Concepts
Implementing Scrum methodology is not a mere substitution of traditional project management structure, but it requires a shift in team culture and collaboration style. In this article, we shall explore five key responsibilities for Scrum team members and stakeholders while setting up a new Scrum team.
I. Building a Cross-Functional Team:
Every Scrum team member is accountable for creating a cross-functional team that encourages diversity of thought and encourages technological symbiosis. A cross-functional team includes professionals from various domains and specializations – developers, testers, business analysts, designers, etc., which brings a mixed bag of skill sets, knowledge, and perspectives. Further, a new Scrum team becomes highly self-sufficient, enabling them to tackle complex tasks within the team without relying on outside resources.
II. Create and Implement a Definition of Done:
As indicated in Scrum Guide 2020, a “Done” increment means it is of usable condition and fulfills the definition of done set by the Scrum Team. The creation of the “Definition of Done” (DoD) is a joint responsibility of the whole team that works as a critical measuring tool to determine the completeness of a user story or any other project activity. An example would be specifying that a coding task isn’t done until it’s been code reviewed, passed unit testing, and documented.
III. Establish Team Norms and Collaboration Patterns:
Scrum team members should collaboratively create and agree upon team norms, behavioural expectations, and collaboration patterns. This could involve agreeing on the frequency and timing of daily Scrum meetings, setting up ground rules for how disagreements or conflicts will be managed, and establishing patterns for collaboration such as pair programming or mob programming.
IV. Stakeholder Engagement and Agreement:
Before the implementation begins, it’s crucial to inform and educate key stakeholders about Scrum principles, ideals, and workflows. Anticipating and managing their expectations is critical as uninformed stakeholders, who may cling to traditional project management methodologies, can become roadblocks. The Product Owner, who is part of the Scrum team, has a crucial role in stakeholder engagement and management.
V. Embrace Continuous Improvement:
In the Scrum framework, reflections and learning form an integral part of the regular sprint cycle. Every Scrum Team member and stakeholder share responsibility in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This culture can be encouraged by conducting regular retrospective meetings where team members reflect on the past sprint, what went well, what didn’t, and how to improve in the next sprint.
This list provides a basic starting point for the multiple responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of Scrum Team members and stakeholders when forming a new Scrum Team. Remember, the real success lies in understanding and embracing the underlying philosophy of Scrum – a dedication to iterative progress, self-management, and delivering the highest value. As each new Scrum Team embarks on its journey, they will organically evolve their internal processes and norms based on these fundamental tenets.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: In a Scrum Team, the responsibilities of the members include attending daily Scrum meetings.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the core responsibilities of all Scrum Team members is to attend daily Scrum meetings, where they communicate about their progress and any issues they may be facing.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are responsibilities of Scrum Team members?
- A. Delivering high-quality product increments
- B. Setting the project budget
- C. Assessing and mitigating risks
- D. Collaborating with stakeholders to understand requirements
Answer: A, C, D
Explanation: Scrum team members are responsible for delivering high-quality product increments, assessing and mitigating risks and collaborating with stakeholders to understand their requirements. Setting the project budget is typically not their responsibility.
True or False: Scrum Team members are obliged to manage their own work and progress.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In Scrum, team members take ownership of their tasks and manage their own work and progress. This fosters a sense of accountability and self-management.
Single Select: Who manages the Product Backlog in a Scrum Team?
- A. Scrum Team members
- B. Scrum Master
- C. Product Owner
- D. Stakeholders
Answer: C. Product Owner
Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog, ensuring that it accurately reflects stakeholders’ requirements and priorities.
True or False: Stakeholders are responsible for deciding what tasks team members should work on each day.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In Scrum, team members self-manage their work. While stakeholders provide feedback and input into requirements, they do not dictate daily tasks.
Multiple Select: What responsibilities do stakeholders have when forming a new Scrum Team?
- A. Providing initial requirements for the product
- B. Appointing the Scrum Master
- C. Ensuring team members are trained in Scrum
- D. Engaging positively with the team
Answer: A, D
Explanation: Stakeholders often provide the initial product requirements and have a responsibility to engage positively with the team. However, selection of the Scrum Master and training in Scrum are not typically their responsibilities.
True or False: The Scrum Master serves the team by removing obstacles that hinder their progress.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the key roles of a Scrum Master is to help remove obstacles that can hinder the team’s progress, enhancing their ability to deliver successful product increments.
Single Select: Who is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum Team adheres to Scrum theory, practices, and rules?
- A. Product Owner
- B. Scrum Team members
- C. Scrum Master
- D. Stakeholders
Answer: C. Scrum Master
Explanation: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring the adherence to Scrum theory, practices and rules, and for facilitating Scrum events as required.
Multiple Select: What are the responsibilities of a Product Owner?
- A. Managing the Product Backlog
- B. Attending daily Scrum meetings
- C. Training team members in Scrum
- D. Serving as the team’s interface with the stakeholders
Answer: A, B, D
Explanation: The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog, engages with the team through Scrum meetings and events, and interfaces with stakeholders, but does not necessarily deliver Scrum training.
True or False: The Scrum Team members are responsible for building the product according to what the Product Owner mentioned in the Product Backlog.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Scrum Team is responsible for delivering the product as detailed by the Product Owner in the Product Backlog, meeting agreed-upon quality standards.
One important responsibility for Scrum Team members when forming a new team is to ensure clear communication channels are established from the start. This includes choosing the right tools for collaboration.
Great blog post! Really insightful.
Scrum Team members should also define and understand roles and responsibilities among themselves. This helps in making sure that everyone knows what they should be focusing on.
Thanks for the information, very helpful!
Stakeholders need to be involved in the initial planning phase to set realistic expectations and goals. Their input is crucial for the Product Owner to create a relevant Product Backlog.
Appreciate the detailed post. Thanks!
Another crucial responsibility is for the Scrum Master to facilitate initial team-building activities. Creating a sense of community will help in quicker adaptation to the Scrum framework.
Product Owner has the responsibility to clearly articulate the product vision and objectives to the Scrum Team.