Managing Distributed Scrum Teams

Managing a distributed Scrum Team presents unique challenges, especially for new and inexperienced teams. This article explores the expected outcomes and necessary support for such teams.

Exam Question

One of the newest and least experienced Scrum Teams in your organization has 7 members: 3 are in London (UK), 1 is in Paris (FR), and 3 are in Mumbai (IN). What outcome would you expect?
(choose the best answer)
A. Having team members in multiple locations actually increases productivity because the work can “follow the sun”.
B. The team will likely need help with communication and knowledge sharing challenges.
C. Each location should have an on-site Scrum Master.
D. The cost of delivering the product will be significantly lower than if all team members were together in London (UK).

Correct Answer

B. The team will likely need help with communication and knowledge sharing challenges.

Explanation

Correct Answer

B. The team will likely need help with communication and knowledge sharing challenges:
Distributed teams, especially those that are new and inexperienced, often face significant challenges related to communication and knowledge sharing. Time zone differences, cultural differences, and lack of face-to-face interaction can impede effective collaboration. Addressing these challenges typically requires additional support and tools to facilitate clear communication and efficient knowledge sharing.

Incorrect Answers

A. Having team members in multiple locations actually increases productivity because the work can “follow the sun”:
While the concept of work “following the sun” can theoretically increase productivity by leveraging different time zones, in practice, new and inexperienced teams are more likely to struggle with coordination and handoffs between different locations, which can hinder productivity.

C. Each location should have an on-site Scrum Master:
Scrum does not require multiple Scrum Masters for different locations. Instead, a single Scrum Master can support the entire team, focusing on facilitating communication and collaboration across locations. Adding multiple Scrum Masters can create confusion and dilute the consistency of Scrum practices.

D. The cost of delivering the product will be significantly lower than if all team members were together in London (UK):
While having a distributed team can sometimes reduce costs related to salaries and office space, it can also increase costs due to the need for additional communication tools, potential travel for face-to-face meetings, and the inefficiencies that can arise from communication challenges.

Agile Leadership Insights

• Communication Tools: Agile leaders should ensure that distributed teams have access to effective communication tools and platforms to facilitate real-time collaboration.
• Regular Check-ins: Implement regular check-ins and virtual meetings to maintain alignment and address any emerging issues promptly.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encourage practices such as documentation, shared repositories, and collaborative tools to enhance knowledge sharing among team members.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity to foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment despite geographical differences.

Relevance to the PAL I Exam

Understanding the challenges faced by distributed teams and how to address them is crucial for the PAL I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of Agile principles and the importance of effective communication and collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• Distributed teams often face communication and knowledge sharing challenges that need to be addressed proactively.
• Effective communication tools and regular check-ins are essential for maintaining alignment and collaboration.
• Agile leaders should promote cultural sensitivity and awareness to enhance team dynamics.

Conclusion

New and inexperienced distributed Scrum Teams are likely to face communication and knowledge sharing challenges that require proactive support and effective tools. For more information on preparing for the PAL I exam, visit our Professional Agile Leadership PAL I™ Exam Prep.