and Company.
- James, G., Witten, D., Hastie, T., & Tibshirani, R. (2021). An Introduction to Statistical Learning: With Applications in R (2nd ed.). Springer.
- Joiner, B., & Josephs, S. (2007). Leadership Agility: Five Levels of Mastery for Anticipating and Initiating Change. Jossey-Bass.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Kurzweil, Ray (2024). The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI. Random House.
- Lieberman, Marvin (2021, February). Is Competitive Advantage Intellectually Sustainable? Strategic Management Review, 2 (1): 29-46.
- Mollick, Ethan (2024). Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. Portfolio.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. IIL. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- O’Neill, L., Fraser, T., Cake, M., Fullarton, M., & Riley, S. (2024). Human-Autonomy Teaming: Evaluating Trust and Performance Through Dyadic Interaction Tasks. Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering, 31: 100533. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobme.2024.100533.
- Prasad, Baba (2025, May 5). Interpreters, Challengers and Stewards: The Role of Agile Leaders in an AI World. Brown University. Available at: https://professional.brown.edu/news/2025-05-05/agile-leadership-ai-world.
- Russell, Stuart (2019). Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control. Viking.
- Schoemaker, Paul J. H. (1993, March). Multiple Scenario Development: Its Conceptual and Behavioral Foundation. Strategic Management Journal, 14 (3): 193-213.
- Silva, Narciso (2025). The Ultimate Guide to Mastering AI for Leaders: Your Non-technical Playbook for Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Innovation. Independently published.
- Steinberger, Tom, & Wiersema, Margarethe (2021). Data Models as Organizational Design: Coordinating Beyond Boundaries Using Artificial Intelligence. Strategic Management Review, 2 (1): 119-144.
- Syrett, Michael, & Devine, Marion (2012). Managing Uncertainty: Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times. Wiley.
- Tegmark, Max (2018). Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Penguin.
- Thrun, S., Burgard, W., & Fox, D. (2005). Probabilistic Robotics. The MIT Press.
- Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental Sequence in Small Groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63: 384-399.
- Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited. Group and Organizational Studies, 2 (4): 419-427.
- Walther, C. C. (2025, March 11). Why Hybrid Intelligence is the Future of human-AI Collaboration. Knowledge at Wharton. The Wharton School. Available at: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/why-hybrid-intelligence-is-the-future-of-human-ai-collaboration/.
- Wijeratne, Y. (2020). The Salvage Crew. Aethon Books, LLC.
- Woods, Geoff (2024). The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions. AI Thought Leadership.
- Xu, W. (2025, August 7). Human-Centered Human-AI Interaction (HC-HAII): A Human-Centered AI Perspective (arXiv:2508.03969) [Preprint]. arXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.03969.
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these stories.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
Setting Direction with OKRs and Tracking Progress with KPIs: A Guide for Agile, Project Management, and Tech Teams
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
BookAuthority Features “Agile Scrum” by Scott M. Graffius in “10 Agile Software Development Books That Define the Field”
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
Mind Games and Master Plans: How PsyOps Exploit Psychological Phenomena
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
16 Causes of Technical Debt and How to Avoid It
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions” Featured in Prestigious National Academies of Sciences Publication
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
Hostinger Highlights Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Protocol” Book in Feature on Software Projects
French Ministry of Culture Links to Scott M. Graffius Research in Their Guide for Responsible Digital Communication
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The Problem with Heroes in Agile
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” Lands on the Amazon Best Sellers List!
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
“Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum” by Scott M. Graffius Crashes the Book Scene with Satirical Firepower
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
RGPV University Adds Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions" to Its Syllabus
Introducing ‘Engage or Fade: Decoding the Half-Life of Digital Resonance’ – A New Talk by Scott M. Graffius
Dropbox Company (Nira) Taps into Scott M. Graffius’ Expertise in Strategic Planning
Reporting Errors in a Publication: A Case Study on ‘Frontiers in Public Health’
NESEA Conference Session on Innovation Highlights Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
U.S. Department of Commerce Partner (IEDC) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
How Long Do Your Posts Live? AI Critiques Scott M. Graffius’ Research on the Half-Life of Social Media
Agile's Journey Through the Decades
Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
The PMI + Agile Alliance Merger: A Recipe for Success?
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts: Update for 2025
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Do Not Read This Article! An Exploration of the Streisand Effect and Other Phenomena
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Pinterest Japan Uses Graffius’ Research on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Wild World of Team Dynamics [Updated Two-Minute Video]
EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retrospectives and Hot Washes
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Strategies for Medical Team Success Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Intellectual Property
SBG Neumark — Europe’s Largest Distribution Transformer Plant — Powers Up with Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Luxury Unwrapped: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget
Singapore Institute of Technology Features Work of Scott M. Graffius
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
'Cat Herders': Retelling the Massive Success Story
Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Copyright Infringement in a Book Published by AuthorHouse / Author Solutions / The Najafi Companies: Publisher Fails to Respond or Take Required Action
Pinterest Inc. References Scott M. Graffius’ Research
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
‘Comparative Methodological Guidelines: Handbook for Educators’ Violates Scott M. Graffius’ Copyright
Japan Backlog User Group Event Featured Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’
TurningWest's 'Trial'
Radio Silence from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons on Report of Blatant Plagiarism in Their ‘Journal of Neurosurgery’ Publication
Supplement to Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research: Typical Engagement Distribution Pattern for Social Media Posts
How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms
Thinkers360 Named Scott M. Graffius a Top Thought Leader on Agile
'Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth' Book References and Incorporates Scott M. Graffius' 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' Research
Bayer Employs Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports) Features Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Agile Project Management: Insights from Scott M. Graffius in ‘Managing Information Technology’ Book
Harvard Medical School Talk Featured Insights by Scott M. Graffius
Boston Scientific Corporation Utilizes Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Johns Hopkins University Features the Work of Scott M. Graffius
Oracle Featured Scott M. Graffius' IP on Team Tradecraft in Their Publication
A Certification/Training Company Stole Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property and Used It Word-For-Word: This Scandal is a Big "Dumpster Fire"
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property Was Utilized by Robert W. Malone, MD
U.S. Department of Energy Quoted Scott M. Graffius
Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property (IP) Without Consent or Credit; That Act was Uncool and Proliferated Bad Vibes
Paper in Peer-Reviewed Academic Journal 'Res Rhetorica' Features Research by Scott M. Graffius on the Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured at CEWEP 10th Congress (Berlin)
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
"How Teams Work" Book Referenced Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development'
Division of the EU’s European Commission Used Material Developed by Scott M. Graffius
Ford Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
UK Telecommunications Regulator Ofcom Featured Research by Scott M. Graffius
The Protocol for Reporting an Error to an Author or Publisher
Research by Scott M. Graffius Featured in Scientific Paper Published by INFORMS
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 95 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 95 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 22). Scott M. Graffius Premieres His New "Exotic Team Dynamics: Human-AI Collaboration" Talk at Corporate Event in Las Vegas. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-premieres-talk-on-human-and-ai-exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Top 5 Hashtags
#AI
#ExoticTeamDynamics
#FutureOfTeams
#HumanAICollaboration
#Innovation
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work
21 August 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
Strategic objectives play a crucial role in guiding organizations towards achieving their vision and mission. They’re fulfilled by projects, endeavors undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
The art and science of project management (Agile or otherwise)—the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to projects—is indispensable for the management and completion of projects. Related tools can significantly contribute to successful outcomes.
In 2007, Scott M. Graffius developed a fresh take on RACI charts, a simple project management tool. His unique material provides audiences with practical information they can use to leverage RACI charts, helping them manage complexities and achieve success. Graffius periodically refreshes his work. In 2020, he published an updated version on ResearchGate, a European platform for researchers and scientists.
That RACI material was cited in the peer-reviewed academic journal Mires and Peat. Specifically, the paper "Stakeholder Mapping for Peatland Fire Management in Indonesia: The Case of Kayu Labu and Tumbang Nusa Villages" in the journal referenced Graffius’ 2020 publication:
The following visual highlights excerpts from the Mires and Peat article.
About Peatlands and Mires and Peat
Peatlands are vital ecosystems that store massive amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. For those reasons, their study and protection is of global significance.
Mires and Peat is a credible journal in the field of environmental science. Key aspects of the publication include:
Significance
The citation of Graffius’ RACI work in Mires and Peat underscores the tool’s broad relevance and versatility. While RACI charts are widely applied in business, technology, and project management contexts, this reference demonstrates their utility on broad(er) challenges including global issues. It’s a testament to the cross-disciplinary impact of excellent project management tools.
Practical tools like RACI can help inform research, guide stakeholder collaboration, and drive solutions in diverse fields, from corporate initiatives to environmental conservation.
Conclusion
This recognition joins a growing list of cross-sector references to Graffius’ project management work, reinforcing the applicability and real-world value of his contributions.
As another example, the EU's European Commission used Graffius' material on RACI in their training program. See https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/eu-2024.html for details.
To learn more about the RACI tool, see: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14713.62561/4.
Citation Information
Graffius’ paper on the RACI tool:
Mires and Peat article:
This article:
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
Strategic objectives play a crucial role in guiding organizations towards achieving their vision and mission. They’re fulfilled by projects, endeavors undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
The art and science of project management (Agile or otherwise)—the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to projects—is indispensable for the management and completion of projects. Related tools can significantly contribute to successful outcomes.
In 2007, Scott M. Graffius developed a fresh take on RACI charts, a simple project management tool. His unique material provides audiences with practical information they can use to leverage RACI charts, helping them manage complexities and achieve success. Graffius periodically refreshes his work. In 2020, he published an updated version on ResearchGate, a European platform for researchers and scientists.
That RACI material was cited in the peer-reviewed academic journal Mires and Peat. Specifically, the paper "Stakeholder Mapping for Peatland Fire Management in Indonesia: The Case of Kayu Labu and Tumbang Nusa Villages" in the journal referenced Graffius’ 2020 publication:
- Graffius, S.M. (2020). How the RACI Tool Can Help You: Use RACI to Establish Roles and Responsibilities – and Improve Outcomes – for Projects and Other Work. Los Angeles, California: Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14713.62561/4.
The following visual highlights excerpts from the Mires and Peat article.
About Peatlands and Mires and Peat
Peatlands are vital ecosystems that store massive amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. For those reasons, their study and protection is of global significance.
Mires and Peat is a credible journal in the field of environmental science. Key aspects of the publication include:
- Peer-Reviewed: Submissions undergo critical evaluation by experts, ensuring scientific rigor.
- Affiliations: Published jointly by the International Peatland Society (IPS) and the International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG).
- Open Access: The journal is freely accessible, maximizing dissemination of research.
- Editorial Board: Comprised of internationally acknowledged researchers.
- Indexing: The journal is indexed by multiple services, including Thomson Reuters Web of Science, Elsevier Scopus, EBSCO Environment Complete, CABI Abstracts, and CSA ProQuest.
Significance
The citation of Graffius’ RACI work in Mires and Peat underscores the tool’s broad relevance and versatility. While RACI charts are widely applied in business, technology, and project management contexts, this reference demonstrates their utility on broad(er) challenges including global issues. It’s a testament to the cross-disciplinary impact of excellent project management tools.
Practical tools like RACI can help inform research, guide stakeholder collaboration, and drive solutions in diverse fields, from corporate initiatives to environmental conservation.
Conclusion
This recognition joins a growing list of cross-sector references to Graffius’ project management work, reinforcing the applicability and real-world value of his contributions.
As another example, the EU's European Commission used Graffius' material on RACI in their training program. See https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/eu-2024.html for details.
To learn more about the RACI tool, see: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14713.62561/4.
Citation Information
Graffius’ paper on the RACI tool:
- Graffius, Scott M. (2020). How the RACI Tool Can Help You: Use RACI to Establish Roles and Responsibilities—and Improve Outcomes—for Projects and Other Work. Los Angeles, California: Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14713.62561/4. Available at: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14713.62561/4.
Mires and Peat article:
- Rochmayanto, Y., Sakuntaladewi, N., Iqbal, M., Winarno, B., Lestari, S., Qirom, M. A., Ardhana, M. A., Malau, L. R. E., Anjani, R., Yulni, T., Akbar, A., Mendham, D. S., van Kerkhoff, L., & Robins, L. (2024). Stakeholder Mapping for Peatland Fire Management in Indonesia: The Case of Kayu Labu and Tumbang Nusa Villages. Mires and Peat, 30: Article 09. DOI: 10.19189/MaP.2023.OMB.Sc.2441418. Available at: https://doi.org/10.19189/MaP.2023.OMB.Sc.2441418.
This article:
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 21). Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ev-science-references-scott-m-graffius.html.
Additional Articles
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 21). Environmental Science Journal References Scott M. Graffius’ Project Management Work. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ev-science-references-scott-m-graffius.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Mires and Peat article—"Stakeholder Mapping for Peatland Fire Management in Indonesia: The Case of Kayu Labu and Tumbang Nusa Villages”—was written by: Yanto Rochmayanto, Niken Sakuntaladewi, Mohamad Iqbal, Bondan Winarno, Sri Lestari, M. Abdul Qirom, M. Adnan Ardhana, Leo R.E. Malau, Raissa Anjani, Tri Yulni, Acep Akbar, Daniel S. Mendham, Lorrae van Kerkhoff, and Lisa Robins.
