"They Grow Up So Fast" - Navigating the Transition When Your Agile Team No Longer Needs You

Dear Diary,

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We've all heard the phrase “they grow up so fast” from our parents, movies, songs, etc. At 26, without children, I can't 100% relate. However, I feel like being a Scrum Master has given me a taste of what it is like when your children no longer need you anymore! As I sit here reflecting on the journey I've shared with my Agile team, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come together.?

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Our initial steps together as a team felt like a whirlwind. I was a brand-new Scrum Master. The team already had a “groove” they were in. They had a way of operating and processes they followed, not all “agile approved” but alas, they followed them. My main objective at the time was to make the transition as seamless as possible.

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There were tons of hurdles, falls, and invaluable lessons learned during those first few months. Of course, as a new Scrum Master I wanted to “make my mark” on the team. I wanted to take every Agile principle I learned in college and apply it directly. Through trial + error, as well as the open-mindedness + responsiveness of the team, we started implementing changes.?

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At first, they were small changes - shortened and more efficient daily standups + updating rally more often. A few percentage marks increase in predictably and one less user story carried over.?

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With time, our team bond strengthened, our skills sharpened, and we transformed into a cohesive efficient unit. Our team went from a predictability of 60% to what is now - 108%. We focused on inter-team relationships and strengthened our comradery+ care for each other as friends, not just co-workers.?

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A team, once reliant on my guidance, has matured into a self-sufficient entity, effortlessly navigating the complexities of Agile practices. Team members update rally without reminders. They can run standup on their own and ask probing questions. They communicate with each other and know how to alleviate blockers on their own or with the help of a teammate. I am so proud of them!?

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So, what does one do when their Agile team outgrows their need for guidance??

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Luckily, even a mature Agile team can always learn something. A great place to start is with retrospectives. Work with the team to determine areas of improvement. See if there are trainings you can provide the team with to enhance their knowledge even more. Act as a “referee” of Scrum. Monitor the team day in and day out, and make sure you are there to help when there are questions, a disagreement, rest needed, etc. (Source: Do we still need a Scrum Master in a mature Scrum Team? | Scrum.org)

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I heard once that you will know you did your job right as a Scrum Master when you are no longer needed - same as a parent! So, as I approach this new phase in my team's Agile lifecycle, I do so with gratitude for the amazing team I have been blessed with and for the many adventures ahead. Indeed, they grow up so fast, don't they??

-Taylor

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