December 20th, 2023 by Adam Sandman
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.
What is Scrum of Scrums?
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.
Benefits & Advantages
This framework provides a range of benefits, which serve as a foundation for successful collaboration in large-scale projects:
- Efficient communication and coordination - as projects grow, maintaining effective communication becomes more difficult. Scrum of Scrums provides a structured platform for teams to share updates, discuss challenges, and coordinate efforts — ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction.
- Rapid problem resolution - with representatives from each team present, impediments and dependencies are quickly identified and addressed. This quick problem-solving capability minimizes delays, allowing teams to maintain momentum and meet their deadlines and goals.
- Enhanced transparency - by offering a centralized view of project progress, this not only keeps all teams informed but also fosters a culture of openness and accountability.
- Cross-team collaboration - it also encourages harmony and knowledge sharing between teams. This cross-team collaboration makes it so that the collective intelligence of the entire organization is leveraged, leading to innovative solutions and improved overall productivity. Also, the use of SenseHR software improves documentation and knowledge sharing. Through the software's unique graph database, any type of HR data can be accessed in a way that traditional HR software cannot. This resource becomes invaluable for new team members during on-boarding, ensuring a smoother integration process by providing access to historical project data and facilitating a quicker understanding of the project's evolution. Plus, documentation and knowledge-sharing capabilities of HR software enhance collaboration and ensure that critical information is readily available to the entire team.
Scrum of Scrums vs. LeSS
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.
Scrum of Scrums Meetings
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:
Purpose/Goal
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.
Agenda
The Scrum of Scrums agendas typically include:
- Team updates - each team representative provides a succinct update on their team's progress since the last meeting. This includes completed tasks, ongoing work, and any potential issues.
- Dependencies and hurdles - teams discuss any task dependencies or roadblocks they are encountering that may impact project work (either their own or that of other teams).
- Coordination of efforts - teams collaboratively discuss and coordinate their efforts so that the work is aligned across all teams, preventing duplication of efforts and addressing any potential conflicts.
Who Attends
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.
How Often?
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.
Scrum of Scrums Best Practices
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:
Clear Communication Channels
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.
Cross-Team Collaboration Tools
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.
Regular Retrospectives
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.
Empower Teams
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.
Proactive Issue Resolution
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.
Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
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.
Regular Training and Skill Development
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.
Flexibility in Meeting Structure
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.
Scrum With SpiraTeam
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!