The Complete Guide to Scrum of Scrums
Scrum of Scrums (SoS) is a scaled Agile framework that aims to coordinate multiple Scrum teams working towards the same goal. If a single Scrum team is not sufficient to handle a large project, SoS offers a structured approach to collaboration, ensuring efficiency and alignment across teams. This guide delves into the key concepts, roles, and best practices of Scrum of Scrums to help organizations scale Agile successfully.
What Is Scrum of Scrums?
Scrum of Scrums extends the traditional Scrum framework to accommodate multiple teams working together to deliver value without compromising agility. Within each team, the Scrum methodology is independently followed, including Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives. However, all these teams regularly meet in a higher-level standup known as the Scrum of Scrums meeting.
Key Roles in Scrum of Scrums
Although Scrum of Scrums does not introduce new roles beyond the standard Scrum roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team), it does involve additional coordination, as outlined below:
- Scrum of Scrums Representative – A member from each team (often the Scrum Master or an experienced developer) attends SoS meetings to discuss progress, roadblocks, and dependencies.
- Chief Scrum Master – An optional role that facilitates SoS meetings and ensures smooth communication between teams.
How Scrum of Scrums Works
- Each team runs its own Scrum ceremonies.
- Scrum of Scrums meetings are conducted (daily, weekly, or as necessary), where representatives discuss:
- What their team has completed
- What they are working on
- Any impediments or dependencies affecting progress
- Action items are assigned to resolve inter-team issues and ensure smooth project execution.
Best Practices for a Successful Scrum of Scrums
- Define Clear Goals – Align teams with a shared vision and sprint objectives to prevent miscommunication.
- Limit Meeting Size & Frequency – Keep SoS meetings short and focused to avoid inefficiency.
- Encourage Transparency – Teams should openly discuss challenges and blockers affecting their work.
- Use Visual Tools – Utilize Kanban boards, Jira, or other Agile project management tools to track progress and dependencies.
- Maintain Cross-Team Collaboration – Encourage collaboration among teams for mutual success.
Common Challenges in Scrum of Scrums
- Lack of Accountability – Action items raised in SoS meetings may not be addressed if there is no clear ownership.
- Communication Gaps – Inadequate information exchange can cause teams to be misaligned.
- Overhead & Bureaucracy – Too many meetings or excessive processes can slow agility.
Conclusion
Scrum of Scrums is a powerful technique for scaling Agile across multiple teams while retaining flexibility and efficiency. By addressing best practices and common challenges, organizations can enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and deliver high-quality products at scale.
Whether in a startup or a large enterprise, mastering Scrum of Scrums can make the difference between Agile success and failure in complex projects.
