The confused ScrumMaster then retreats into the background, not providing much value at all, other than recording blockers and updating burndowns.
Can a ScrumMaster play an active role while being a servant leader?
Active Role for ScrumMaster in Standup
I think a ScrumMaster can provide context to start the standup in a way that helps the team self manage.
Prior to the standup the ScrumMaster should collect relevant data about scheduling, progress (burndowns), work in process (e.g. how much), release progress, etc. Then, using 60 seconds or less, they can kickoff the standup, providing the context that helps the team understand how their efforts fit into the big picture, allowing them to make more effective decisions.
Example of ScrumMaster Providing Context
Here is example of one ScrumMaster providing context…
We have one more sprint prior to our release on October 28th and only five days left in this sprint.
Looking at our list of blockers, there are no open impediments, but looking at our stacked bar burndown and calendar, it appears that we have some trade-offs to make.
We have lots of work in progress, and, as we have noted (since Sprint Planning) both Bob and Carly are on vacation next week. Bob is out all week, and Carly is out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
We have lots of work in progress, and, as we have noted (since Sprint Planning) both Bob and Carly are on vacation next week. Bob is out all week, and Carly is out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
I spoke to our PO Sue, who is offsite today, and she is fine with deferring either Story D or F, leaving it up to you, the team to decide. Story D has two tasks for which Bob volunteered, so that may help us make a decision (note that the ScrumMaster is pointing out an important fact, not explicitly telling the team what to do).
As always, thank you for letting me kick off our standup, and remember to focus on tasks on the board when answering the three questions.
In Closing
As a servant leader, a ScrumMaster should provide an environment for the team to succeed. One practical way to do this is to provide context that starts the standup.
Can you see a ScrumMaster providing value like this using 30 to 90 seconds of the teams time at the start of each standup?
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3 comments:
Excellent post!
Roland
There's definitely value in having that information visible in the environment though I wouldn't say that it has to be the "ScrumMaster" who does it. Anyone with a the title of "team leader" or "manager" would be fine too.
I'd also consider rotating the role of who might point out some of these things at the start rather than always have one person do it but that depends on the team.
Jason,
I see your point about having other members of the team lead-off the standup in this manner. Whoever does it, will be helpful, and it addresses one goal of this post, how to execute a better standup.
The other aspects is what it means to be a ScrumMaster. Many ScrumMasters are confused by their role is as a servant leader, and how leadership is different than management. On a practical level, this post provides an example of how a ScrumMaster can provide context so that the team can make informed decisions.
This is in contrast to traditional managers, who inform the team of the decision they, as manager, have made.
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