Working Agreement for a Scrum Team: How to Ensure Success

Scrum teams are among the most effective ways to complete complex projects efficiently and on time. However, a team`s success doesn`t solely rely on its members` expertise and qualifications. Instead, it also depends on the working agreement the team creates and abides by.

A working agreement is a set of guidelines and rules that team members agree on and follow throughout the project`s duration. This agreement covers tasks, communication, decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and team collaboration. By doing so, it helps ensure everyone is on the same page, promotes teamwork, and boosts productivity.

If you`re part of a Scrum team, creating a working agreement should be a top priority. Here are several things you should consider to make your team more effective.

1. Establish Meeting Expectations

Scrum teams rely heavily on meetings to stay on track. Therefore, it`s essential to set clear meeting expectations, including starting and ending times, frequency, duration, and expectations for punctuality and attendance. Without clear meeting expectations, members may lose interest and miss meetings, resulting in delays and lost momentum.

2. Define Communication Channels

Communication is key to any successful project, especially when working remotely. Therefore, the team should define communication channels to ensure everyone is reachable and that messages aren`t lost in transit. Some communication channels include emails, chats, video or phone calls, and project management software.

3. Determine Decision-making Processes

Before starting the project, the team should agree on the decision-making process. This includes who makes the final call, how decisions are made, and what factors are considered. It`s essential to have a clear decision-making process to avoid conflicts and wasted time on indecision.

4. Clarify Task Assignments

Scrum teams work best when each member knows their role and responsibilities. Therefore, it`s essential to clarify task assignments, including deliverables, deadlines, and milestones. This ensures everyone knows what to do and when, preventing overlaps and missed deadlines.

5. Foster Continuous Improvement

Scrum teams are known for their iterative approach, which fosters continuous improvement. The team should agree on how to measure progress, success metrics, and how to incorporate feedback from stakeholders. This helps the team stay on track and improve its processes as it goes.

In conclusion, a working agreement is a crucial tool for any Scrum team. Creating and following one helps ensure a project`s success, promotes teamwork, and boosts productivity. By establishing meeting expectations, defining communication channels, determining decision-making processes, clarifying task assignments, and fostering continuous improvement, the team can work efficiently and deliver the project on time.