Mires and Peat name and mark are the property of the publishers, International Mire Conservation Group and International Peatland Society. Mires and Peat content are the property of the publishers and respective authors.
This article uses limited excerpts from the Mires and Peat article, attributed and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
"How the RACI Tool Can Help You: Use RACI to Establish Roles and Responsibilities—and Improve Outcomes—for Projects and Other Work" is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Top 5 Hashtags
#EnvironmentalScience
#Leadership
#ProjectManagement
#RACI
#Sustainability
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms
18 August 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
The AI Institute of Switzerland has featured research by Scott M. Graffius—How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms—within its curated section of research papers and articles. This recognition highlights the growing importance of Graffius’ work in the fields of artificial intelligence, human–AI interaction, and social media.
Why This Matters
The AI Institute of Switzerland ("the Institute"), part of the Swiss Information and Management Institute, is the country’s first institute exclusively dedicated to artificial intelligence. Its mission is to advance AI knowledge through applied research, training, and innovation. It serves as a bridge between academic rigor and industry-relevant practice. By including Graffius’ work among its references, the Institute underscores both its relevance and value in shaping conversations about AI and social media platforms.
The Significance of the Research
Social media has revolutionized communication, culture, and commerce. And behind the user experience lies the pervasive influence of AI-powered algorithms. Graffius’ research investigates these systems, examining how personalization and recommendation engines shape what users see and how they interact.
The findings reveal that while algorithms drive engagement and growth for platforms, they also pose complex challenges around user autonomy, wellness, and information integrity. Unpacking these dynamics contributes to a deeper understanding of one of the defining issues of the digital age: how to balance innovation with ethical responsibility.
Broader Impact
The inclusion of Graffius’ research by the Institute signals recognition of its global relevance—particularly in the areas of AI ethics, transparency, and human-centric system design. As the Institute trains the next generation of AI leaders, it curates resources that demonstrate what AI can achieve along with reflection on how it should be applied responsibly.
Conclusion
The Institute’s feature of Graffius’ research underscores the vital role of interdisciplinary scholarship in guiding the future of technology and society. His work continues to inform debates on AI ethics, governance, and the human impact of algorithmic decision-making.
Select excerpts from the Institute's publication are shown below.
Graffius' "How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms" paper is on ResearchGate here. The AI Institute of Switzerland's publication is here.
Citation Information
Graffius' publication on ResearchGate:
AI Institute of Switzerland's publication:
This article:
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
The AI Institute of Switzerland has featured research by Scott M. Graffius—How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms—within its curated section of research papers and articles. This recognition highlights the growing importance of Graffius’ work in the fields of artificial intelligence, human–AI interaction, and social media.
Why This Matters
The AI Institute of Switzerland ("the Institute"), part of the Swiss Information and Management Institute, is the country’s first institute exclusively dedicated to artificial intelligence. Its mission is to advance AI knowledge through applied research, training, and innovation. It serves as a bridge between academic rigor and industry-relevant practice. By including Graffius’ work among its references, the Institute underscores both its relevance and value in shaping conversations about AI and social media platforms.
The Significance of the Research
Social media has revolutionized communication, culture, and commerce. And behind the user experience lies the pervasive influence of AI-powered algorithms. Graffius’ research investigates these systems, examining how personalization and recommendation engines shape what users see and how they interact.
The findings reveal that while algorithms drive engagement and growth for platforms, they also pose complex challenges around user autonomy, wellness, and information integrity. Unpacking these dynamics contributes to a deeper understanding of one of the defining issues of the digital age: how to balance innovation with ethical responsibility.
Broader Impact
The inclusion of Graffius’ research by the Institute signals recognition of its global relevance—particularly in the areas of AI ethics, transparency, and human-centric system design. As the Institute trains the next generation of AI leaders, it curates resources that demonstrate what AI can achieve along with reflection on how it should be applied responsibly.
Conclusion
The Institute’s feature of Graffius’ research underscores the vital role of interdisciplinary scholarship in guiding the future of technology and society. His work continues to inform debates on AI ethics, governance, and the human impact of algorithmic decision-making.
Select excerpts from the Institute's publication are shown below.
Graffius' "How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms" paper is on ResearchGate here. The AI Institute of Switzerland's publication is here.
Citation Information
Graffius' publication on ResearchGate:
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, September 26). How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms. ResearchGate. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29149.01767. Available at: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29149.01767.
AI Institute of Switzerland's publication:
- AI Institute of Switzerland (n.d.). Portfolio Item: Social Media Marketing Algorithms. Available at: https://aiinstitute.ch/portfolio-item/smm-algorithms/.
This article:
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 18). AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-institute-features-work-of-scott-m-graffius.html.
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 18). AI Institute of Switzerland Features Scott M. Graffius’ Work on Algorithms. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-institute-features-work-of-scott-m-graffius.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
AI Institute of Switzerland name, mark, and content are the property of AI Institute, a member of the Swiss Information and Management Institute.
This article uses limited excerpts from the AI Institute of Switzerland, attributed and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
“How Algorithms Shape the User Experience on Social Media Platforms” is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Top 5 Hashtags
#AI
#AIEthics
#Algorithms
#HumanAI
#SocialMedia
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration
08 August 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
From Exotic Physics to Exotic Teamwork
In physics, "exotic" refers to concepts that exist in the liminal space between proven and speculative. They’re mathematically coherent ideas that await experimental confirmation. For example:
These are rigorous explorations, rooted in theory and actively advancing—although still reliant on future technological and empirical breakthroughs.
Similarly, a new frontier is emerging in team dynamics. This article unpacks these dynamics in detail, offering insights and practical guidance for navigating human–AI collaboration.
Defining Exotic Team Dynamics
Exotic Team Dynamics describes collaborations where non-human intelligences (such as AI) work alongside humans toward shared goals. This liminal space is:
What Makes Them "Exotic"
Drawing on the physics analogy, exotic team dynamics exhibit unique traits. Discover examples in the visual below.
Text from the above illustration follows.
Parallel Analogy 1: Unexpected and Novel Effects
Parallel Analogy 2: Superposition
Parallel Analogy 3: Entanglement
Parallel Analogy 4: Emergent Phenomena and Protocols
Why It Matters
The intersection of team science and AI is now practical, not just theoretical:
Futurescape
As once-exotic concepts in physics move into the mainstream, exotic human–AI team configurations transition into use and may define tomorrow’s standard. Leaders can:
Conclusion
While exotic matter concepts in physics exist in the liminal space between proven and speculative, exotic team dynamics moved beyond speculation into real-world exploration and application.
The organizations that will thrive in this new frontier won’t simply graft AI onto existing workflows. They’ll reimagine what "team" means—blending human judgment, creativity, and empathy with AI’s speed, scale, and pattern recognition.
This shift will demand more than technical upgrades. It will require new playbooks for trust, communication, and shared purpose. It’s not about replacing the human element—it’s about amplifying it through collaboration with intelligent partners that think differently, move faster, and challenge our assumptions.
We are standing at the edge of a transformation as profound as the leap from classical to quantum thinking. The leaders who lean into human-AI collaboration—experimenting, adapting, and defining the norms of exotic team dynamics—will help shape the high-performing, future-proof teams of tomorrow.
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s work in AI and teamwork tradecraft, including exotic team dynamics.
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
From Exotic Physics to Exotic Teamwork
In physics, "exotic" refers to concepts that exist in the liminal space between proven and speculative. They’re mathematically coherent ideas that await experimental confirmation. For example:
- Beyond Standard Model examples include supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and grand unified theories.
- Exotic matter involves concepts such as negative mass and matter with negative energy density, which are key to theoretical wormholes.
- Quantum gravity candidates include string theory and loop quantum gravity.
- Anomalous astrophysics explores new dark matter candidates and modified gravity theories.
- Cosmological oddities encompass ideas such as multiverse hypotheses, cosmic strings, and bubble collisions.
These are rigorous explorations, rooted in theory and actively advancing—although still reliant on future technological and empirical breakthroughs.
Similarly, a new frontier is emerging in team dynamics. This article unpacks these dynamics in detail, offering insights and practical guidance for navigating human–AI collaboration.
Defining Exotic Team Dynamics
Exotic Team Dynamics describes collaborations where non-human intelligences (such as AI) work alongside humans toward shared goals. This liminal space is:
- Not alien to traditional teamwork — characteristics such as trust, communication, adaptability, and more still apply.
- Yet fundamentally different — with new rhythms, decision-making styles, and interaction methods that don’t fit traditional playbooks.
- Still in the experimental phase — possibilities are being charted faster than they can be validated.
What Makes Them "Exotic"
Drawing on the physics analogy, exotic team dynamics exhibit unique traits. Discover examples in the visual below.
Text from the above illustration follows.
Parallel Analogy 1: Unexpected and Novel Effects
- Exotic Physics: Negative Mass – behaves opposite to expectations under force.
- Exotic Team Dynamics: Inverse Decision Logic – where AI challenges human assumptions by prioritizing counterintuitive but optimal choices.
Parallel Analogy 2: Superposition
- Exotic Physics: Quantum Superposition – being in multiple states simultaneously.
- Exotic Team Dynamics: Superposition Roles – where AI supports several team functions in parallel, shifting emphasis instantly.
Parallel Analogy 3: Entanglement
- Exotic Physics: Quantum Entanglement – instant correlation regardless of distance.
- Exotic Team Dynamics: Entangled Decision-Making – human and AI inputs are interdependent, producing outcomes neither could achieve alone.
Parallel Analogy 4: Emergent Phenomena and Protocols
- Exotic Physics: Emergent Phenomena – complex patterns arising from simple rules.
- Exotic Team Dynamics: Emergent Protocols – new communication patterns evolving without explicit programming or policy.
Why It Matters
The intersection of team science and AI is now practical, not just theoretical:
- AI is already embedded in decision support, analytics, scheduling, creative brainstorming, and more.
- Select teams in R&D, crisis response, and strategic planning are experimenting with human–AI collaboration as a core operating model.
- Organizations face new questions: How to foster trust with an AI teammate? How to ensure role clarity with a scalable teammate? How to resolve conflicts with a non-emotional partner?
Futurescape
As once-exotic concepts in physics move into the mainstream, exotic human–AI team configurations transition into use and may define tomorrow’s standard. Leaders can:
- Experiment intentionally. Treat hybrid human–AI teamwork as a design space, not an afterthought.
- Develop new norms. Create protocols, rituals, and safeguards tailored for human-AI teams.
- Track performance and well-being. Prioritize ethics and human needs while pursuing efficiency.
- Prepare for scale. What works for one AI teammate may not apply in cases of multiple AI team members; demonstrate flexibility.
Conclusion
While exotic matter concepts in physics exist in the liminal space between proven and speculative, exotic team dynamics moved beyond speculation into real-world exploration and application.
The organizations that will thrive in this new frontier won’t simply graft AI onto existing workflows. They’ll reimagine what "team" means—blending human judgment, creativity, and empathy with AI’s speed, scale, and pattern recognition.
This shift will demand more than technical upgrades. It will require new playbooks for trust, communication, and shared purpose. It’s not about replacing the human element—it’s about amplifying it through collaboration with intelligent partners that think differently, move faster, and challenge our assumptions.
We are standing at the edge of a transformation as profound as the leap from classical to quantum thinking. The leaders who lean into human-AI collaboration—experimenting, adapting, and defining the norms of exotic team dynamics—will help shape the high-performing, future-proof teams of tomorrow.
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s work in AI and teamwork tradecraft, including exotic team dynamics.
- Alfateh, Maryam Ali Abu; Messaadia, Mourad; and Ali, Mazen (2023, September). Exploring the Dynamics of Team Formation in Human-Artificial Intelligence Collaboration. In 2023 International Conference on Decision Aid Sciences and Applications (DASA), pp. 384-388. DOI: 10.1109/DASA59624.2023.10286788.
- Anduril Industries (2025, May 29). Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military. Available at: https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-and-meta-team-up-to-transform-xr-for-the-american-military/.
- Arizona State University. (2025, April 4). CHIMERAS: Rethinking Human-AI Teamwork in National Security Screening. Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency. Available at: https://caoe.asu.edu/2025/04/04/chimeras-rethinking-human-ai-teamwork-in-national-security-screening/.
- Berretta, S.; Tausch, A.; Ontrup, G.; Gilles, B.; Peifer, C.; Kluge, A. (2023, September). Defining human-AI teaming the human-centered way: a scoping review and network analysis. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 6: 1250725. DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1250725.
- Bostrom, Nick (2016). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.
