Creative Problem-Solving
Exploring Team Dynamics, Adaptability, and Creative Problem-Solving Through Felix the Cat’s Metaphorical Toolkit
01 July 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
Felix the Cat, a classic animated character from the early days of cartoons, wields a magical Bag of Tricks that defies physics, logic, and reason. This checkered sack morphs into ladders, conjures lions, pulls out entire living rooms, and more—on demand. It’s a cartoonish masterclass in adaptability and creative problem-solving.
Whether you lead, participate in, or otherwise collaborate with teams, this article explains how the Bag of Tricks mirrors the ingenuity of great teams (Agile or otherwise). It also shows how embracing that same spirit of adaptability and creativity can fuel real-world success.
This concise article explores two modes (transformation and summoning), highlights adaptability, and then wraps up with points on success.
Transformation Mode
In transformation mode, process adapts to needs.
Just as Felix’s bag transforms into a boat to navigate choppy waters, high-performing teams reshape their approach to meet challenges. They adapt.
That might mean shifting priorities, streamlining workflows, adjusting roles, adding sync points, or rethinking how work gets done. Whether the context is Agile (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, etc.), Waterfall, or something else—adaptation is universal.
In this mode, the process itself transforms—becoming the ladder, the raft, or whatever tool the team needs to move forward and succeed.
Summoning Mode
In summoning mode, the team brings in who or what it needs.
Sometimes, adaptability means pulling in new resources or capabilities. Like Felix opening the bag to unleash a lion, great teams summon what’s needed to tackle impediments and move ahead.
That might mean engaging external subject-matter experts, tapping partnerships, or bringing in additional tools (like Miro or Trello). It’s about having the ability to summon the right support at the right time.
This mode works across all types of teams and projects—Agile, Waterfall, hybrid, or otherwise.
Why Adaptability Matters
The real magic is adaptability.
Only Felix has a magical bag with infinite resources. But the best teams build their own version of a Bag of Tricks—filled with knowledge, skills, networks, and flexible thinking.
This is for teams using Agile (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, etc.) or anything else. It’s universal.
Teams that thrive create a plan, but they adapt—morphing processes, summoning resources, and solving problems as situations evolve. Whether it involves AI, automation, or anything else, the principle holds: adapt as needed.
Part of building that Bag of Tricks is knowing where a team stands in its journey. Tools can help. For example, Scott M. Graffius’ "Phases of Team Development" guides leaders in identifying what the team needs (development-wise) at any given point—and exactly which strategies to apply to help it grow, thrive, and succeed.
Conclusion
The genius of Felix’s Bag of Tricks is how he applies it to solve problems and save the day.
Great teams work the same way—engaging the right people, tools, and practices as needed. Build your own Bag of Tricks, and you’ll be better equipped to seize opportunities and conquer challenges.
In a world where problems shift daily and solutions rarely come pre-packaged, success often hinges on a dynamic Bag of Tricks. What’s in your bag?
See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more insights.
Read on for:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1. Why use a cartoon metaphor like Felix the Cat's Bag of Tricks for teamwork?
Metaphors simplify complex concepts. Felix’s Bag of Tricks represents adaptability, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving. Those qualities are essential for successful teams.
FAQ 2. Is adaptability really that important in teamwork?
Yes. Research consistently shows that adaptable teams outperform rigid ones, especially in dynamic environments. Flexibility enables teams to pivot, overcome obstacles, and innovate more effectively.
FAQ 3. How can leaders foster adaptability and creativity in their teams?
By cultivating psychological safety, encouraging experimentation, embracing diverse perspectives, and rewarding creative problem-solving.
FAQ 4. What goes into a team’s real-world Bag of Tricks?
Toolkits might include ways of working (such as Scrum or Kanban), digital tools (like Miro or Trello), or soft skills (examples include communication, emotional intelligence, collaboration, leadership, or time management).
FAQ 5. Where can I learn more about high performance teams?
See Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development.
FAQ 6. Why don’t the visuals show the Bag of Tricks used by Felix the Cat? And why is the bag red?
To respect the Felix the Cat intellectual property, the visuals in the article feature a unique bag—with a custom design, distinctive pattern, and different color—rather than Felix’s bag. The choice of red is a subtle nod to classic red metal toolboxes that house physical tools, reinforcing the article’s central metaphor: a practical, go-to toolkit for teams.
