Agile Journal Blogs
Scrum Events Challenges
By Ishy Bansal
The Importance of Scrum Events: Synchronising for Success
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with countless teams, each with their unique dynamics, challenges, and successes. One lesson that stands out is the critical role Scrum events play in enabling teams to align, synchronise, and deliver value. When these events are overlooked or deprioritised, the consequences—disjointed efforts, unclear goals, and diminished cohesion—are inevitable. Allow me to share some insights from my experiences.
Timeboxing: The Key to Alignment
I’ve seen teams flourish when they commit to the discipline of timeboxed Scrum events. These events provide the essential rhythm for synchronisation and alignment. One team I worked with initially resisted the rigor of regular Scrum meetings, feeling they were interruptions. The result? Misaligned goals, duplicated efforts, and missed opportunities to identify dependencies. When we revisited the purpose of these events and agreed to timeboxes collectively, the transformation was palpable. Alignment improved, and so did outcomes.
The Scrum Master’s Role
In my experience, the Scrum Master’s role as a servant leader is pivotal. I recall a particularly challenging team that struggled with adherence to timeboxes. As their Scrum Master, I focused on creating a safe and engaging environment for collaboration. Over time, the team embraced the discipline, understanding that these events weren’t about micromanagement but about fostering shared ownership and clarity.
The Value of Working Agreements
One of the most effective strategies I’ve implemented is the creation of Working Agreements documents. I remember a team where late arrivals to stand-ups and skipped retrospectives were becoming common. We co-created a set of working agreements, and the process itself was enlightening. Team members realised the impact of their actions on each other. The document became a living artefact, revisited and revised as the team matured. It helped us not only address anti-patterns but also foster a stronger sense of accountability.
Building a Common Rhythm
Every successful team I’ve worked with had one thing in common: a shared rhythm. Regular Scrum events provide that common heartbeat. I recall a globally distributed team that struggled with coordination across time zones. By committing to a consistent cadence of events, we built a rhythm that allowed everyone to stay aligned and informed. This rhythm eliminated the need for constant ad-hoc communication and gave the team the autonomy to own their outcomes.
Navigating Team Development Stages
Working with newly formed teams, I’ve seen how they naturally progress through the stages of forming, storming, norming, and performing. One team I supported was stuck in the storming phase, with frequent conflicts and miscommunications. Through consistent Scrum events and servant leadership, we slowly moved into norming and eventually performing. This journey reinforced my belief in the power of these events to guide teams through their growing pains.
The Role of a Team Charter
Another tool that has proven invaluable is the Team Charter. I recall working with a team that lacked a clear sense of purpose. By collaboratively creating a charter, we defined their mission, core values, and the skills they needed to be cross-functional. This artefact became a touchstone for the team, fostering alignment and purpose even during challenging times.
Learning Through Iteration
Teams I’ve worked with rarely get it right the first time, and that’s okay. Agile is about iteration. One team, in particular, struggled initially with Scrum events, often veering off-topic or failing to prepare. Through retrospectives, we identified these issues and adjusted our approach. Over time, the team found their rhythm and significantly improved their ability to deliver value.
Conclusion: Why Scrum Events Matter
Scrum events are more than just meetings; they are opportunities for teams to align, synchronise, and commit to shared goals. From creating working agreements to leveraging team charters, these practices have been instrumental in fostering cohesion and accountability in the teams I’ve supported. By respecting the purpose of these events and embracing the journey of continuous improvement, teams unlock their potential to deliver value consistently and collaboratively. The results speak for themselves: empowered teams, aligned stakeholders, and successful outcomes.