In the early days of Agile and Scrum, people primarily saw the role of the Scrum Master as that of a team facilitator—a servant leader who guided the team through Scrum practices, removed obstacles, and made sure that the team followed the principles of Agile. However, as organizations have grown more complex and the demands…
The adoption of the Scrum Master role has expanded significantly beyond its origins in software development, reflecting the broader adoption of Agile methodologies across various industries and functions. Here’s a look at some of the leading adopters of Agile and Scrum and the Scrum Master role: 1. Technology and Software Development 2. Financial Services 3.…
As a Scrum Master, your role extends beyond facilitating meetings and removing impediments; it’s about nurturing a team that can adapt and thrive in complex environments. One powerful way to achieve this is by integrating the principles of complex adaptive systems (CAS), team effectiveness studies, and team learning into your daily practices. This approach will…
In the fast-paced, unpredictable world of modern business, teams are constantly navigating change, uncertainty, and complexity. Traditional project management methodologies, with their rigid structures and linear processes, often struggle to keep up. Enter Scrum—a framework within the Agile methodology that thrives on adaptability and iterative progress. However, after more than a decade of using Scrum,…
As a Scrum Master, one of your key responsibilities is to help your team identify and overcome obstacles to their performance. While there are many tools and techniques available, one powerful approach you might not have considered is Kegan’s Immunity-to-Change (ITC) process. This method helps uncover the hidden, often subconscious, reasons why individuals and teams…
In the world of Scrum, creativity is not just an added bonus—it’s a necessity. Scrum teams are often tasked with solving complex problems, innovating new solutions, and adapting quickly to changing circumstances. To foster this level of creativity, the environment in which the team works plays a crucial role. Whether it’s a physical space or…
Welcome to the fifth post in our series on the 11 characteristics of a servant leader. We’ve explored the significant impacts of active listening, empathy, healing, and awareness on team performance. Today, we’ll focus on another crucial characteristic: Persuasion. What is Persuasion? Persuasion in the context of servant leadership refers to the ability to influence…
Welcome to the fourth post in our series on the 11 characteristics of a servant leader. We’ve discussed the significant impact of active listening, empathy, and healing on team performance. Today, we turn our attention to another critical characteristic: Awareness. What is Awareness? Awareness in the context of servant leadership refers to the ability to…
At the 2024 Olympic Games in France, one theme popped up frequently. The theme was about athletes coming from nowhere (or from being written off) to take a medal. Their stories all highlighted how important a growth mindset is. In the fast-paced world of agile development, the mindset of each team member plays a crucial…
Welcome to the third post in our series on the 11 characteristics of a servant leader. So far, we’ve explored the transformative power of active listening and empathy. Today, we’ll dive into another crucial characteristic: Healing. What is Healing? Healing in the context of servant leadership refers to the leader’s ability to foster emotional and…