Starting my Journey as a Scrum Master

When I first stepped into the IT field, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, worried that I wouldn’t fit in without the technical expertise my colleagues possessed. There were so many things I wish I had known before embarking on this amazing journey!

Here are some tips I’d like to share with you:

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions: Always feel free to inquire about any topic being discussed. It demonstrates your interest and helps you gain a better understanding of the processes and technologies in use, while also enhancing communication with your teammates.
• Familiarize yourself with existing processes before suggesting changes: Jumping in and trying to overhaul everything right away won’t be beneficial. It’s crucial to understand the current workflows so you can implement small, meaningful changes that will improve team performance. This approach will make your team more receptive to adopting new agile practices.
• If something is unclear, speak up!: If you’re struggling to grasp what your team is doing, don’t hesitate to reach out to any team member or product owner for clarification. They can help you navigate the process and explain the metrics, timelines, dependencies, and requirements involved.
• When you encounter a risk or obstacle, make it known: If you feel that your team’s progress is being hindered, it’s important to hold everyone accountable. Don’t shy away from escalating issues or asking for assistance promptly. This proactive approach can prevent delays and help maintain a positive impression among your colleagues. Get involved in resolving impediments to facilitate communication with stakeholders and keep the workflow as agile as possible.
• Recognize both small and large contributions: Everyone enjoys being acknowledged for their efforts in completing tasks, so it's essential to consistently appreciate your team's contributions, regardless of their size. This recognition helps team members feel valued and boosts their trust in you.
• Stay updated on requests: It's crucial to follow up on the tasks your team members are handling. This not only helps you understand the challenges they face but also shows them that you're there to support their work. When they know they can reach out to you, it fosters a sense of collaboration.
• Team bonding activities: Creating a sense of belonging within the team is vital for encouraging collaboration. Consider organizing activities like online games or celebrating team members' birthdays to strengthen connections and promote teamwork.
• Retrospective and innovation tasks: Holding regular retrospective meetings with your team is key to identifying areas for improvement. Remember, the process doesn't end when the meeting does; it's important to track the ideas generated and ensure accountability. Encourage your team to take ownership of these initiatives, and let them know that their extra efforts will be recognized through appreciation and communication with management.
• Embrace the discomfort: This position is a wonderful opportunity to guide your team in adopting agile practices, but it's important to recognize that you'll face some tough conversations along the way. Remember, having these discussions doesn't mean you're failing; instead, focus on offering alternatives and solutions when necessary. This is part of the intricate nature of being a Scrum Master.

I hope my insights can assist you in excelling in your role, and I wish I had this knowledge when I first began. The more you practice, the better you'll become, so prioritize the process over striving for perfection. You'll see growth as you continue to practice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

-AgileAngel

I want to take a moment to honor the memory of my dear brother, Angel Efrain Mendoza. His inspiration drives me to keep his memory alive through my writing. Thank you, bro, for all the love and support you've given me throughout the years. I hope you are at peace. ángel Efraín Mendoza Cerda