- Bouman, A., Ginting, M. F., Alatur, N., Palieri, M., Fan, D. D., Touma, T., Pailevanian, T., Kim, S.-K., Otsu, K., Burdick, J., & Agha-Mohammadi, A. (2020, November 30). Autonomous Spot: Long-Range Autonomous Exploration of Extreme Environments with Legged Locomotion (arXiv:2010.09259). arXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2010.09259.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2023, February 23). Episode 65: A Sprint to Tomorrow, Powered by Teamwork [Podcast]. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2023-02-23a.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2024, September 27). Teaching AI What It Should and Shouldn’t Do. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2024/teaching-ai.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2021, October 5). Navigate the Phases of Team Development with Speed and Agility for Happier and More Productive Teams [Presentation]. Talk delivered at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Day 2021 Conference. Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365. DOI link: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, May 1). AI is a Team Sport: A Confluence of Diverse Technical and Soft Skills are Crucial for Success. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/successful-ai-teams.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20321.79200.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, October 9). Top 5 Roles on AI Teams. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-team-roles.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34857.57449.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, April 5). Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work' Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/cisco-2024.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16689.60000.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, May 3). Leverage Agile and AI to Innovate at the Speed of Light. Talk at private event in Dubai, UAE. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30790.48960.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 24). When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/when-agile-ai-and-strategic-thinking-converge.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 1). Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exploring-team-dynamics-adaptability-and-creative-problem-solving-through-a-metaphorical-toolkit.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 7). Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/phases-of-team-development-update-for-2025.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33705.30564.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, May 13). Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-delivering-2-point-3-billion-dollars-in-impact-for-organizations.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 7). Method and System for Facilitating Hybrid Human–Artificial Intelligence Teams via a Protocolized Mediation Layer for Bi-Directional Translation, Interpretation, and Optimization of Natural Language, Paralinguistic, Prosodic, and Nonverbal Cues Across Text, Audio, and Video Modalities, Incorporating Real-Time Analysis of Auditory Tone, Pitch, Affect, Facial Expressions, Gaze, Posture, and Other Body Language Indicators, Generating AI-Compatible Representations for Human Inputs, Generating Human-Accessible Representations for AI Outputs, Conveying Context-Aware Information in Both Directions, Reducing Cognitive Friction, Enhancing Mutual Intelligibility, Supporting Decision-Making, and Maximizing Collective Task Performance. A novel integration of multimodal communication, cognitive alignment, and human-AI interaction. Los Angeles, California.
- Jacobsen, Annie (2015). The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency. Little, Brown and Company.
- James, G., Witten, D., Hastie, T., & Tibshirani, R. (2021). An Introduction to Statistical Learning: With Applications in R (2nd ed.). Springer.
- Joiner, B., & Josephs, S. (2007). Leadership Agility: Five Levels of Mastery for Anticipating and Initiating Change. Jossey-Bass.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Kurzweil, Ray (2024). The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI. Random House.
- Lieberman, Marvin (2021, February). Is Competitive Advantage Intellectually Sustainable? Strategic Management Review, 2 (1): 29-46.
- Mollick, Ethan (2024). Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. Portfolio.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. IIL. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- O’Neill, L., Fraser, T., Cake, M., Fullarton, M., & Riley, S. (2024). Human-Autonomy Teaming: Evaluating Trust and Performance Through Dyadic Interaction Tasks. Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering, 31: 100533. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobme.2024.100533.
- Prasad, Baba (2025, May 5). Interpreters, Challengers and Stewards: The Role of Agile Leaders in an AI World. Brown University. Available at: https://professional.brown.edu/news/2025-05-05/agile-leadership-ai-world.
- Russell, Stuart (2019). Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control. Viking.
- Schoemaker, Paul J. H. (1993, March). Multiple Scenario Development: Its Conceptual and Behavioral Foundation. Strategic Management Journal, 14 (3): 193-213.
- Silva, Narciso (2025). The Ultimate Guide to Mastering AI for Leaders: Your Non-technical Playbook for Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Innovation. Independently published.
- Steinberger, Tom, & Wiersema, Margarethe (2021). Data Models as Organizational Design: Coordinating Beyond Boundaries Using Artificial Intelligence. Strategic Management Review, 2 (1): 119-144.
- Syrett, Michael, & Devine, Marion (2012). Managing Uncertainty: Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times. Wiley.
- Tegmark, Max (2018). Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Penguin.
- Thrun, S., Burgard, W., & Fox, D. (2005). Probabilistic Robotics. The MIT Press.
- Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental Sequence in Small Groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63: 384-399.
- Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited. Group and Organizational Studies, 2 (4): 419-427.
- Walther, C. C. (2025, March 11). Why Hybrid Intelligence is the Future of human-AI Collaboration. Knowledge at Wharton. The Wharton School. Available at: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/why-hybrid-intelligence-is-the-future-of-human-ai-collaboration/.
- Wijeratne, Y. (2020). The Salvage Crew. Aethon Books, LLC.
- Woods, Geoff (2024). The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions. AI Thought Leadership.
- Xu, W. (2025, August 7). Human-Centered Human-AI Interaction (HC-HAII): A Human-Centered AI Perspective (arXiv:2508.03969) [Preprint]. arXiv. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.03969.
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- Post-Publication Notes,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 8). Exotic Team Dynamics: The New Frontier of Human–AI Collaboration. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/exotic-team-dynamics.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Top 5 Hashtags
#ExoticTeamDynamics
#PhasesOfTeamDevelopment
#HumanAICollaboration
#Teamwork
#AI
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Update on 4 September 2025
Here's a follow-up, one paragraph synopsis of exotic team dynamics.
Exotic team dynamics, a concept coined and developed by Scott M. Graffius, refers to the novel collaboration patterns that emerge when humans and artificial intelligences (AIs) work as true teammates toward shared goals. These dynamics reveal fundamentally new rhythms, decision-making styles, and interaction methods that are distinct from traditional human-only teamwork, yet still grounded in core principles such as trust, communication, and adaptability. Key attributes include inverse decision logic, where AI challenges human assumptions with counterintuitive but optimal choices; superposition roles, enabling AI to simultaneously support several team functions; entangled decision-making, in which human and AI inputs are deeply interdependent; and emergent protocols, evolving communication and collaboration patterns that arise without formal programming. This frontier extends beyond mere augmentation of human work, demanding new designs, rituals, norms, and ethical guardrails to foster trust and clarity within hybrid human-AI teams. Pioneering organizations in R&D, crisis response, and strategic planning are already experimenting with these models, and Graffius’ work provides practical frameworks and playbooks for scaling from a single AI collaborator to complex multi-AI ecosystems. Ultimately, exotic team dynamics herald a transformation in how teams achieve more together by blending human creativity and empathy with AI’s speed, scale, and pattern recognition, redefining high-performance teamwork for the future of work.
Update on 6 September 2025
This is another synopsis of exotic team dynamics. It briefly highlights the origin of term, core concepts, and practical applications.
Exotic Team Dynamics: Origin, Core Concepts, and Practical Application
The term exotic team dynamics describes a new and emerging field of human-AI collaboration. It's a specialized term—not a common phrase—used to define the unique and often counterintuitive behaviors that arise when autonomous artificial intelligence works alongside humans (such as in a team) toward a shared goal.
Origin
The term's origin is rooted in an analogy from exotic physics. In physics, "exotic" refers to concepts that are mathematically coherent and theoretically sound but haven't yet been confirmed through empirical evidence or experimental validation. These are ideas that exist at the edge of what's known, pushing the boundaries of traditional understanding.
By drawing this parallel, the term "exotic team dynamics" suggests that human-AI collaboration is a new frontier that doesn't fit the traditional models of teamwork. It is a field that is still being explored, with new patterns and behaviors being discovered. The term was coined by Scott M. Graffius, a technology leader, researcher, and author, in a blog post and talk on the subject.
Core Concepts
Exotic team dynamics are fundamentally different from traditional team dynamics because they involve non-human intelligences. While familiar concepts like trust and communication still apply, their application is altered. The "exotic" nature of these dynamics is often explained through four key analogies from physics:
Inverse Decision Logic: Similar to "negative mass" in physics, which behaves in opposition to expectations under force, an AI may prioritize counterintuitive but optimal choices that challenge human assumptions.
Superposition Roles: Drawing on the concept of quantum superposition (being in multiple states simultaneously), an AI can support several team functions in parallel, shifting its emphasis instantly and without friction.
Entangled Decision-Making: Like quantum entanglement, where particles are instantaneously correlated regardless of distance, human and AI inputs become deeply interdependent. The outcome is something neither could have achieved on their own.
Emergent Protocols: This phenomenon is akin to emergent phenomena in physics, where complex patterns arise from simple rules. In human-AI teams, new communication patterns and workflows can evolve organically without explicit programming or policy.
Practical Application
The concept of exotic team dynamics is not purely theoretical. It's a framework for intentionally designing and navigating the future of work. Organizations that understand and effectively leverage these dynamics are better positioned to harness the benefits of AI. This includes:
Designing for new behaviors: Leaders can use the core concepts as diagnostic tools to identify and intentionally design new human-AI interaction patterns.
Cultivating human-AI trust: Establishing trust with a non-emotional partner requires new norms and a different approach to collaboration.
Rethinking roles and workflows: Exotic team dynamics challenge the traditional understanding of what a "team" is, necessitating a re-evaluation of roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
05 August 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Scott M. Graffius’ “Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts” research — a widely cited study on social media engagement dynamics — was referenced in a 2025 peer-reviewed publication presented at the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '25) and published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ACM is the world’s largest and most respected society for computing professionals, and DIS is a top-tier international conference at the intersection of design, technology, and society.
Titled "Building a Digital Ecosystem for Community-Based Rehabilitation: Insights from a Multi-Platform Social Media Strategy in Thailand," the ACM paper examined social media strategies for public health, citing Graffius’ research to frame platform-specific engagement patterns.
Excerpts from the ACM conference proceedings and the respective paper are shown below.
Additional information on Graffius' research, the ACM, the ACM conference, and respective paper follow.
About Graffius' "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts"
Graffius is an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—presents a meticulous quantitative evaluation of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision.
It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Cited by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Ministère de la Culture (French Ministry of Culture), Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
To learn more, see the now-current (2025) edition of his work here.
About the Association for Computing Machinery
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world’s largest and most established professional organization for computing. Founded in 1947, it has grown into a global scientific and educational society with over 100,000 members across 190+ countries. ACM is dedicated to advancing computing as both a science and a profession, and it plays a critical role in shaping the field through its publications, conferences, and special interest groups (SIGs).
ACM is a premier publisher of computing research, with its Digital Library serving as one of the largest and most respected archives of computer science literature. The organization also sponsors more than 170 events annually, many of which are considered top-tier in their respective subfields. In addition, ACM supports a wide range of SIGs, including SIGCHI (Human-Computer Interaction), SIGGRAPH (Computer Graphics), and SIGPLAN (Programming Languages), each of which drives progress in specialized areas of computing.
Being published or referenced in an ACM venue is widely recognized as a mark of academic rigor, relevance, and credibility within the computing and technology communities.
About the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference
The ACM Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) Conference is one of the premier international gatherings focused on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and design research. Organized by ACM SIGCHI—the Special Interest Group on Computer–Human Interaction—DIS is distinctively design-oriented, bridging the gap between technical HCI research and real-world design practice. It draws a diverse mix of participants including UX researchers, interaction designers, social scientists, technologists, and both industry practitioners and academics.
Key themes often explored at DIS include interactive and digital system design, participatory and co-design methods, speculative and critical design, community engagement and social innovation, AI ethics and responsible technology, and tangible, embedded, and immersive interfaces. This rich diversity of topics reflects the conference’s commitment to pushing boundaries at the intersection of design, technology, and society.
Renowned for its selectivity and rigorous peer-review process, DIS is known as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation. It serves as a platform where cutting-edge ideas converge and evolve. Typical attendees include researchers and designers from top universities, research institutions like Microsoft Research and Google Research, nonprofits, startups, and international development organizations.
The respective paper is here.
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25
Scott M. Graffius’ “Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts” research — a widely cited study on social media engagement dynamics — was referenced in a 2025 peer-reviewed publication presented at the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '25) and published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ACM is the world’s largest and most respected society for computing professionals, and DIS is a top-tier international conference at the intersection of design, technology, and society.
Titled "Building a Digital Ecosystem for Community-Based Rehabilitation: Insights from a Multi-Platform Social Media Strategy in Thailand," the ACM paper examined social media strategies for public health, citing Graffius’ research to frame platform-specific engagement patterns.
Excerpts from the ACM conference proceedings and the respective paper are shown below.
Additional information on Graffius' research, the ACM, the ACM conference, and respective paper follow.
About Graffius' "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts"
Graffius is an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—presents a meticulous quantitative evaluation of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision.
It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Cited by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Ministère de la Culture (French Ministry of Culture), Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
To learn more, see the now-current (2025) edition of his work here.
About the Association for Computing Machinery
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world’s largest and most established professional organization for computing. Founded in 1947, it has grown into a global scientific and educational society with over 100,000 members across 190+ countries. ACM is dedicated to advancing computing as both a science and a profession, and it plays a critical role in shaping the field through its publications, conferences, and special interest groups (SIGs).
ACM is a premier publisher of computing research, with its Digital Library serving as one of the largest and most respected archives of computer science literature. The organization also sponsors more than 170 events annually, many of which are considered top-tier in their respective subfields. In addition, ACM supports a wide range of SIGs, including SIGCHI (Human-Computer Interaction), SIGGRAPH (Computer Graphics), and SIGPLAN (Programming Languages), each of which drives progress in specialized areas of computing.