FAQ 7. What are some other ways to explore adaptability and teamwork?
While this article uses a cartoon metaphor to explore teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, Graffius also explores these themes in Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. It’s a fast-paced satirical fiction that doubles as a stealth guide to agility, leadership, experimentation, and resilience in action. If you enjoy lessons delivered through humor and engaging story, be sure to check out the book.
Bibliography
Select bibliography:
Additional Articles
You may also be interested in these relatively recent articles:
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
Introduction
Felix the Cat, a classic animated character from the early days of cartoons, wields a magical Bag of Tricks that defies physics, logic, and reason. This checkered sack morphs into ladders, conjures lions, pulls out entire living rooms, and more—on demand. It’s a cartoonish masterclass in adaptability and creative problem-solving.
Whether you lead, participate in, or otherwise collaborate with teams, this article explains how the Bag of Tricks mirrors the ingenuity of great teams (Agile or otherwise). It also shows how embracing that same spirit of adaptability and creativity can fuel real-world success.
This concise article explores two modes (transformation and summoning), highlights adaptability, and then wraps up with points on success.
Transformation Mode
In transformation mode, process adapts to needs.
Just as Felix’s bag transforms into a boat to navigate choppy waters, high-performing teams reshape their approach to meet challenges. They adapt.
That might mean shifting priorities, streamlining workflows, adjusting roles, adding sync points, or rethinking how work gets done. Whether the context is Agile (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, etc.), Waterfall, or something else—adaptation is universal.
In this mode, the process itself transforms—becoming the ladder, the raft, or whatever tool the team needs to move forward and succeed.
Summoning Mode
In summoning mode, the team brings in who or what it needs.
Sometimes, adaptability means pulling in new resources or capabilities. Like Felix opening the bag to unleash a lion, great teams summon what’s needed to tackle impediments and move ahead.
That might mean engaging external subject-matter experts, tapping partnerships, or bringing in additional tools (like Miro or Trello). It’s about having the ability to summon the right support at the right time.
This mode works across all types of teams and projects—Agile, Waterfall, hybrid, or otherwise.
Why Adaptability Matters
The real magic is adaptability.
Only Felix has a magical bag with infinite resources. But the best teams build their own version of a Bag of Tricks—filled with knowledge, skills, networks, and flexible thinking.
This is for teams using Agile (e.g., Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, etc.) or anything else. It’s universal.
Teams that thrive create a plan, but they adapt—morphing processes, summoning resources, and solving problems as situations evolve. Whether it involves AI, automation, or anything else, the principle holds: adapt as needed.
Part of building that Bag of Tricks is knowing where a team stands in its journey. Tools can help. For example, Scott M. Graffius’ "Phases of Team Development" guides leaders in identifying what the team needs (development-wise) at any given point—and exactly which strategies to apply to help it grow, thrive, and succeed.
Conclusion
The genius of Felix’s Bag of Tricks is how he applies it to solve problems and save the day.
Great teams work the same way—engaging the right people, tools, and practices as needed. Build your own Bag of Tricks, and you’ll be better equipped to seize opportunities and conquer challenges.
In a world where problems shift daily and solutions rarely come pre-packaged, success often hinges on a dynamic Bag of Tricks. What’s in your bag?
See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more insights.
Read on for:
- Frequently Asked Questions,
- Bibliography,
- Additional Articles,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1. Why use a cartoon metaphor like Felix the Cat's Bag of Tricks for teamwork?
Metaphors simplify complex concepts. Felix’s Bag of Tricks represents adaptability, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving. Those qualities are essential for successful teams.
FAQ 2. Is adaptability really that important in teamwork?
Yes. Research consistently shows that adaptable teams outperform rigid ones, especially in dynamic environments. Flexibility enables teams to pivot, overcome obstacles, and innovate more effectively.
FAQ 3. How can leaders foster adaptability and creativity in their teams?
By cultivating psychological safety, encouraging experimentation, embracing diverse perspectives, and rewarding creative problem-solving.
FAQ 4. What goes into a team’s real-world Bag of Tricks?
Toolkits might include ways of working (such as Scrum or Kanban), digital tools (like Miro or Trello), or soft skills (examples include communication, emotional intelligence, collaboration, leadership, or time management).
