Scrum of Scrums

The "Scrum of Scrums" is a scaled agile framework that allows multiple teams to collaborate and coordinate their work in large-scale software development projects. It is an effective way to manage inter-team dependencies and ensure seamless integration of work across teams.

What is the Scrum of Scrums?

In Scrum, teams work independently in short iterations called sprints. However, in large projects with multiple teams, it can be challenging to align their efforts. The Scrum of Scrums acts as a meeting or a platform to facilitate communication and coordination between teams.

The Scrum of Scrums is a scaled agile framework that follows the principles of Scrum at a higher level. It is typically designed for projects that involve 50-100 people, divided into multiple teams. The purpose is to promote cross-team collaboration and address dependencies and integration issues.

How Does it Work?

The Scrum of Scrums operates as a hierarchical structure where representatives from each team come together to synchronize their work. Here's how it generally works:

1. Each team selects a representative, often called a "Scrum of Scrums Master" or "SoSM."
2. SoSMs meet regularly (usually daily or every other day) to discuss progress, issues, and dependencies.
3. During the meeting, each SoSM provides updates on their team's progress, highlighting any obstacles or dependencies that need attention.
4. The SoSMs collaborate to identify and address any integration or coordination issues that may affect multiple teams.
5. After the Scrum of Scrums meeting, the SoSMs communicate the relevant information back to their respective teams.

Benefits of the Scrum of Scrums

The Scrum of Scrums offers several benefits in large-scale software development projects:

1. Improved Communication: By bringing representatives from different teams together, the Scrum of Scrums fosters better communication and collaboration. It allows teams to share knowledge, align their goals, and resolve dependencies in a timely manner.
2. Enhanced Coordination: The Scrum of Scrums helps identify cross-team dependencies and integration issues early on, enabling teams to take necessary actions to address them. It promotes a synchronized approach to development, minimizing conflicts and delays.
3. Increased Transparency: Regular Scrum of Scrums meetings ensure that all team members are aware of the overall progress and challenges faced by other teams. It promotes transparency and a shared understanding of the project's status.
4. Effective Decision Making: Through collective problem-solving, the Scrum of Scrums enables teams to make informed decisions promptly. The SoSMs can collaborate on prioritizing tasks, allocating resources, and resolving conflicts, ensuring smoother project execution.
5. Adaptability: The Scrum of Scrums provides a platform to discuss changes, updates, or new requirements that affect multiple teams. This promotes adaptability, allowing teams to adjust their plans and deliverables based on evolving project needs.

Conclusion

The Scrum of Scrums is a valuable framework for managing large-scale software development projects. With its focus on enhanced communication, coordination, and transparency, it helps teams align their efforts and deliver high-quality software in a collaborative environment. By addressing inter-team dependencies and integration challenges early on, the Scrum of Scrums ensures smoother project execution and successful delivery.

[!NOTE] To implement the Scrum of Scrums effectively, it is crucial to have well-defined team roles, clear goals, and the support of all team members and stakeholders.