Being published or referenced in an ACM venue is widely recognized as a mark of academic rigor, relevance, and credibility within the computing and technology communities.
About the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference
The ACM Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) Conference is one of the premier international gatherings focused on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and design research. Organized by ACM SIGCHI—the Special Interest Group on Computer–Human Interaction—DIS is distinctively design-oriented, bridging the gap between technical HCI research and real-world design practice. It draws a diverse mix of participants including UX researchers, interaction designers, social scientists, technologists, and both industry practitioners and academics.
Key themes often explored at DIS include interactive and digital system design, participatory and co-design methods, speculative and critical design, community engagement and social innovation, AI ethics and responsible technology, and tangible, embedded, and immersive interfaces. This rich diversity of topics reflects the conference’s commitment to pushing boundaries at the intersection of design, technology, and society.
Renowned for its selectivity and rigorous peer-review process, DIS is known as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation. It serves as a platform where cutting-edge ideas converge and evolve. Typical attendees include researchers and designers from top universities, research institutions like Microsoft Research and Google Research, nonprofits, startups, and international development organizations.
The respective paper is here.
Additional Stories
You may be interested in these additional stories.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
AI Showcase Showdown: Ranking AI Accuracy on Project Management Basics
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
The “Pants-on-Fire Index for AI”
PMI’s Infinity AI Gets the Basics of Team Development Alarmingly and Repeatedly Wrong
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
"Agile Protocol" and the Power of Satire, Parody, and Humor
AI in Agile: Benefits, Risks, Outlook
National Science Foundation’s LTER Network Features Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP
Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership
The 3 Vital Rules of Science: What They Are and Why They Matter
Scott M. Graffius Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in Digital Disruption by Thinkers360
NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
The Art and Science of Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Objectives
U.S. Soccer Scores with Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property on Teamwork
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
Verizon Features Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' was Spotlighted in Journal of Neurosurgery
Hochschule Coburg (Coburg University) Germany Uses Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development IP in Coursework on Agile Development
Constructor University 2024 Advanced Software Technology Handbook References Scott M. Graffius' Work on Team Dynamics
Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property was Employed by the NHS — the Largest Single-Payer Healthcare System in Europe
Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Broadcom Features Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Lam Research Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Agile, AI, and Innovation at a Private Event in Dubai
Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Featured by TAG at TBS24 Conference in Zermatt Switzerland
Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work
Scott M. Graffius Speaking on Successful AI at DevDays Europe 2024 Conference
University of California, San Diego Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ Work
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, August 5). Scott M. Graffius’ Work Featured at ACM DIS ’25. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-work-featured-at-acm-dis-25.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
The ACM paper, “Building a Digital Ecosystem for Community-Based Rehabilitation: Insights from a Multi-Platform Social Media Strategy in Thailand,” is the property of its owners/authors.
ACM name, mark, and content are the property of ACM, Inc.
Graffius’ “Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts” is copyright © Scott M. Graffius.
This article includes brief excerpts of content from the ACM and the aforementioned ACM paper, attributed and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Top 5 Hashtags
#SocialMediaResearch
#HCI
#ACM
#TemporalDynamics
#PublicHealthTech
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever
31 July 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
The Org Chart Tells a Story
The org chart speaks volumes—and increasingly, that story puts the head of Agile, PMO, Transformation or equivalent (hereafter called Agile/PMO leader) just a few rungs below the CEO.
This article explores how the shrinking distance between Agile/PMO leaders and the CEO—from typically 4–5 levels in the early 2000s to as close as 2–3 today—reflects a strategic transformation. These roles are no longer just about execution; they’re about shaping strategy and building enterprise agility.
How close is your Agile/PMO leader to the CEO, and what does that say about your organization’s readiness for the future?
From Tactical to Strategic
A Historical Shift
Agile’s roots stretch back to the 1950s, when IBM used incremental development to manage software projects. In 1958, Project Mercury introduced half-day iterations. By 1968, Harlan Mills was advocating for staged, incremental development with user involvement. The 1990s brought refinements—refactoring, timeboxing, stand-ups, and more—that laid the groundwork for a major shift.
That shift arrived in 2001, when seventeen software experts authored the Agile Manifesto. It noted the importance of prioritizing individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change.
After the Agile Manifesto, Agile transcended software; it fueled collaboration, adaptability, and faster feedback loops across industries.
At the same time, traditional project management was largely rooted in waterfall methodologies. But Agile adoption is widespread today. Most organizations now report using Agile approaches, such as Scrum or Kanban.
Agile/PMO Leaders Today
Agile/PMO leaders are now closer than ever to the CEO—typically just 2-3 levels away. In Agile-centric or project-driven organizations, the gap can narrow to 1-2 levels. In rare but notable cases, these leaders report directly to the CEO, as seen at Heineken, ING, Miro, the Scrum Alliance, and Spotify.
This shift in organizational proximity is reflected by broader industry movements. The Project Management Institute (PMI), for example, has embraced this evolution. Following its acquisition of the Agile Alliance, PMI announced at Agile2025 that it is developing the Manifesto for Enterprise Agility. The forthcoming publication will position Agile as an organization-wide, strategic capability. The overarching goal is to renew trust in agility and elevate it within the C-suite. It will achieve that objective, in part, by demonstrating that enterprise agility is about rapid adaptation without losing strategic focus.
As PMI CEO Pierre Le Manh explained, this shift is not about rewriting Agile’s roots. It’s about applying its values at enterprise scale. Jim Highsmith, signatory of the Agile Manifesto, noted: "This isn’t a rewrite of the original manifesto. It’s about agility at the enterprise level where complexity, hierarchy, and real stakes live."
The Strategic Climb
Why Proximity Matters
The shift in reporting distance—from typically 4-5 levels below the CEO in the early 2000s to just 2-3 levels today—is more than an organizational adjustment. It’s a strategic repositioning. Agile/PMO leaders are no longer seen as back-office executors. They're architects of competitive advantage.
This proximity isn’t just symbolic. Organizations with direct C-suite sponsorship for agility innovate effectively, achieve fast time-to-market, and are competitive. Why? Enterprise agility relies on rapidly detecting and responding to signals and changes in market trends, customer needs, and technological advancements. Such agility demands close alignment at the top, making proximity essential.
Today, Agile/PMO leaders are typically 2-3 levels from the CEO, though reporting structures can differ based on organizational context. The following examples illustrate the range of levels.
The rise of titles like Chief Agile Officer, Chief Transformation Officer, and Chief Project Officer—often reporting directly to the CEO—reflects elevated strategic importance.
Why does proximity matter? Because it enables:
Organizational Self-Check
To capitalize on this shift, consider the following questions:
Sometimes, rewiring reporting lines is just as critical as rethinking workflows.
Conclusion
From Execution to Elevation
Agility is moving on up! Roles once buried five layers deep are now helping shape strategy—often just 2-3 levels (and sometimes just one) below the CEO. PMI and the Agile Alliance will unveil the new Manifesto for Enterprise Agility (currently in development) in February 2026 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Agile Manifesto. In addition to the increasing proximity of Agile/PMO leaders to CEOs, this initiative spotlights the growing role of agility in enterprise success.
All of that signals that organizational agility is a defining force behind resilience, growth, and lasting success.
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s work in Agile and Enterprise Agility.
More
Continue reading for:
About Signal Detection
Signal detection involves:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
The Org Chart Tells a Story
The org chart speaks volumes—and increasingly, that story puts the head of Agile, PMO, Transformation or equivalent (hereafter called Agile/PMO leader) just a few rungs below the CEO.
This article explores how the shrinking distance between Agile/PMO leaders and the CEO—from typically 4–5 levels in the early 2000s to as close as 2–3 today—reflects a strategic transformation. These roles are no longer just about execution; they’re about shaping strategy and building enterprise agility.
How close is your Agile/PMO leader to the CEO, and what does that say about your organization’s readiness for the future?
From Tactical to Strategic
A Historical Shift
Agile’s roots stretch back to the 1950s, when IBM used incremental development to manage software projects. In 1958, Project Mercury introduced half-day iterations. By 1968, Harlan Mills was advocating for staged, incremental development with user involvement. The 1990s brought refinements—refactoring, timeboxing, stand-ups, and more—that laid the groundwork for a major shift.
That shift arrived in 2001, when seventeen software experts authored the Agile Manifesto. It noted the importance of prioritizing individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change.
After the Agile Manifesto, Agile transcended software; it fueled collaboration, adaptability, and faster feedback loops across industries.
At the same time, traditional project management was largely rooted in waterfall methodologies. But Agile adoption is widespread today. Most organizations now report using Agile approaches, such as Scrum or Kanban.
Agile/PMO Leaders Today
Agile/PMO leaders are now closer than ever to the CEO—typically just 2-3 levels away. In Agile-centric or project-driven organizations, the gap can narrow to 1-2 levels. In rare but notable cases, these leaders report directly to the CEO, as seen at Heineken, ING, Miro, the Scrum Alliance, and Spotify.
This shift in organizational proximity is reflected by broader industry movements. The Project Management Institute (PMI), for example, has embraced this evolution. Following its acquisition of the Agile Alliance, PMI announced at Agile2025 that it is developing the Manifesto for Enterprise Agility. The forthcoming publication will position Agile as an organization-wide, strategic capability. The overarching goal is to renew trust in agility and elevate it within the C-suite. It will achieve that objective, in part, by demonstrating that enterprise agility is about rapid adaptation without losing strategic focus.
As PMI CEO Pierre Le Manh explained, this shift is not about rewriting Agile’s roots. It’s about applying its values at enterprise scale. Jim Highsmith, signatory of the Agile Manifesto, noted: "This isn’t a rewrite of the original manifesto. It’s about agility at the enterprise level where complexity, hierarchy, and real stakes live."
The Strategic Climb
Why Proximity Matters
The shift in reporting distance—from typically 4-5 levels below the CEO in the early 2000s to just 2-3 levels today—is more than an organizational adjustment. It’s a strategic repositioning. Agile/PMO leaders are no longer seen as back-office executors. They're architects of competitive advantage.
This proximity isn’t just symbolic. Organizations with direct C-suite sponsorship for agility innovate effectively, achieve fast time-to-market, and are competitive. Why? Enterprise agility relies on rapidly detecting and responding to signals and changes in market trends, customer needs, and technological advancements. Such agility demands close alignment at the top, making proximity essential.
Today, Agile/PMO leaders are typically 2-3 levels from the CEO, though reporting structures can differ based on organizational context. The following examples illustrate the range of levels.
- Public sector: 4-6 levels
- Legacy organizations: 4-6 levels
- Large enterprises: 3-5 levels
- Mid-sized companies: 2-3 levels
- Agile-native or digital-first firms: 1-2 levels
The rise of titles like Chief Agile Officer, Chief Transformation Officer, and Chief Project Officer—often reporting directly to the CEO—reflects elevated strategic importance.
Why does proximity matter? Because it enables:
- Strategic Alignment – Turning vision into action quickly
- Faster Decisions – Fewer layers mean quicker choices and execution
- Cultural Reach – Greater influence over organizational mindset and behavior
- Cross-Team Flow – Easier scaling of agility across silos
- Strategic Value Recognition – Agile is seen not just as a delivery method, but a growth enabler
Organizational Self-Check
To capitalize on this shift, consider the following questions:
- How close is your Agile/PMO leader to the CEO?
- Does your org chart reflect the strategic importance of agility?
- Are these Agile/PMO leaders empowered to shape direction, or just tasked with delivery?
- What message does your structure send—internally and externally?
Sometimes, rewiring reporting lines is just as critical as rethinking workflows.
Conclusion
From Execution to Elevation
Agility is moving on up! Roles once buried five layers deep are now helping shape strategy—often just 2-3 levels (and sometimes just one) below the CEO. PMI and the Agile Alliance will unveil the new Manifesto for Enterprise Agility (currently in development) in February 2026 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Agile Manifesto. In addition to the increasing proximity of Agile/PMO leaders to CEOs, this initiative spotlights the growing role of agility in enterprise success.
All of that signals that organizational agility is a defining force behind resilience, growth, and lasting success.
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s work in Agile and Enterprise Agility.
- Appelbaum, S.H., Calla, R., Desautels, D., & Hasan, L. (2017). The Challenges of Organizational Agility: Part 1. Industrial and Commercial Training, 49 (1): 6–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-05-2016-0027.
- Association for Project Management. (2022). The Chief Project Officer: An Essential Part of the Future C‑suite. Association for Project Management. Available at: https://www.apm.org.uk/v2/media/ls0f1k5i/the-chief-project-officer-an-essential-part-of-the-future-c-suite.pdf.
- Beck, K., Beedle, M., van Bennekum, A., Cockburn, A., Cunningham, W., Fowler, M., Grenning, J., Highsmith, J., Hunt, A., Jeffries, R., Kern, J., Marick, B., Martin, R. C., Mellor, S., Schwaber, K., Sutherland, J., & Thomas, D. (2001). Manifesto for Agile Software Development. Also known as the Agile Manifesto. Available at: https://agilemanifesto.org/.
- Bouquillion, Philippe (2021). Vivendi: A Key Player in Global Entertainment and Media. Routledge.
