Concepts
In the realm of agile project management, particularly the Scrum methodology, understanding the difference between a team and a working group is crucial. This differentiation has a direct impact on how tasks are carried out, collaboration is managed, and how the overall results are produced while working towards shared goals. When we delve into the realm of an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM), that understanding becomes pivotal, as they are responsible for fostering a great collaborative environment and managing blockers to ensure smooth workflow.
Section 1: What is a Team?
Firstly, let’s define what a team is in the context of Scrum. A team is a collaborative unit that shares a common goal or purpose. As per the Scrum Guide, a Scrum team is “a self-organizing team that consists of a Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers.” This means that the team has all the competencies needed to complete the work without relying on outside help or instructions.
For example, implementing a new software feature in a tech startup could be the job of a Scrum team. The team would have designers, developers, and testers working in conjunction to reach the shared goal. Decisions about implementing the feature would be made collectively within the team.
Section 2: What is a Working Group?
On the other hand, a working group is made up of various individuals who function independently towards a shared objective while maintaining the primary allegiance to their functional area. Unlike a team, the performance of a working group is that of aggregated individual performances rather than collective collaboration.
For instance, consider a multinational organization initiating an effort to improve organizational culture. They might assemble a working group consisting of representatives from different departments (e.g., HR, Operations, IT). Each member presents the perspective of their individual department, making decisions independently and often reporting back to their immediate supervisors.
Section 3: Comparing Team and Working Group
Based on the above definitions, let’s compare the two entities:
| Team | Working Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Interdependent and collective | Independent and individual |
| Accountability | Collectively accountable | Individually accountable |
| Purpose | Shared team purpose | Common group objective |
| Leadership | Shared leadership roles | Clear and appointed leader |
| Decision Making | Consensual and collaborative | Individual and autonomous |
Section 4: The Significance for an A-CSM
Finally, to circle back to the relevance of this differentiation for an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, an A-CSM is expected to be the facilitator who assists the self-organizing team to perform at its best. Recognizing whether you are handling a ‘team’ or a ‘working group’ will help you understand the dynamics, potential challenges, and strategic interventions that might be necessary to optimize efficiency and represent the interests of the team according to the principles of Scrum.
In conclusion, the distinction between a team and a working group isn’t arbitrary; understanding the two structures is key to the role of an A-CSM. Whether you are part of a team or a working group, recognizing these differences can influence how you interact, problem-solve, and ultimately succeed in achieving your shared objectives.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: In a team, the members often have complementary skills and generate synergy through a coordinated effort, which allows each member to maximize their strengths.
Which of the following best describes the function of a working group?
- a) A group with a common purpose, where the members work together to achieve a shared goal.
- b) A group of individuals with specific roles and responsibilities.
- c) A group where members work independently and are accountable for their own performance.
- d) A group where members are focused on individual growth and development.
True or False: In a team, the success of the group is dependent on the collective results rather than individual performances.
What sets a team apart from a working group in a Scrum context?
- a) The members’ specialization in their respective roles.
- b) The members’ ability to interchange roles.
- c) The members working together on a set purpose.
- d) The members’ focus on individual responsibilities.
Select all that are true for a working group:
- a) Often individual accountability is more than the team.
- b) Each member is responsible for a specific role or task.
- c) The group’s success is dependent on the collective results.
- d) The members have complementary skills that maximize individual strengths.
True or False: In a team, members often have shared leadership roles, organized goal-oriented roles, and are often accountable more as a team rather than as individuals.
Choosing the right function whether it’s a team or a working group depends on:
- a) Time constraints.
- b) The complexity of the task.
- c) The skill set of the members.
- d) All of the above.
True or False: Collaborative work and collective decision-making are central to the functioning of a team but not a working group.
A Scrum Master needs to understand the differences between a team and a working group in order to:
- a) Dictate the distribution of tasks in the group.
- b) Optimize the group’s productivity and effectiveness.
- c) Focus more on the team’s individual performances.
- d) Control the output of the group.
True or False: Both teams and working groups are essentially the same when it comes to their goals and how they function.
Which of the following are more self-directed: Teams or Working Groups?
In context of a working group, personal goals are:
- a) Subordinate to team goals.
- b) Integral to team success.
- c) More important than team goals.
- d) Irrelevant to team performance.
Great blog post! Can someone explain the key differences between a team and a working group?
Sure, a team has a shared goal and works interdependently, while a working group consists of individuals working independently on different tasks.
It’s essential to understand this distinction, especially for the A-CSM exam.
Does anyone have an example of a working group in a Scrum setting?
A team is more adaptive and can handle complex problems due to their collective skill sets.
In a Scrum team, everyone is accountable for the team’s success, unlike in a working group where accountability may be individual.
Interesting discussion. I find it challenging to transition from a working group mentality to a team mindset.
Can someone share some scenarios where a working group failed, but a team succeeded?