How to make Sprint Retrospective effective?
Sprint Retrospective is the last event in a Sprint that helps Scrum team to inspect people, processes, tools, techniques, practices and Definition of Done and identify actionable improvements to become better. Making a Sprint Retrospective effective involves fostering an open and constructive environment where the Scrum Team can reflect on their recent Sprint and identify […]
Is the role of a Scrum Master just a renamed version of a Project Manager?
No, the Scrum Master is not simply a renamed version of a Project Manager. The roles differ fundamentally in purpose, responsibilities, and approach. Key Differences: Focus: Scrum Master: Focuses on facilitating the Scrum framework, enabling the Scrum Team to work effectively, and ensuring adherence to Scrum principles. They are a servant-leader, coach, and facilitator. Project […]
How a Project Manager can support a Scrum Team?
Scrum framework team has 3 accountabilities: Product Owner, Scrum Master and Developers. In Scrum, there is no formal role of “Project Manager,” but a Project Manager can still play a supportive role for a Scrum team in the following ways: 1. Transition Support: If the organization is transitioning from traditional project management to Scrum, a […]
A day in Scrum Master Life
Scrum Master is one of the accountabilities of Scrum Team. Scrum Master’s primary focus areas include: facilitation, coaching, mentoring, help in impediments removal, helps team to be self-managing and cross-functional, enables transparency and collaboration, teaching Scrum and so on. Primarily Scrum Master “improves the ability to improve” for the Developers, Product Owner and the Organization. […]
Are dual roles in Scrum recommended?
Dual roles in Scrum are generally not recommended because Scrum emphasizes clear role definitions and accountabilities to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration. The primary roles in Scrum are the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers (a group of cross functional people), each with distinct responsibilities that contribute to the success of the Scrum team. […]
Coaching, Mentoring, Facilitation, and Training – Differences
Coaching, mentoring, facilitation, and training are distinct approaches of guiding and developing individuals or teams, each with its specific focus and approach. Scrum Masters and Agile coaches should be familiar with these approaches and also should have clear understanding of the differences so that they can use the right approach that is suitable for the […]
How performance appraisals will be done in Scrum?
In Scrum, performance appraisal is generally handled differently than in traditional environments. Since Scrum is team-oriented and emphasizes collaboration, individual performance appraisals are often aligned with team objectives and contributions rather than individual metrics alone. Here’s how performance appraisal can be approached in Scrum: 1. Focus on Team Performance Collective Goals: Scrum emphasizes the success […]
How to handle people with “Will” issues in a Scrum Team?
Handling people with issues related to “will” can be challenging, as it often involves navigating complex emotional and psychological landscapes. Especially being a Scrum Master, without authority you have to motivate people and help them to change their behaviors. Here are some general steps and tips to address this effectively: 1. Understand the Underlying Causes […]
What defines a self-organizing and Cross-functional team in Agile and Scrum?
In Agile and Scrum, self-organizing and cross-functional teams are fundamental concepts that significantly contribute to the effectiveness and success of projects and products. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each: Self-Organizing Teams Definition: Self-organizing teams are empowered to make their own decisions about how to accomplish their work, without needing direct oversight from management. They take […]
How to influence without command and control?
Influencing people using power and authority is common and easy. It may work well in a hierarchy based team structure, but the results will be short term and temporary. However, in a team based work culture such as Scrum, there is no hierarchy within the team. So everyone is equal in a team and no […]