- Business Wire (2024, April 25). Scrum Alliance® appoints veteran transformation leader Chetna Limbani as its first chief delivery officer [Press release]. Business Wire. Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240425533607/en/Scrum-Alliance-Appoints-Veteran-Transformation-Leader-Chetna-Limbani-as‑Its‑First‑Chief‑Delivery‑Officer.
- CFO South Africa (2021, August 19). Webinar: Agile Leadership Unlocked [Video]. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJZiitw5tHo&t=359s.
- Dellecker, B. (2022). Leadership Worthy: How Leaders are Made. River Grove Books.
- Forsgren, N., Humble, J., & Kim, G. (2018). Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High‑Performing Technology Organizations. IT Revolution Press.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2016). Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2018, October 18). Agile Scrum Helps Innovators, Disruptors, and Entrepreneurs Develop and Deliver Products at Astounding Speed Which Drives Competitive Advantage [Presentation]. Talk delivered at Techstars Startup Week Conference. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25009.12647.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2019). Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2021, February 27). Are You Realizing All the Benefits from Agile? [Video]. Talk at the Scottish Summit Technology Conference. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVxtgLHqFMk.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2021, October 5). Navigate the Phases of Team Development with Speed and Agility for Happier and More Productive Teams [Presentation]. Talk delivered at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Day 2021 Conference. Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365. DOI link: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20055.19365.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2022, January 26). 10 Ways to Score and Prioritize Project Proposals Based on Multiple Factors, Including Strategic Alignment. Talk at a public event. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21345.84324. Available at: dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.21345.84324.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, May 3). Leverage Agile and AI to Innovate at the Speed of Light. Talk at a private event in Dubai, UAE. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30790.48960.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, February 21). Agile's Journey Through the Decades. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/agile's-journey-through-the-decades.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, May 14). Waterfall vs. Agile: What’s Fixed, What’s Flexible, and Why It Matters. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/waterfall-vs-agile-what-is-fixed-and-what-is-flexible-and-why-it-matters.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 16). Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/agile-for-unicorns---7-keys-to-thrive---scott-m-graffius-workshop.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 27). The Agile Coach: 2025 Edition. ResearchGate. Available at: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24282.86725.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Hesselberg, J. (2018). Unlocking Agility: An Insider’s Guide to Agile Enterprise Transformation. Addison‑Wesley Professional.
- Highsmith, J. (2025, July 3). Next Generation Management: Accelerating Organizational Agility [LinkedIn post]. LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jhighsmith_next‑generation‑management‑accelerating‑activity‑7346206648585109504‑B‑99.
- Highsmith, Jim (2009). Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products—Second Edition. Addison-Wesley.
- Humble, J., Molesky, J., & O’Reilly, B. (2015). The Lean Enterprise. O’Reilly Media.
- Jacobsen, Annie (2015). The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency. Little, Brown and Company.
- Joiner, B., & Josephs, S. (2007). Leadership Agility: Five Levels of Mastery for Anticipating and Initiating Change. Jossey-Bass.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Le Manh, P. (2025). Keynote: Manifesto for Enterprise Agility. Agile2025, Denver.
- Le Manh, P. [@pierre-le-manh-3a4158]. (2025, July 30). Agile2025 update: As part of our Agile Manifesto initiative, we are bringing together experts from across the globe... [Post]. LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pierre-le-manh-3a4158_agile2025-agile2025-agilemanifesto-ugcPost-7355654599023726592-BAl6.
- Maylor, H. (2001). Beyond the Gantt Chart: Project Management Moving On. European Management Journal, 19 (1): 92-100. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-2373(00)00074-8.
- McKinsey & Company (2020). The Journey to an Agile Organization. McKinsey. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-journey-to-an-agile-organization.
- Miro (n.d.). About us. Miro. Available at: https://miro.com/about/.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. IIL. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- Nieto-Rodriguez, A. (2022, April 26). The Rise of the Chief Project Officer. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2022/04/the-rise-of-the-chief-project-officer.
- Oracle (2024, March). CFOs as Growth Leaders. Oracle Netsuite. Available at: https://www.martechcube.com/resources/oracle_netsuite/24q4/cfo_as/WP%20CFOs%20as%20Growth%20Leaders.pdf.
- Pincot, L. (2025, July 30). We’re launching the work on the new Manifesto for Enterprise Agility. LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lenka-pincot_agile-transformation-projectmanagement-ugcPost-7356045192702926848-_pgy.
- Project Management Institute (2025). Pulse of the Profession 2025. Available at: https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse.
- Project Management Institute & Agile Alliance (2017). PMI Agile Practice Guide. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2006). Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures (3rd edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2011). Practice Standard for Earned Value Management (2nd edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2017). The Standard for Portfolio Management (4th edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2017). The Standard for Program Management (4th edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2019). Practice Standard for Scheduling (3rd edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2019). The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (7th edition). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute (2025, January 3). Agile Alliance joins Project Management Institute [Press release]. Available at: https://www.pmi.org/about/press-media/2025/agile-alliance-joins-project-management-institute.
- Rigby, D.K., Sutherland, J., & Noble, A. (2018, May-June). Agile at Scale. Harvard Business Review: 96 (3): 88-96. Available at: https://hbr.org/2018/05/agile-at-scale.
More
Continue reading for:
- About Signal Detection,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Signal Detection
Signal detection involves:
- Scanning diverse sources such as news media, social platforms, academic research, patent filings, and startup ecosystems.
- Surfacing weak or anomalous signals, including subtle, early-stage deviations from prevailing norms.
- Combining human insight with machine intelligence to help distinguish meaningful signals from background noise.
- Engaging in contextual framing and sense-making to explore what those signals might suggest about emerging futures.
- Assessing their potential trajectory and strategic relevance, including how they might evolve into impactful trends or disruptions.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 31). Climbing the Ladder: The Head of Agile/PMO’s Organizational Proximity to the CEO is Closer Than Ever. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/climbing-the-ladder-the-head-of-agile-pmos-organizational-proximity-to-the-ceo-is-closer-than-ever.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Top 5 Hashtags
#Agile
#ProjectManagement
#EnterpriseAgility
#Leadership
#Transformation
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Update on 31 July 2025
After Graffius published this article, he dispatched a related post on LinkedIn.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future
18 July 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
The future isn’t what it used to be.
If you’ve ever watched The Jetsons, you probably remember the flying cars, the floating cities in the sky, and Rosie the Robot whizzing around the residence doing chores. Originally aired in prime time from 23 September 1962, the animated show imagined life in 2062, painting a vivid and often whimsical picture of what the future might hold. Some of its predictions proved surprisingly accurate. Video calls—then pure fantasy—are now a part of daily life via Zoom, FaceTime, and other telepresence tools. While we don’t have Rosie zipping around on wheels, many homes today employ robotic helpers, such as the iRobot Roomba vacuum and AI-powered voice assistants. Of course, not every prediction has been realized to date: flying cars are effectively a novelty, and floating cities are a distant dream.
What makes The Jetsons so interesting is not its frequent accuracy, but its imagination. Unlike prosaic forecasts limited to trends and data points, it offered a playful yet provocative lens through which people could consider what the future might hold. It wasn’t a blueprint; it was a conversation starter. And that’s where the true value of imagination shines.
In today’s fast-moving world, predictions (even flawed ones) can lead to valuable insights of what the future might hold. The objective is to explore possible futures—to prototype them, stress-test them, and otherwise engage with them before they arrive. Storytelling—especially when combined with structured methods like speculative design, science-fiction prototyping, and future worldbuilding—can be a surprisingly effective tool for doing just that. These creative exercises help uncover blind spots, challenge assumptions, and foster resilience in the face of uncertainty.
This article explores how individuals and organizations can tap into the power of imaginative foresight. Not to predict the future perfectly, but to prepare for it smartly. It also examines methods behind speculative storytelling, real-world examples of its impact, and practical ways these lessons can be applied in professional practice. The future rarely arrives exactly as imagined. Yet engaging with its possibilities creatively can strengthen preparedness for whatever may come.
This article dives into a range of imaginative foresight methods: Fiction as Forecast, Science Fiction Prototyping, Speculative and Critical Design, Worldbuilding in Foresight, Inside-Out Prototyping and Agile Foresight, and Embracing Imperfection. Then the article concludes with reflections on why embracing creativity and uncertainty is key to thriving in an unpredictable world. These approaches, grounded in storytelling and prototyping, offer practical ways to explore possible futures, challenge assumptions, and build resilience for whatever could unfold.
Fiction as Forecast
Fiction as forecast. Or, when imagination precedes innovation.
Imagination entertains. It often foreshadows as well. Some of the most transformative innovations in modern society first appeared not in laboratories but in works of fiction—such as books, television programs, and films.
Consider Star Trek. When it premiered on 6 September 1966, audiences marveled at the sleek, handheld communicators used by Captain Kirk and his crew to talk across vast distances. Decades later, that fictional gadget inspired the development of real-world mobile phones. Martin Cooper, the engineer credited with inventing the first mobile phone at Motorola in 1973, acknowledged Star Trek as an influence. What was once a symbol of futuristic adventure became a common, indispensable tool of everyday life.
Or take Minority Report, Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction (Sci-Fi) thriller, which premiered on 19 June 2002. The film introduced audiences to gesture-controlled interfaces—transparent screens manipulated by hand movements—and predictive policing technology that anticipates crimes before they happen. While some elements remain fictional, gesture-based controls have become increasingly common, from gaming systems like Microsoft’s Kinect to cutting-edge VR environments. Meanwhile, predictive analytics—albeit far more grounded than the movie’s portrayal—are now widely used in law enforcement and cybersecurity, raising both possibilities and ethical questions eerily similar to those posed in the film.
Then there’s Blade Runner, Ridley Scott’s cult classic, which had its theatrical release on 25 June 1982. It’s set in a bleak, neon-lit world where humans and artificial humans (called "replicants") coexist, grappling with questions of identity and morality. Today, the rise of advanced AI systems and humanoid robots echoes many of the film’s themes. While we are far from creating sentient beings indistinguishable from humans, the rapid evolution of machine learning, natural language processing, and AI-generated content brings aspects of Blade Runner’s speculative world closer to reality.
These are just a few examples, but they illustrate a verity: fiction frequently acts as a prototype for reality. The vivid worlds conjured by writers, filmmakers, and other visionaries do more than reflect our cultural dreams and fears. They plant bold ideas, shatter boundaries, and ignite groundbreaking innovations. By pushing beyond what is immediately possible, fiction expands the realm of the thinkable, often laying conceptual groundwork for future breakthroughs.
The sections that follow explore how this dynamic isn’t limited to entertainment. Structured methods like Sci-Fi prototyping, design fiction, and speculative design harness this same principle. They transform imagination into a practical tool for navigating uncertainty and sparking innovation.
Science-Fiction Prototyping
Science-fiction prototyping (SFP) is a structured storytelling approach employed as a foresight tool.
While Sci-Fi has long been a fertile ground for inspiring real-world innovation, SFP takes things a step further. It transforms creative storytelling into a deliberate tool for strategic foresight. Developed by futurist and author Brian David Johnson, SFP formalizes the process of using Sci-Fi narratives to explore how emerging technologies might shape our world. It’s not about writing entertainment; it’s about creating focused, thought-provoking stories that help organizations envision potential futures and make better decisions today.
At the core of SFP is a structured method with clear steps:
Step 1: Build the World
Every good story begins with a world. In SFP, this world is constructed around scientific facts, technological trends, and societal developments. This creates a realistic but forward-looking setting where emerging technologies are already integrated into everyday life.
Step 2: Identify the Inflection Point
Next, define the scientific inflection point. It’s the new technology, discovery, or advancement that changes how people live and work in this future world. This could be anything from artificial general intelligence to medical nanobots.
Step 3: Explore Human Narratives
Crucially, SFP isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about people. The heart of the story focuses on how individuals and society interact with this technology. What new behaviors emerge? What challenges or opportunities arise? This human-centered lens ensures the focus remains on implications, not just inventions.
Step 4: Reflect on Implications
Finally, the story concludes by examining the second- and third-order effects of the technology. What ripple effects does it have on industries, cultures, or institutions? This reflective step helps people think critically about unintended consequences and strategic risks or opportunities.
Quick Variations: Micro-SFP for Fast Prototyping
For situations where time is limited or when rapid idea generation is needed, Johnson also developed Micro-SFP—ultra-short speculative narratives often written in a few sentences suitable for social media posts. Micro-SFP distills the essence of SFP into bite-sized foresight exercises. The Micro-SFP is ideal for workshops, brainstorming sessions, or Agile retrospectives where teams can quickly explore "what if" scenarios without requiring extensive writing.
Business Applications: SFP in Action
Science-Fiction Prototyping has been adopted across industries, from technology firms anticipating product impacts to policymakers exploring societal shifts. For instance, a cybersecurity team might use SFP to write stories about life in a world where quantum computing has rendered current encryption obsolete. A healthcare organization could explore patient journeys in an era of AI-diagnosed personalized medicine. Product teams might craft narratives about future customers interacting with next-generation interfaces, helping them design more empathetic and forward-compatible solutions.
By embracing structured storytelling, people can transform abstract forecasts into relatable, human-centered scenarios. This approach helps surface hidden risks, uncover unexpected opportunities, and enhance long-term strategy.
