Scrum of Scrums is a popular framework for scaling agile practices in large organizations. It provides a structure for coordinating work between multiple scrum teams and ensures that all teams work towards a common goal. In this article, we will discuss the Scrum of Scrums framework, its benefits, and how to implement it in your organization.
What is Scrum of Scrums
Scrum of Scrums is an agile scaling framework that is designed to coordinate the work of multiple scrum teams. It was first introduced by Jeff Sutherland, the co-creator of Scrum, in his book “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time.” The Scrum of Scrums framework provides a structure for scaling agile practices and ensures that all teams work together towards a common goal.
Benefits of Scrum of Scrums
Scrum of Scrums has several benefits, including:
- Improved coordination between teams: Scrum of Scrums allows teams to coordinate their work effectively, ensuring that all teams are aligned towards a common goal.
- Faster decision making: By bringing together representatives from each team, Scrum of Scrums allows for faster decision-making and problem-solving.
- Improved transparency: Scrum of Scrums promotes transparency across teams, allowing everyone to see what others are working on and how it fits into the larger picture.
- Reduced risk: Scrum of Scrums reduces the risk of miscommunication and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Implementing Scrum of Scrums
To implement Scrum of Scrums in your organization, follow these steps:
- Define the problem: Identify the areas where multiple teams are working on related tasks that require coordination.
- Form the Scrum of Scrums team: Select representatives from each team to form the Scrum of Scrums team. These representatives will act as a communication bridge between their team and the Scrum of Scrums team.
- Set up the meeting schedule: Schedule regular meetings for the Scrum of Scrums team to discuss progress and identify any issues that need to be resolved.
- Conduct the meetings: During the meetings, each representative will give an update on their team’s progress and identify any dependencies or roadblocks that need to be addressed.
- Resolve issues: The Scrum of Scrums team will work together to resolve any issues or roadblocks that are identified during the meetings.
- Continuously improve: Continuously evaluate and improve the Scrum of Scrums process to ensure that it is effective and meeting the needs of the organization.
Best Practices for Scrum of Scrums
To ensure the success of Scrum of Scrums, follow these best practices:
- Keep the meetings short and focused: The meetings should be no longer than 15-30 minutes and should focus on progress updates and issue resolution.
- Identify clear goals and objectives: The Scrum of Scrums team should have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives they are working towards.
- Empower the representatives: The representatives should be empowered to make decisions and take action on behalf of their team.
- Foster a culture of collaboration: Encourage collaboration between teams and promote transparency across the organization.
Conclusion
Scrum of Scrums is a powerful framework for scaling agile practices in large organizations. By coordinating the work of multiple scrum teams, Scrum of Scrums ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal and promotes transparency and collaboration across the organization. By following best practices and continuously improving the process, you can ensure the success of Scrum of Scrums in your organization.