December 20th, 2023 by inflectra
Agile scrum methodology is one of the most popular development frameworks, but scaling it to the enterprise level can be tricky if not done correctly (and can nullify many of its benefits). This is where variations of Scrum, like Scrum of Scrums and LeSS, come into play. Keep reading to learn how Scrum of Scrums works, what its benefits are, the different components of the methodology, and best practices when employing it in your teams.
Scrum of Scrums is a scaled agile framework designed specifically to improve communication and collaboration between multiple Scrum teams working on a single project. As these projects grow (or scale) in complexity and scope, a more structured approach is necessary to manage inter-team dependencies. Scrum of Scrums acts as this connective tissue, promoting cohesion and efficiency at larger scales than traditional Scrum would be capable of.
This framework provides a range of benefits, which serve as a foundation for successful collaboration in large-scale projects:
Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) is another Scrum variant designed for teams at scale, but has some key differences from Scrum of Scrums. LeSS focuses on simplifying the overall framework, emphasizing the importance of a single Product Backlog. On the other hand, Scrum of Scrums accommodates multiple Product Backlogs, providing more flexibility for larger projects with diverse requirements.
These collaborative sessions are where representatives from multiple Scrum teams come together to share updates, discuss inter-team dependencies, coordinate efforts, and more. Meetings are the core of what makes Scrum of Scrums work, and they have the following structure:
The primary purpose of Scrum of Scrums meetings is to synchronize activities and ensure alignment across multiple Scrum teams. They play a crucial role in identifying and resolving cross-team roadblocks, cultivating collaboration, and maintaining a shared understanding of the project's trajectory.
The Scrum of Scrums agendas typically include:
Representatives from each Scrum team attend these meetings — typically individuals with a deep understanding of their team's progress and challenges. This keeps discussions informed and constructive, as opposed to representatives simply being messengers who may struggle to answer and resolve technical or complex questions.
The frequency depends on every project's size and complexity but is generally conducted at least once a week. Regular meetings keep a consistent flow of information and maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving.
When implementing this framework, there are a number of ways to avoid common pitfalls that may lead to trouble or negate some of the benefits we discussed above:
Establishing clear communication channels ensures that information flows seamlessly between Scrum teams during meetings. Utilize tools like video conferencing, collaborative messaging platforms, or project management software that facilitate a seamless flow of information and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Implementing tools for collaboration improves real-time communication and information sharing between Scrum teams. These act as a central hub for new updates, discussions, and issue tracking, streamlining collaboration and keeping everyone on the same page. If you use Jira for these features, you might want to consider switching to a new platform due to Jira Server support ending. Learn what your best options for Jira alternatives are here.
Frequent review sessions focused on the Scrum of Scrums process enable teams to reflect on their efforts so far. Gathering feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and making adjustments based on these reviews result in continuous enhancement of the overall process.
Give teams the power to take ownership of their updates, challenges, and solutions. It encourages autonomy and instills a sense of responsibility, contributing to a more proactive and collaborative environment. It also fosters a culture where teams feel confident in sharing challenges and proposing solutions, which is critical to the success of Scrum of Scrums.
Being proactive about finding resolutions involves systematically identifying and addressing roadblocks and issues during meetings. This means that issues are caught early on, preventing them from escalating and causing project delays and costs further down the road.
Emphasize the importance of documenting key decisions, dependencies, and shared knowledge. This provides a valuable resource for team members via accessible information, which also aids in onboarding new team members and offering a historical record of the project's evolution.
Invest in training programs that enhance the skills of team representatives participating in Scrum of Scrums meetings. This could include leadership training, effective communication workshops, or agile methodology courses that help them contribute effectively to discussions and align with the agile methodology principles.
Tailor the structure of your Scrum of Scrums meetings to suit the evolving needs of the project. Be open to experimenting with different formats and adapting the agenda based on feedback and project dynamics. This ensures that meetings remain responsive to unique challenges and requirements, promoting continuous improvement and efficiency.
For those looking to implement or improve a Scrum framework with larger development teams, SpiraTeam is the ideal solution with its industry-leading capabilities. These include drag-and-drop task boards, powerful sprint planning tools, customizable reporting dashboards, and much more.
We understand that transitioning from an old ALM or project management platform (or starting from scratch with your first) can often be difficult and requires a thorough assessment and evaluation. This is why you can try a free 30-day trial of the software to see how it helps your workflow and why we have award-winning customer/technical support services to make sure that any questions or concerns you have are answered. Get started with your free trial today!
And if you have any questions, please email or call us at +1 (202) 558-6885