The next section explores how speculative and critical design adds a layer. It does so by deliberately challenging norms and expectations through provocative scenarios set in the future.
Speculate and Critical Design
Speculative and critical design challenge assumptions through provocation.
While many foresight tools aim to predict or anticipate what is likely, Speculative and Critical Design invites us to step into the unlikely, the uncomfortable, and sometimes the undesirable. It doesn’t assume we want these futures; rather, it pushes us to think critically about what might happen if certain trajectories go unchecked. Popularized by designers Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby, this approach primarily aims to provoke rather than commercialize ideas.
In speculative design, the goal is not to produce practical, market-ready products, but to explore alternative realities. These future scenarios are intentionally provocative, often bordering on dystopian or surreal, to force engagement with difficult questions, such as:
By designing artifacts, environments, or systems from these speculative futures, practitioners create immersive and often unsettling glimpses of what could happen, compelling people to rethink what should happen.
Deepening Engagement: Ethnographic Experiential Futures
One extension of this thinking is Ethnographic Experiential Futures (EXF), a method that combines speculative design with ethnographic research and immersive storytelling.
Developed by Anab Jain and Stuart Candy, and their colleagues, EXF focuses on making future scenarios experientially vivid by embedding them in real-world contexts and cultures.
Rather than merely describing a future, EXF brings it (more) to life:
By incorporating the textures, behaviors, and cultures of future societies, EXF helps stakeholders experience the emotional and social dimensions of possible futures, not just their technological outlines. It makes abstract scenarios feel real, fostering deeper reflection and more empathetic responses.
Speculative and critical design, including EXF, serves a unique role in futures work. For example:
Incorporating these provocative, culturally immersive approaches into foresight work doesn’t increase the accuracy of predictions. However, it produces sharper questions, richer dialogue, and stronger resilience in the face of uncertainty. That’s an advantageous counterbalance to linear planning in a world of ever-increasing complexity.
The next section examines how worldbuilding takes these ideas even further, crafting entire narrative ecosystems to explore interrelated dynamics and consequences.
Worldbuilding in Foresight
Worldbuilding in foresight builds narrative ecosystems.
When it comes to exploring possible futures, sometimes it’s not enough to focus on a single product, technology, or event. To fully understand how future developments might unfold, it’s often necessary to build out the entire world around them. This means examining the respective innovations along with the systems, cultures, behaviors, and consequences that emerge over time. This is where the practice of worldbuilding comes in.
Borrowed from science fiction and fantasy literature, worldbuilding refers to the process of constructing detailed, coherent narrative environments. In foresight, worldbuilding is used to create immersive future scenarios that account for interconnected systems—economic structures, cultural norms, political dynamics, environmental factors, and technological landscapes. Rather than predicting a single outcome, worldbuilding paints a broad, layered picture of how multiple forces interact, allowing participants to explore complex futures more holistically and systematically.
Worldbuilding in Action: Seeing Beyond the First-Order Effects
One of the most valuable aspects of worldbuilding is its ability to reveal second- and third-order effects. Those are the ripple impacts that often go unnoticed in linear forecasts. For example:
Why It Works: Complexity Made Comprehensible
Worldbuilding is particularly powerful because it embraces complexity without becoming overwhelming. Through collaborative storytelling—often involving cross-disciplinary teams—worldbuilding allows diverse stakeholders to:
By crafting narrative ecosystems instead of isolated predictions, worldbuilding enables organizations to anticipate dynamic change and build more resilient strategies. It helps shift thinking from "What’s the next big thing?" to "How might we thrive in a complex, evolving landscape?"
The next section examines how similar principles can be applied within teams or projects to strengthen strategic foresight and preparedness.
Inside-Out Prototyping and Agile Foresight
While speculative storytelling often looks outward—exploring external trends and technologies—there is enormous value in looking inward as well. Based on practical leadership experience across industries, an "Inside-Out Prototyping" approach can help people not only react to external signals but also harness internal knowledge, reflection, and creativity to prepare for the future.
This method integrates retrospective practices, agile methodologies, trend analysis, and story-driven foresight. By doing so, it creates a structured yet adaptable way for teams to anticipate change and build resilience.
Learning from the Past to Imagine the Future
In many organizations, retrospectives and postmortems are used to reflect on past projects, identifying successes, mistakes, and areas for improvement. Inside-Out Prototyping extends this reflective practice into future-preparation exercises.
Teams are encouraged to ask:
By reframing retrospectives through a future lens, organizations shift from focusing on 'lessons learned' to 'signals observed,' enabling them to spot early indicators of disruption or opportunity.
Combining Agile, Trend Analysis, and Storytelling
This approach draws from agile ways of working, promoting short cycles of reflection and iteration, applied to product development, foresight, and strategy. Trend analysis is incorporated by:
Instead of high-level, abstract forecasts, teams develop micro-scenarios directly relevant to their roles:
This keeps foresight grounded, actionable, and team-driven.
Example Format: Future Sprints
One practical way to implement Inside-Out Prototyping is through "Future Sprints"—short, focused workshops inspired by design sprints but aimed at exploring and prototyping future possibilities.
A "Future Sprint" might look like this:
These workshops are fast, participatory, and action-oriented. They help teams shift from passive forecasting to active preparation.
Why Inside-Out Prototyping Matters
Organizations often look outward for foresight but overlook the rich internal data and experiential knowledge within their teams. Inside-Out Prototyping leverages this internal intelligence, blending it with external signals and creative storytelling to:
In a time of rapid change, this approach equips organizations to not just forecast the future. It enables them to prototype it from the inside out, turning foresight into a continuous, participatory practice.
The next section explores why the real value of these practices comes from building preparedness and adaptability, rather than striving for perfect prediction.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the most important lessons in forecasting the future is that perfect accuracy is neither attainable nor necessary. The future is inherently uncertain and shaped by countless variables beyond anyone’s control. Instead of chasing flawless predictions, the true value of foresight lies in cultivating readiness, resilience, and adaptability.
The Limits of Prediction
No matter how sophisticated the models or how imaginative the stories, forecasts are approximations. Unexpected events—such as technological breakthroughs, geopolitical shifts, cultural transformations, or global crises—can rapidly and radically alter trajectories. Attempts to pinpoint a single, definitive future risk overconfidence and rigidity. This can blind organizations to emerging realities that don’t fit their assumptions.
Embracing Multiple Imagined Futures
Rather than betting on a single outcome, effective foresight embraces a plurality of futures. It explores a spectrum of plausible scenarios, including best cases, worst cases, and everything in between.
Imagining multiple futures helps teams and leaders to:
By practicing this mindset, organizations shift from asking, "What will happen?" to "What could happen—and how might we respond?" This reframing enables anticipation rather than mere reaction.
Resilience as a Strategic Advantage
Resilience—the ability to absorb shocks, learn quickly, and bounce forward—is the true strategic advantage in an uncertain world. Speculative storytelling, prototyping, and worldbuilding are not about predicting the future with pinpoint accuracy. Instead, they are tools for:
In this way, imperfection is a strength. By accepting uncertainty and engaging with futures that may never come to pass exactly as imagined, organizations cultivate a mindset and capability that better prepares them for whatever comes next.
The final section—up next—concludes by reflecting on the power of imagination and how embracing imperfection fuels innovation and strategic foresight.
Conclusion
Imagination is a strategic asset.
In a world marked by rapid technological advances, shifting social dynamics, and unforeseen disruptions, the ability to imagine and engage with possible futures is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Forward-looking organizations and individuals who actively embrace creative foresight position themselves not just to survive, but to thrive amid uncertainty.
Imagination—through storytelling, prototyping, and speculative design—serves as a powerful strategic asset. By crafting narratives that explore varied futures, teams gain richer insights into emerging challenges and opportunities. They develop empathy for potential users and stakeholders, uncover hidden risks, and ignite innovation that might otherwise remain dormant.
Importantly, this process is not about predicting the future with exactness. Instead, it’s about embracing imperfection. The real strength lies in resilience, curiosity, and adaptability. When we accept that the future will not unfold precisely as imagined, we open ourselves to continuous learning and agile responses. We cultivate cultures that embrace experimentation and see change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Imagination is more than creative play; it can help shape a better tomorrow. Individuals, teams, and organizations that actively engage with speculative foresight are inspired to dream boldly, craft innovative strategies resilient to surprise, and navigate complexity with confidence.
The future belongs to those who dare to imagine boldly and adapt swiftly.
More
Continue reading for:
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s prior work in agile and foresight.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Introduction
The future isn’t what it used to be.
If you’ve ever watched The Jetsons, you probably remember the flying cars, the floating cities in the sky, and Rosie the Robot whizzing around the residence doing chores. Originally aired in prime time from 23 September 1962, the animated show imagined life in 2062, painting a vivid and often whimsical picture of what the future might hold. Some of its predictions proved surprisingly accurate. Video calls—then pure fantasy—are now a part of daily life via Zoom, FaceTime, and other telepresence tools. While we don’t have Rosie zipping around on wheels, many homes today employ robotic helpers, such as the iRobot Roomba vacuum and AI-powered voice assistants. Of course, not every prediction has been realized to date: flying cars are effectively a novelty, and floating cities are a distant dream.
What makes The Jetsons so interesting is not its frequent accuracy, but its imagination. Unlike prosaic forecasts limited to trends and data points, it offered a playful yet provocative lens through which people could consider what the future might hold. It wasn’t a blueprint; it was a conversation starter. And that’s where the true value of imagination shines.
In today’s fast-moving world, predictions (even flawed ones) can lead to valuable insights of what the future might hold. The objective is to explore possible futures—to prototype them, stress-test them, and otherwise engage with them before they arrive. Storytelling—especially when combined with structured methods like speculative design, science-fiction prototyping, and future worldbuilding—can be a surprisingly effective tool for doing just that. These creative exercises help uncover blind spots, challenge assumptions, and foster resilience in the face of uncertainty.
This article explores how individuals and organizations can tap into the power of imaginative foresight. Not to predict the future perfectly, but to prepare for it smartly. It also examines methods behind speculative storytelling, real-world examples of its impact, and practical ways these lessons can be applied in professional practice. The future rarely arrives exactly as imagined. Yet engaging with its possibilities creatively can strengthen preparedness for whatever may come.
This article dives into a range of imaginative foresight methods: Fiction as Forecast, Science Fiction Prototyping, Speculative and Critical Design, Worldbuilding in Foresight, Inside-Out Prototyping and Agile Foresight, and Embracing Imperfection. Then the article concludes with reflections on why embracing creativity and uncertainty is key to thriving in an unpredictable world. These approaches, grounded in storytelling and prototyping, offer practical ways to explore possible futures, challenge assumptions, and build resilience for whatever could unfold.
Fiction as Forecast
Fiction as forecast. Or, when imagination precedes innovation.
Imagination entertains. It often foreshadows as well. Some of the most transformative innovations in modern society first appeared not in laboratories but in works of fiction—such as books, television programs, and films.
Consider Star Trek. When it premiered on 6 September 1966, audiences marveled at the sleek, handheld communicators used by Captain Kirk and his crew to talk across vast distances. Decades later, that fictional gadget inspired the development of real-world mobile phones. Martin Cooper, the engineer credited with inventing the first mobile phone at Motorola in 1973, acknowledged Star Trek as an influence. What was once a symbol of futuristic adventure became a common, indispensable tool of everyday life.
Or take Minority Report, Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction (Sci-Fi) thriller, which premiered on 19 June 2002. The film introduced audiences to gesture-controlled interfaces—transparent screens manipulated by hand movements—and predictive policing technology that anticipates crimes before they happen. While some elements remain fictional, gesture-based controls have become increasingly common, from gaming systems like Microsoft’s Kinect to cutting-edge VR environments. Meanwhile, predictive analytics—albeit far more grounded than the movie’s portrayal—are now widely used in law enforcement and cybersecurity, raising both possibilities and ethical questions eerily similar to those posed in the film.
Then there’s Blade Runner, Ridley Scott’s cult classic, which had its theatrical release on 25 June 1982. It’s set in a bleak, neon-lit world where humans and artificial humans (called "replicants") coexist, grappling with questions of identity and morality. Today, the rise of advanced AI systems and humanoid robots echoes many of the film’s themes. While we are far from creating sentient beings indistinguishable from humans, the rapid evolution of machine learning, natural language processing, and AI-generated content brings aspects of Blade Runner’s speculative world closer to reality.
These are just a few examples, but they illustrate a verity: fiction frequently acts as a prototype for reality. The vivid worlds conjured by writers, filmmakers, and other visionaries do more than reflect our cultural dreams and fears. They plant bold ideas, shatter boundaries, and ignite groundbreaking innovations. By pushing beyond what is immediately possible, fiction expands the realm of the thinkable, often laying conceptual groundwork for future breakthroughs.
The sections that follow explore how this dynamic isn’t limited to entertainment. Structured methods like Sci-Fi prototyping, design fiction, and speculative design harness this same principle. They transform imagination into a practical tool for navigating uncertainty and sparking innovation.
Science-Fiction Prototyping
Science-fiction prototyping (SFP) is a structured storytelling approach employed as a foresight tool.
