How to Manage Dependencies Between Scrum Teams
Managing dependencies between Scrum teams is one of the most challenging aspects of scaling Agile across larger organizations. As Scrum encourages cross-functional teams to work autonomously, dependencies—whether technical, operational, or interpersonal—can create bottlenecks, disrupt progress, and slow down delivery. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for managing these dependencies, ensuring smooth collaboration, and driving successful project outcomes.
1. Identify and Map Dependencies Early
The first step in managing dependencies between Scrum teams is identifying them early in the project lifecycle. This requires open communication between teams and stakeholders, along with a clear understanding of each team's scope of work.
Tip: Use visual tools like dependency mapping or Kanban boards to highlight key dependencies and inter-team interactions. This helps ensure that teams are aware of their interdependencies from the outset.
2. Establish Cross-Team Collaboration Channels
Effective collaboration is the key to resolving dependencies before they turn into issues. Establishing clear communication channels across Scrum teams will foster better alignment and transparency.
Tip: Schedule regular cross-team meetings (such as cross-team stand-ups or Scrum of Scrums), where representatives from each Scrum team discuss progress, potential roadblocks, and dependencies. This provides a platform for early conflict resolution and proactive problem-solving.
3. Prioritize Dependencies Based on Business Value
Not all dependencies are created equal. Some are critical for project success, while others can be deprioritized or addressed at a later stage. By aligning dependencies with the product roadmap and business goals, teams can make more informed decisions about where to focus their efforts.
Tip: Use a priority matrix to assess the impact of each dependency. This way, teams can handle the most critical dependencies first, preventing delays in the most important areas of the project.
4. Implement Shared Backlogs for Multiple Teams
In large-scale Scrum implementations, it’s beneficial to create a shared backlog that encompasses work items from multiple teams. This ensures that dependencies are visible at the portfolio level, making it easier to track progress and manage expectations.
Tip: In frameworks like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), creating a shared backlog helps synchronize the work across different teams and ensures that inter-team dependencies are addressed in the planning stages.
5. Decouple Teams Through Decentralized Decision-Making
One of the key principles of Scrum is that teams should be autonomous, but dependencies can often reduce this autonomy. To manage dependencies effectively, it's important to decentralize decision-making and empower teams to make decisions without waiting for approval from other teams.
Tip: Encourage a culture of shared responsibility where each team takes ownership of their dependencies. This reduces delays caused by waiting on approvals and enhances overall agility.
6. Use Scaled Agile Frameworks for Better Coordination
In larger organizations with multiple Scrum teams, frameworks like SAFe or LeSS (Large Scale Scrum) can provide structure for managing dependencies. These frameworks promote coordination, alignment, and collaboration across teams, helping to ensure that dependencies are handled in a way that maximizes overall productivity.
Tip: Adopt a scaled framework that fits your organization’s size and complexity. These frameworks offer tools and techniques for managing inter-team dependencies, allowing for smoother scaling of Scrum.
Conclusion
Managing dependencies between Scrum teams is essential for delivering high-quality products on time. By identifying dependencies early, fostering cross-team collaboration, prioritizing based on business value, and utilizing scalable frameworks, organizations can improve coordination and reduce delays. With the right strategies in place, teams can remain focused on delivering value while maintaining agility and efficiency across larger projects.
