Monday, 19 January 2015

Scrum Coaching For Sprint Delivery

By Kristen Baird


Software development using the scrum method requires the assembly of a five to seven members team working towards a single goal. The client gives clear guidelines for each project and a time frame. The team members dedicate all their time, skills and resources to deliver. Each project has clear and strict standards that must be met within a limited period of time. Scrum coaching helps in the successful execution of any project.

Tutoring teams is aimed at achieving several fundamental goals. It ensures that every member identifies with the task at hand. When all members are working towards a single goal, it is easier to achieve. Scrumming team members understand time limits and the standards that must be met for the success of any project.

Coaches help team members to identify operation tools and skills that will be required in delivering on any project. The team can therefore maximize their time and resources to the point of delivering before the stipulated time. Failure to recognize time and rules will lead to laxity that delays delivery or lowers the standards of work.

Gelling within the team takes time which delays the actualization of team spirit. This must be allowed so that individuals can understand temperaments, abilities and talents of other members. Hierarchies will form for easy flow of instructions and directions. This is necessary so that order can be maintained within the group.

As a coach, it is important to appreciate that no team will deliver the best results instantly. There are several phases that each team goes through after formation. They are described as Tuckman-Model, Foaming, Storming, Norming and Performing. It may take up to three sprint sessions before it deliver excellent results. With this in mind, coaches are able to handle each team.

Scrum teams are identified by several characteristics. They include the presence of rules and norms that have to apply to all members equally. This is aimed at creating a level playing field that eliminates pressure so that all members can easily deliver. These rules must be set during formation of such a team though they can be revised as the project progresses.

It is important for members of a scrum to be provided with necessary support and resources in order to deliver. An empowered team is one with members who possess necessary skills that enable them to deliver. These skills and resources must be balanced to avoid wastage, duplication and unhealthy competition.

Scrum teams must be provided with all the autonomy they deserve. It comes during the planning stage. All demands are valuated and whatever resources the team requires provided. Each team should be allowed to organize itself in terms of schedules and roles to be played by each individual. External interference is likely to deflate their team spirit and interfere with workflow.

Membership to scrumming teams is limited and requires full participation by each individual. This explains why the teams are usually small without sub-teams. These teams determine their daily meeting schedule as well as location. Other decisions to be made include coding rules, tools required for the project and what it will take for work to be labeled as Complete. It is the responsibility of every member to ensure that each project is delivered successfully.




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