While Sci-Fi has long been a fertile ground for inspiring real-world innovation, SFP takes things a step further. It transforms creative storytelling into a deliberate tool for strategic foresight. Developed by futurist and author Brian David Johnson, SFP formalizes the process of using Sci-Fi narratives to explore how emerging technologies might shape our world. It’s not about writing entertainment; it’s about creating focused, thought-provoking stories that help organizations envision potential futures and make better decisions today.
At the core of SFP is a structured method with clear steps:
Step 1: Build the World
Every good story begins with a world. In SFP, this world is constructed around scientific facts, technological trends, and societal developments. This creates a realistic but forward-looking setting where emerging technologies are already integrated into everyday life.
Step 2: Identify the Inflection Point
Next, define the scientific inflection point. It’s the new technology, discovery, or advancement that changes how people live and work in this future world. This could be anything from artificial general intelligence to medical nanobots.
Step 3: Explore Human Narratives
Crucially, SFP isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about people. The heart of the story focuses on how individuals and society interact with this technology. What new behaviors emerge? What challenges or opportunities arise? This human-centered lens ensures the focus remains on implications, not just inventions.
Step 4: Reflect on Implications
Finally, the story concludes by examining the second- and third-order effects of the technology. What ripple effects does it have on industries, cultures, or institutions? This reflective step helps people think critically about unintended consequences and strategic risks or opportunities.
Quick Variations: Micro-SFP for Fast Prototyping
For situations where time is limited or when rapid idea generation is needed, Johnson also developed Micro-SFP—ultra-short speculative narratives often written in a few sentences suitable for social media posts. Micro-SFP distills the essence of SFP into bite-sized foresight exercises. The Micro-SFP is ideal for workshops, brainstorming sessions, or Agile retrospectives where teams can quickly explore "what if" scenarios without requiring extensive writing.
Business Applications: SFP in Action
Science-Fiction Prototyping has been adopted across industries, from technology firms anticipating product impacts to policymakers exploring societal shifts. For instance, a cybersecurity team might use SFP to write stories about life in a world where quantum computing has rendered current encryption obsolete. A healthcare organization could explore patient journeys in an era of AI-diagnosed personalized medicine. Product teams might craft narratives about future customers interacting with next-generation interfaces, helping them design more empathetic and forward-compatible solutions.
By embracing structured storytelling, people can transform abstract forecasts into relatable, human-centered scenarios. This approach helps surface hidden risks, uncover unexpected opportunities, and enhance long-term strategy.
The next section explores how speculative and critical design adds a layer. It does so by deliberately challenging norms and expectations through provocative scenarios set in the future.
Speculate and Critical Design
Speculative and critical design challenge assumptions through provocation.
While many foresight tools aim to predict or anticipate what is likely, Speculative and Critical Design invites us to step into the unlikely, the uncomfortable, and sometimes the undesirable. It doesn’t assume we want these futures; rather, it pushes us to think critically about what might happen if certain trajectories go unchecked. Popularized by designers Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby, this approach primarily aims to provoke rather than commercialize ideas.
In speculative design, the goal is not to produce practical, market-ready products, but to explore alternative realities. These future scenarios are intentionally provocative, often bordering on dystopian or surreal, to force engagement with difficult questions, such as:
- What happens when AI optimizes everything, but leaves no room for human creativity?
- What could a hyper-personalized healthcare system cost us in terms of privacy and autonomy?
- How might the gig economy evolve if every human job becomes "taskified" by automation?
By designing artifacts, environments, or systems from these speculative futures, practitioners create immersive and often unsettling glimpses of what could happen, compelling people to rethink what should happen.
Deepening Engagement: Ethnographic Experiential Futures
One extension of this thinking is Ethnographic Experiential Futures (EXF), a method that combines speculative design with ethnographic research and immersive storytelling.
Developed by Anab Jain and Stuart Candy, and their colleagues, EXF focuses on making future scenarios experientially vivid by embedding them in real-world contexts and cultures.
Rather than merely describing a future, EXF brings it (more) to life:
- A pop-up exhibit that simulates a bureaucratic process in a future society.
- Mock social media feeds or text message threads from hypothetical future citizens.
- Staged events where spaces are temporarily transformed to reflect future environmental or technological changes.
By incorporating the textures, behaviors, and cultures of future societies, EXF helps stakeholders experience the emotional and social dimensions of possible futures, not just their technological outlines. It makes abstract scenarios feel real, fostering deeper reflection and more empathetic responses.
Speculative and critical design, including EXF, serves a unique role in futures work. For example:
- It challenges business-as-usual thinking, exposing blind spots hidden by current assumptions.
- It expands the range of possibilities leaders consider, especially regarding ethics, unintended consequences, and long-term societal shifts.
- It engages emotions, not just logic, helping individuals and organizations wrestle with the complexity and messiness of real change.
Incorporating these provocative, culturally immersive approaches into foresight work doesn’t increase the accuracy of predictions. However, it produces sharper questions, richer dialogue, and stronger resilience in the face of uncertainty. That’s an advantageous counterbalance to linear planning in a world of ever-increasing complexity.
The next section examines how worldbuilding takes these ideas even further, crafting entire narrative ecosystems to explore interrelated dynamics and consequences.
Worldbuilding in Foresight
Worldbuilding in foresight builds narrative ecosystems.
When it comes to exploring possible futures, sometimes it’s not enough to focus on a single product, technology, or event. To fully understand how future developments might unfold, it’s often necessary to build out the entire world around them. This means examining the respective innovations along with the systems, cultures, behaviors, and consequences that emerge over time. This is where the practice of worldbuilding comes in.
Borrowed from science fiction and fantasy literature, worldbuilding refers to the process of constructing detailed, coherent narrative environments. In foresight, worldbuilding is used to create immersive future scenarios that account for interconnected systems—economic structures, cultural norms, political dynamics, environmental factors, and technological landscapes. Rather than predicting a single outcome, worldbuilding paints a broad, layered picture of how multiple forces interact, allowing participants to explore complex futures more holistically and systematically.
Worldbuilding in Action: Seeing Beyond the First-Order Effects
One of the most valuable aspects of worldbuilding is its ability to reveal second- and third-order effects. Those are the ripple impacts that often go unnoticed in linear forecasts. For example:
- In urban planning foresight workshops, participants have created entire future cities, considering not only autonomous vehicle adoption but also its impacts on public space usage, local businesses, and social equity. This systemic approach helps avoid narrow thinking (e.g., "how will cars change?") and instead invites broader reflection (e.g., "what happens to neighborhood life when commuting is automated?").
- In policy design settings, worldbuilding has been used to explore climate adaptation futures, where communities envision not just technological fixes, but how governance, culture, and interpersonal relationships evolve in response to environmental stresses. This richer narrative context surfaces unexpected trade-offs and hidden opportunities policymakers might otherwise overlook.
- In corporate foresight, companies have crafted fictional future markets, complete with customer personas, evolving competitor landscapes, and shifting regulatory environments. This helps leaders stress-test strategies against multiple plausible backdrops. It prepares them not just for disruption, but for adaptation and reinvention.
Why It Works: Complexity Made Comprehensible
Worldbuilding is particularly powerful because it embraces complexity without becoming overwhelming. Through collaborative storytelling—often involving cross-disciplinary teams—worldbuilding allows diverse stakeholders to:
- Map interdependencies between trends, technologies, and human behavior.
- Spot unintended consequences that wouldn’t emerge from simple forecasts.
- Develop an appreciation for how different groups might experience the same future.
By crafting narrative ecosystems instead of isolated predictions, worldbuilding enables organizations to anticipate dynamic change and build more resilient strategies. It helps shift thinking from "What’s the next big thing?" to "How might we thrive in a complex, evolving landscape?"
The next section examines how similar principles can be applied within teams or projects to strengthen strategic foresight and preparedness.
Inside-Out Prototyping and Agile Foresight
While speculative storytelling often looks outward—exploring external trends and technologies—there is enormous value in looking inward as well. Based on practical leadership experience across industries, an "Inside-Out Prototyping" approach can help people not only react to external signals but also harness internal knowledge, reflection, and creativity to prepare for the future.
This method integrates retrospective practices, agile methodologies, trend analysis, and story-driven foresight. By doing so, it creates a structured yet adaptable way for teams to anticipate change and build resilience.
Learning from the Past to Imagine the Future
In many organizations, retrospectives and postmortems are used to reflect on past projects, identifying successes, mistakes, and areas for improvement. Inside-Out Prototyping extends this reflective practice into future-preparation exercises.
Teams are encouraged to ask:
- If these patterns continue, what might our workflows look like in five years?
- What emerging trends could amplify our strengths or expose our vulnerabilities?
- How could a future retrospective of today’s decisions read? Would it praise our foresight or highlight missed opportunities?
By reframing retrospectives through a future lens, organizations shift from focusing on 'lessons learned' to 'signals observed,' enabling them to spot early indicators of disruption or opportunity.
Combining Agile, Trend Analysis, and Storytelling
This approach draws from agile ways of working, promoting short cycles of reflection and iteration, applied to product development, foresight, and strategy. Trend analysis is incorporated by:
- Regularly surfacing weak signals of change (e.g., emerging technologies, shifting regulations, etc.).
- Discussing second- and third-order effects within team environments.
- Using lightweight storytelling exercises to humanize data, turning abstract trends into relatable future narratives.
Instead of high-level, abstract forecasts, teams develop micro-scenarios directly relevant to their roles:
- "What could customer onboarding feel like in 2030 if biometrics become standard?"
- "If AI writes 90% of our reports, what becomes our unique value-add?"
This keeps foresight grounded, actionable, and team-driven.
Example Format: Future Sprints
One practical way to implement Inside-Out Prototyping is through "Future Sprints"—short, focused workshops inspired by design sprints but aimed at exploring and prototyping future possibilities.
A "Future Sprint" might look like this:
- Signals & Trends: Gather and share emerging signals from inside and outside the organization.
- Retrospective Reversal: Conduct a future retrospective: “Looking back from 2030, what did we do well—and what did we miss?”
- Scenario Sketching: Draft quick speculative stories about customers, products, or operations in possible futures.
- Rapid Prototyping: Create low-fidelity prototypes (mock user journeys, interface sketches, process diagrams) based on these scenarios.
- Strategy Mapping: Identify actions to take now to be better positioned for the imagined futures—investments, experiments, etc.
These workshops are fast, participatory, and action-oriented. They help teams shift from passive forecasting to active preparation.
Why Inside-Out Prototyping Matters
Organizations often look outward for foresight but overlook the rich internal data and experiential knowledge within their teams. Inside-Out Prototyping leverages this internal intelligence, blending it with external signals and creative storytelling to:
- Spot adjacent possibilities and risks earlier.
- Foster a future-ready culture grounded in reflection and curiosity.
- Turn strategy into a living process, regularly refreshed through agile cycles.
In a time of rapid change, this approach equips organizations to not just forecast the future. It enables them to prototype it from the inside out, turning foresight into a continuous, participatory practice.
The next section explores why the real value of these practices comes from building preparedness and adaptability, rather than striving for perfect prediction.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the most important lessons in forecasting the future is that perfect accuracy is neither attainable nor necessary. The future is inherently uncertain and shaped by countless variables beyond anyone’s control. Instead of chasing flawless predictions, the true value of foresight lies in cultivating readiness, resilience, and adaptability.
The Limits of Prediction
No matter how sophisticated the models or how imaginative the stories, forecasts are approximations. Unexpected events—such as technological breakthroughs, geopolitical shifts, cultural transformations, or global crises—can rapidly and radically alter trajectories. Attempts to pinpoint a single, definitive future risk overconfidence and rigidity. This can blind organizations to emerging realities that don’t fit their assumptions.
Embracing Multiple Imagined Futures
Rather than betting on a single outcome, effective foresight embraces a plurality of futures. It explores a spectrum of plausible scenarios, including best cases, worst cases, and everything in between.
Imagining multiple futures helps teams and leaders to:
- Build adaptability: Preparing for several possibilities means strategies can flex and evolve rather than collapse when surprises arrive.
- Reduce blind spots: Diverse scenarios surface risks and opportunities that might be ignored in linear or overly optimistic thinking.
- Foster proactive thinking: Engaging with various futures encourages early experimentation and innovation, rather than reactive scrambling.
By practicing this mindset, organizations shift from asking, "What will happen?" to "What could happen—and how might we respond?" This reframing enables anticipation rather than mere reaction.
Resilience as a Strategic Advantage
Resilience—the ability to absorb shocks, learn quickly, and bounce forward—is the true strategic advantage in an uncertain world. Speculative storytelling, prototyping, and worldbuilding are not about predicting the future with pinpoint accuracy. Instead, they are tools for:
- Building mental agility, allowing individuals and teams to hold multiple possibilities simultaneously.
- Creating a shared language and vision that fosters alignment even when details are uncertain.
- Stimulating innovative thinking that challenges existing paradigms and generates novel solutions.
In this way, imperfection is a strength. By accepting uncertainty and engaging with futures that may never come to pass exactly as imagined, organizations cultivate a mindset and capability that better prepares them for whatever comes next.
