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Tips for new scrummaster joining existing project

Last post 08:00 am November 14, 2015 by Sanjay Saini
3 replies
07:16 am November 9, 2015

Hi all

As a result in a change of role, I'm about to join an existing (10 sprint) project as scrummaster. I've worked on agile teams for a couple of years, have been PO but not scrummaster.

In my old role I've had little involvement in the project - have attended some reviews and worked with the PO on clarifying some requirements.

I've worked with half of the team members on other projects, but 3 others are external contractors I've had little contact with so far.

At the moment I plan to:

* Have some 1:1 chats with the contractors - really just to get to know them
* Read up anything that's come out of past retrospectives
* Get to grips with the backlog and (to some extent) the icebox

Any tips? All advice much appreciated


12:50 pm November 9, 2015

Reading what you can about the team's past is good, but doesn't replace the face-to-face communication needed.

I would advocate 1-on-1 chats with everyone on your team (including your PO), not just the contractors. Begin building the relationships with your team members. Understand what they view as positive and negative with the team and the work they're doing. Identify improvement areas within the team, and work with the team (short and long-term) on what they can address.

Your past experience as a PO should give you exceptional insight with this team's PO. Work with the PO to help them understand the best ways to work with the team in order to create a fun and productive environment.

Good luck!


04:48 am November 13, 2015

Thanks a lot - very useful advice!


08:00 am November 14, 2015


Since you had already worked as a PO with a different team so don't try to be a PO for this team, here you are a Scrum Master, don't get into in a conflict esp with respect to deciding the priorities :-)


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