When Scrum Teams Grow Too Large: Clever Solutions for Cohesion

If Scrum Teams become too large, what should they consider doing?

• A. Keeping the team size as is to maintain stability
• B. Employing more Developers
• C. Reorganizing into multiple cohesive Scrum Teams
• D. Eliminating the Product Goal

Answer: (C)

When Scrum Teams grow too large, they can encounter challenges related to communication, coordination, and the overall effectiveness of collaboration. A Scrum Team’s effectiveness is typically maximized when the team size is small to medium, allowing for easier communication and faster decision-making. Reorganizing into multiple cohesive Scrum Teams is a sensible approach because it helps maintain the core principles of Scrum, focusing on collaboration and flexibility. By splitting into smaller teams, each team can remain focused and agile, which enhances productivity and ensures that everyone can contribute effectively without the pitfalls of larger team dynamics that can lead to confusion or dilution of responsibility. Additionally, smaller teams are better equipped to collaborate closely, maintain clarity of roles, and share accountability for delivering the product. Each team can tackle its own part of the project with the ability to iterate quickly and respond to changes more nimbly, while still aligning with the overall product vision and goals. Choosing to keep the team size the same or adding more Developers could exacerbate the issues associated with larger groups, while eliminating the Product Goal would undermine the focus and direction that is central to Scrum's framework.

Let’s be real: Not all teams are created equal. And when it comes to Scrum Teams, size does matter—not just because of the number of people, but because too many cooks can spoil the broth, right? If you’ve ever had to navigate through a large group trying to make decisions or communicate effectively, you know the challenge. The core of Scrum is all about collaboration and swift communication; so what happens when a Scrum Team grows too big?

When Scrum Teams become too unwieldy, reorganizing into multiple cohesive teams is a smart move. Why? Well, large teams can often find themselves tangled in a web of miscommunication, slow decision-making, and a general sense of chaos. Picture a bustling market where everyone’s trying to talk over each other; it’s quite the mess! Keeping the team size manageable, usually around 5 to 9 members, allows for clear communication pathways and swifter responses to project needs.

So which option makes the most sense? Let’s explore:

A. Keeping the team size as is to maintain stability: Sounds tempting, but it’s akin to riding a bicycle with a flat tire—you might get somewhere, but it won’t be pretty. The larger the team, the more cumbersome it becomes to manage effectively. An overloaded team can sluggishly stumble towards goal completion, entangling members in confusion and conflict.

B. Employing more Developers: While this might seem like a viable solution, adding more Developers to a crowded team is like adding more clowns to a circus—more bodies can mean more distraction and less accountability. You definitely don’t want to trade one problem for a bigger one.

C. Reorganizing into multiple cohesive Scrum Teams: Ding, ding, ding! Winning answer! By splitting the group into smaller teams, you promote agility, tighter collaboration, and clear roles. Each smaller team can zero in on specific tasks without the noise of larger group dynamics. It’s the secret to helping Scrum thrive!

D. Eliminating the Product Goal: This would be a definite no-go! The Product Goal is not just a buzzword; it’s a beacon that guides the team. Getting rid of it would mean losing focus, which is the exact opposite of what Scrum is all about.

Focusing on smaller teams encourages everyone to step up, share accountability, and maintain clarity of purpose. Each team can work on their own section of the project while still aligning with the overarching product vision. It’s a lot like a well-conducted orchestra; the smaller ensembles can harmonize beautifully without getting lost in the cacophony.

Here’s the kicker: effective collaboration isn’t just about splitting teams but ensuring that each can iterate swiftly and adjust to changes as needed. When your team’s mojo is working, they can respond to feedback and pivot quickly, all while staying firmly aligned with the company’s goals. Think of it this way—when you’re in a smaller group, it’s much easier to keep tabs on progress and expectations.

In conclusion, if your Scrum Team starts feeling like it could fill a stadium, look to reorganize into smaller, more cohesive teams. It’s a step towards honing effective collaboration and keeping the foundation of Scrum intact. After all, when it comes to delivering awesome products, the journey is just as important as the destination!