The final section—up next—concludes by reflecting on the power of imagination and how embracing imperfection fuels innovation and strategic foresight.
Conclusion
Imagination is a strategic asset.
In a world marked by rapid technological advances, shifting social dynamics, and unforeseen disruptions, the ability to imagine and engage with possible futures is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Forward-looking organizations and individuals who actively embrace creative foresight position themselves not just to survive, but to thrive amid uncertainty.
Imagination—through storytelling, prototyping, and speculative design—serves as a powerful strategic asset. By crafting narratives that explore varied futures, teams gain richer insights into emerging challenges and opportunities. They develop empathy for potential users and stakeholders, uncover hidden risks, and ignite innovation that might otherwise remain dormant.
Importantly, this process is not about predicting the future with exactness. Instead, it’s about embracing imperfection. The real strength lies in resilience, curiosity, and adaptability. When we accept that the future will not unfold precisely as imagined, we open ourselves to continuous learning and agile responses. We cultivate cultures that embrace experimentation and see change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Imagination is more than creative play; it can help shape a better tomorrow. Individuals, teams, and organizations that actively engage with speculative foresight are inspired to dream boldly, craft innovative strategies resilient to surprise, and navigate complexity with confidence.
The future belongs to those who dare to imagine boldly and adapt swiftly.
More
Continue reading for:
- Bibliography,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
Bibliography
The bibliography is informed, in part, by the author’s prior work in agile and foresight.
- Bleecker, J. (2009, May 6). Imaginary Gadgets 0004: Design Fiction. Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/2009/05/imaginary-gadgets-0004-design-fiction.
- Boutin, Paul (2011, April 22). The Struggle to Spread the Minority Report Interface. MIT Technology Review. Available at: https://www.technologyreview.com/2011/04/22/195179/the-struggle-to-spread-the-minority-report-interface/.
- British Film Institute (n.d.). Blade Runner (1982). Available at: https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/ec064a2a-f7a8-536a-afa2-ed076aad151f/blade-runner.
- Callaway, A. (2020, November 10). Felix the Catalyst: An Antipodean Who Animated Modernism. Journal of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, 20 (2): 1–14.
- Candy, S., & Kornet, K. (2017, June 27). Design Fiction: A Field Guide to Ethnographic Experiential Futures. Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/beyond-the-beyond/2017/06/design-fiction-field-guide-ethnographic-experiential-futures.
- Choi, Charles Q. (2011, February 2). Notions of Motion: Hackers Harness Microsoft's Kinect for Business and Pleasure Applications. Scientific American. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microsoft-kinect-hack/.
- Clarke, Arthur C. (1973). Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry Into the Limits of the Possible. Revised edition. New York City, New York: Harper & Row.
- Cooper, M. (2016, October 16). Martin Cooper Invented the Mobile Phone in 1973. Was Inspired by Captain Kirk’s Gold Flip Top Communicator from Star Trek. The Vintage News. Available at: https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/10/16/priority-martin-cooper-invented-mobile-phone-1973-says-inspired-captain-kirks-gold-flip-top-communicator-star-trek/.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2023, February 23). Episode 65: A Sprint to Tomorrow, Powered by Teamwork [Podcast]. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2023-02-23a.
- Dunne, A., & Raby, F. (2024). Speculative Everything: Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming. MIT Press.
- Fast Company (2020, August 24). Sci-Fi Prototyping: How to Predict the Future and Prepare for the Unexpected. Fast Company. Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90783469/sci-fi-prototyping-how-to-predict-the-future-and-prepare-for-the-unexpected.
- Gallagher, G. (2010, December 13). Kinect meets Minority Report. Film Detail. Available at: https://www.filmdetail.com/2010/12/13/microsoft-kinect-meets-minority-report/.
- Glenhaber, M., & Sridharan, H. (2025). Precog Visions: Predicting the Future with the Minority Report Sociotechnical Imaginary. Social Studies of Science, 55 (1), 37-61.
- Google DeepMind (2017, July 26). Agents that Imagine and Plan. Google DeepMind. Available at: https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/agents-that-imagine-and-plan/.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2016). Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2019). Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2020, November 27). Definition of Agile Culture. Available at: https://www.scottgraffius.com/blog/files/agile-culture.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, May 1). AI is a Team Sport: A Confluence of Diverse Technical and Soft Skills are Crucial for Success. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/successful-ai-teams.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20321.79200.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, May 3). Leverage Agile and AI to Innovate at the Speed of Light. Talk at private event in Dubai, UAE. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30790.48960.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 16). Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/agile-for-unicorns---7-keys-to-thrive---scott-m-graffius-workshop.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 2). Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/meta-and-anduril-eagleeye-and-the-future-of-xr-how-gaming-ai-and-agile-are-transforming-defense.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Ivan, F. (2017, July 24). Google’s DeepMind Gave Two AI the Power of Imagination. TechTheLead. Available at: https://techthelead.com/googles-deepmind-gave-two-ai-power-imagination/.
- Jain, A., & Ardern, J. (2018). Ethnographic Experiential Futures (EXF): Research Through Design in the Age of the Future. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stuart-Candy/publication/338129083_Design_and_Futures/links/5e016748a6fdcc28373a78cf/Design-and-Futures.pdf.
- Johnson, B. D. (2011). Science Fiction Prototyping: Designing the Future with Science Fiction. Morgan & Claypool Publishers.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Kolbert, E. (2017, October 23). Building the Future, One Crazy Idea at a Time. The New Yorker. Available at: https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/building-the-future-one-crazy-idea-at-a-time.
- Lichfield, G. (2018, March 27). Can Sci-Fi Writers Prepare Us for an Uncertain Future? Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/sci-fi-writers-prepare-us-for-an-uncertain-future.
- Maloney, D. (2017, November 3). The Jetsons is Actually a Bone-Chilling Dystopia. The Verge. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/3/16598440/jetsons-dystopia-dc-comics-future-apocalypse.
- Marsh, A. (2022, July 29). Will a Baby Born Today Grow Up to Live Like the Jetsons? IEEE Spectrum. Available at: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-jetsons.
- Miller, J. J. (2016, July 8). How Lucille Ball Saved "Star Trek". Entertainment Weekly. Available at: https://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/08/lucille-ball-star-trek/.
- Mohmmed, A. J., & Khaleel, I. R. (2024). Tom Clancy’s Debt of Honor: Uncanny Ability to Predict the Future. Journal of Language Studies, 8 (9): Article 1195. Available at: https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.8.9.19.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- Novak, M. (2013, February 19). Automating Hard or Hardly Automating? George Jetson and the Manual Labor of Tomorrow. Smithsonian Magazine. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/automating-hard-or-hardly-automating-george-jetson-and-the-manual-labor-of-tomorrow-20694353.
- Plummer, L. (2017, July 28). Google’s DeepMind Creates an AI with 'Imagination'. Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/googles-deepmind-creates-an-ai-with-imagination/.
- Saenz, A. (2010, December 10). MIT Uses Xbox Kinect to Create Minority Report Interface. Singularity Hub. Available at: https://singularityhub.com/2010/12/10/mit-uses-xbox-kinect-to-create-cheap-minority-report-interface-video/.
- Sterling, Bruce (2016, April 8). Non-Compliant Futures. Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/beyond-the-beyond/2016/04/non-compliant-futures/.
- Thackara, J. (2005). In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World. MIT Press.
- Thompson, C. (2016, September 12). To Save the Oceans, These Guys are Turning to Sci-Fi. Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/2016/09/save-oceans-guys-turned-science-fiction.
- Zaidi, Leah (2019, June). Worldbuilding in Science Fiction, Foresight, and Design. Journal of Futures Studies, 23 (4). Available at: https://jfsdigital.org/articles-and-essays/vol-23-no-4-june-2019/worldbuilding-in-science-fiction-foresight-and-design.
- Zewe, A. (2024, November 3). Finding a Sweet Spot Between Radical and Relevant. MIT News. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Available at: https://news.mit.edu/2024/finding-sweet-spot-between-radical-and-relevant-skylar-tibbits-1103.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a globally recognized technology leader who drives innovation in AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leadership.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 94 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Check out Scott’s books:
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Follow and connect with Scott on social media:
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 18). Harness Sci-Fi and Speculative Design While Embracing Imperfection to Drive Innovation and Proactively Predict and Prepare for the Future. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/harness-scifi-and-speculative-design-while-embracing-imperfection-to-drive-innovation-and-proactively-predict-and-prepare-for-the-future.html. 
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners. 
Top 5 Hashtags
#SpeculativeDesign
#SciFiInnovation
#StrategicForesight
#FutureThinking
#Innovation 
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Scott M. Graffius’ “Agile Scrum” Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC)
15 July 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
The Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC) referenced Scott M. Graffius’ work in their publication.
ANEC, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945, represents and supports Catholic educational institutions at all levels throughout Brazil. With a presence in over 900 municipalities and serving approximately 1.5 million students, it plays a vital role in advancing educational quality, institutional leadership, and social impact.
ANEC is engaged in:
Their website—anec.org.br—offers insight into their initiatives across sections like:
The special edition (Jun/Jul 2023) of their Revista EDUCANEC publication documents key insights from their 6th National Congress, and it included a reference Graffius’ book, Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. The citation appears in an article on data-informed leadership and performance indicators.
The article paraphrases a concept from Graffius book and attributes it directly:
"Como disse o estudioso Scott M. Graffius, se você não coletar nenhuma métrica, estará voando às cegas. Porém, ao mesmo tempo, se você coletar e se concentrar em muitas, elas podem obstruir o seu campo de visão."
Here’s the full respective excerpt—in English:
"As the scholar Scott M. Graffius said, 'If you don’t collect any metrics, you’re flying blind. If you collect and focus on too many, they may be obstructing your field of view.'"
The following visual shows excerpts from the publication.
About Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions
"Shifting customer needs are common in today's marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive. There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most approaches fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more."
With clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, Scott M. Graffius's award-winning Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions helps readers:
Hailed by Literary Titan as "the book highlights the versatility of Scrum beautifully."
Winner of 17 first place awards.
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world.
More
Continue reading for:
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Thought Leader | Public Speaker | Agile Protocol Book | Agile Scrum Book | Agile Transformation Book | Blog | Photo | X | LinkedIn | Email
The Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC) referenced Scott M. Graffius’ work in their publication.
ANEC, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945, represents and supports Catholic educational institutions at all levels throughout Brazil. With a presence in over 900 municipalities and serving approximately 1.5 million students, it plays a vital role in advancing educational quality, institutional leadership, and social impact.
ANEC is engaged in:
- Representing schools, colleges, and social initiatives.
- Advocating educational policy and interacting with government, cultural, and scientific bodies.
- Promoting research, teacher training, pastoral initiatives, and continuous development.
- Organizing forums, seminars, and strategic events that bring together education leaders and stakeholders.
- Supporting the Pope’s Global Educational Pact to foster peace, solidarity, and inclusive education globally.
Their website—anec.org.br—offers insight into their initiatives across sections like:
- Câmaras: Basic and higher education, etc.
- Eventos: Calendar of conferences and training opportunities.
- Notícias: Educational news, updates, and case studies.
- Projetos: Institutional development and cross-sector partnerships.
- Biblioteca: A repository of policy and pedagogical resources.
The special edition (Jun/Jul 2023) of their Revista EDUCANEC publication documents key insights from their 6th National Congress, and it included a reference Graffius’ book, Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. The citation appears in an article on data-informed leadership and performance indicators.
The article paraphrases a concept from Graffius book and attributes it directly:
"Como disse o estudioso Scott M. Graffius, se você não coletar nenhuma métrica, estará voando às cegas. Porém, ao mesmo tempo, se você coletar e se concentrar em muitas, elas podem obstruir o seu campo de visão."
Here’s the full respective excerpt—in English:
"As the scholar Scott M. Graffius said, 'If you don’t collect any metrics, you’re flying blind. If you collect and focus on too many, they may be obstructing your field of view.'"
The following visual shows excerpts from the publication.
About Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions
"Shifting customer needs are common in today's marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive. There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most approaches fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more."
With clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, Scott M. Graffius's award-winning Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions helps readers:
- Implement and use the most popular agile framework―Scrum;
- Deliver products in short cycles with rapid adaptation to change, fast time-to-market, and continuous improvement; and
- Support innovation and drive competitive advantage.
Hailed by Literary Titan as "the book highlights the versatility of Scrum beautifully."
Winner of 17 first place awards.
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world.
More
Continue reading for:
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 94 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Thought Leader | Public Speaker | Agile Protocol Book | Agile Scrum Book | Agile Transformation Book | Blog | Photo | X | LinkedIn | Email
Sign up for Miro—it's free!
(Want more features? You can always upgrade to a paid plan.)
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, July 15). Scott M. Graffius’ "Agile Scrum" Book Featured in a Publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC). Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/anec-fetures-agile-scrum-book-by-scott-m-graffius.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
Revista EDUCANEC is a publication of the Associação Nacional de Educação Católica do Brasil (ANEC). ANEC name, mark, and content are the property of ANEC.
This article uses limited excerpts from ANEC’s Revista EDUCANEC, attributed to ANEC and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Top 5 Hashtags
#Leadership
#Agile
#Education
#DataDriven
#Metrics
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.