Self-organizing teams are an integral part of agile software development and one of the 12 principles of agile manifesto. Even outside agile software development, self.organizing teams can bring a lot of benefits to the organization. The sole purpose of these teams is to ensure that the process of decision making is decentralized, faster, and agreeable to all members. The self-organizing teams are autonomous, hence it becomes possible for them to determine how they want to approach a given problem. They also decide independently of any other teams, group or managers on what decision to take, implement and how to complete any tasks.

Recently I’ve written a post about The Ball Point Game and about variations of the game, a game that simulates Scrum with all the sprint ceremonies, such as planning, sprint, review and retrospective. This post emphasizes the learning from a Scrum Master perspective.

Recently I’ve written a post about The Ball Point Game, a game that simulates Scrum with all the sprint ceremonies, such as planning, sprint, review and retrospective. Here is an addition to that post which offers interesting variations to the game.

When coaching scrum teams it is alway a good idea to combine theoretical teachings with some exercises that simulate what you’re teaching in a short time. When thinking of which exercises I could use to simulated the methodology, “The Ball Point Game” I’ve done in a training class by Boris Gloger many years ago came to my mind. The game had a prompt impact on me in regards of Scrum. The game simulates all the sprint ceremonies, such as planning, sprint, review and retrospective.

What is the first thing to do when working as a Scrum Master with a new team? Whether the team is experienced in agile software development or not, it is important to create a basis that all future collaboration is build upon. This is the key to avoid misunderstandings based on assumptions or a lack of clarification which will affect all future collaboration and in worst case might damage trust. Therefore I believe a simple session or exercise should be the first step whenever start working with a team: Set expectation and boundaries! This post focuses on expectations as the basis for collaboration as Scrum Master with your team. Make use of your Scrum Master toolbox in order to keep …

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