FAQ 5. Where can I learn more about high performance teams?
See Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development.
FAQ 6. Why don’t the visuals show the Bag of Tricks used by Felix the Cat? And why is the bag red?
To respect the Felix the Cat intellectual property, the visuals in the article feature a unique bag—with a custom design, distinctive pattern, and different color—rather than Felix’s bag. The choice of red is a subtle nod to classic red metal toolboxes that house physical tools, reinforcing the article’s central metaphor: a practical, go-to toolkit for teams.
FAQ 7. What are some other ways to explore adaptability and teamwork?
While this article uses a cartoon metaphor to explore teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, Graffius also explores these themes in Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. It’s a fast-paced satirical fiction that doubles as a stealth guide to agility, leadership, experimentation, and resilience in action. If you enjoy lessons delivered through humor and engaging story, be sure to check out the book.
Bibliography
Select bibliography:
- Alexa, L. (2021, August 25). “Felix the Cat” Returning in New Kids’ Comic Book Series. Animation World Network (AWN). Available at: https://www.awn.com/news/felix-cat-returning-new-kids-comic-book-series.
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (2012, February 8). ABC TV Rewind. Archived at: https://web.archive.org/web/20120208080454/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/rewind/txt/s1229985.htm.
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation (2022, September 22). How Do Technical Abilities Combined with Leadership Skills Fuel Career Growth? Available at: https://www.berlinsbi.com/blog/career-advice/how-do-technical-abilities-combined-with-leadership-skills-fuel-career-growth.
- Booklife by Publishers Weekly (n.d.). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Available at: https://booklife.com/project/agile-protocol-the-transformation-ultimatum-100435.
- 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.
- Canemaker, John (1991). Felix: The Twisted Tale of the World's Most Famous Cat. Pantheon.
- 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.
- Classic Media (2012). Felix the Cat: The Complete 1958–1959 Series [DVD]. Classic Media.
- Dweck, Carol S. (2007). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books.
- Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44 (2): 350–383. DOI: 10.2307/2666999.
- Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions (@Exceptional_LLC) (2019, April 3). "'Project management isn’t magic. But high-caliber project management professionals can apply the tradecraft to organizations’ strategic initiatives and consistently complete them on-scope, on-budget, on-time, and on-satisfaction. Which is sort of magical.'" — Scott M. Graffius" [Tweet]. X. Available at: https://x.com/Exceptional_LLC/status/1113290399647379456.
- 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. (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, 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, 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). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- 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.
- Prilosadoso, B. H., Kurniawan, R. A., Pandanwangi, B., & Yunianto, I. K. (2021). The Appeal of Cartoon Characters in Instructional Media Through Animation in Early Childhood Education in Surakarta. International Journal of Social Sciences, 4 (1): 35-38. DOI: 10.31295/ijss.v4n1.430.
- Robinson, T. (2019, October 28). Universal Celebrates 100 years of “Felix the Cat” with All‑New Merchandising. Animation Scoop. Archived at: https://web.archive.org/web/20191031222230/http://www.animationscoop.com/universal-celebrates-100-years-of-felix-the-cat-with-all-new-merchandising/.
- Tallman, Stephen, and Shenkar, Oded, & Wu, Jay Valerian. (2023). Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: Use and Abuse of Culture in International Strategy Research. Strategic Management Review, 4 (2): 193-229.
- 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.
- TVTropes (n.d.). The MagicBag. TV Tropes. Available at: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/JoeOrioloFelixTheCat1x01TheMagicBag.
Additional Articles
You may also be interested in these relatively recent articles:
- Agile for Unicorns: 7 Keys to Thrive; Scott M. Graffius’ Workshop
- Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
- 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
- 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
- Scott M. Graffius' Role in Advancing Project Management Institute (PMI) Standards Excellence
- When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge
- Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update
- 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
- EU Europass Teacher Academy Features Scott M. Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ in Leadership Training
- Tufts University Features Scott M. Graffius 'Phases of Team Development' Intellectual Property
- Bayer Employs 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
- 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
- AI is a Team Sport
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.
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How to Cite This Article
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. 
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Content Acknowledgements
Names, marks, and content are the property of their respective owners.
Intellectual property rights in ‘Felix the Cat' are held by DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal.
Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
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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.