Are you curious about the different types of scrum teams and how they function?
If you’re a scrum master, understanding the various scrum team structures is essential for optimising your workflow.
But did you know that different team types can drastically affect the outcome of a project?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the types of scrum teams, how they differ, and when to use each one to improve your agile processes.
Whether you’re forming a new team or looking to restructure your existing one, this post is for you.
What is a scrum team?
According to the updated Scrum Guide, scrum teams are cross-functional, meaning the members have all the skills necessary to create value each sprint.
The key phrase is “…have all the skills necessary to create value each sprint”. And in my experience, this value could be for the team itself, another team, or the organisation.
Therefore, delivering value doesn’t always mean shipping a feature or increment out to the customers each sprint.
As a result of this, a team could be categorised into any of the few types or structures of scrum teams we’re about to discuss.
What are the different types of scrum teams?
Scrum is adaptable, organising different teams based on specific goals and contexts.
But what are the most common types of scrum teams, and how do they function?
Let’s take a look at some typical scrum team structures and their unique roles.
1. Feature team
Feature teams are cross-functional teams responsible for delivering a complete, functional piece of the product, often known as a feature.
These teams focus on end-to-end functionality and include all necessary skills, such as design, development, testing, and deployment.
Why choose a feature team?
If you’re working on a product with multiple components or systems, feature teams are ideal.
They ensure that each team can work independently without constantly waiting on others.
Imagine reducing the handover time between teams. Doesn’t that sound more efficient?
Key characteristics:
- Cross-functional with all necessary skills
- Works on complete, deliverable features
- Requires minimal dependencies on other teams
2. Component teams
Unlike feature teams, component teams focus on a single part or layer of a product.
They usually specialise in one area, such as the backend or front-end systems.
Component teams are most common in complex systems with many interdependencies.
When to use component teams?
If your product has intricate parts that require deep expertise, component teams can help manage that complexity.
But be cautious. Component teams may slow down delivery since they rely heavily on other teams to complete a full feature.
Key characteristics:
- Specialises in a single layer or component
- Requires coordination with other teams
- Best for complex, large-scale systems
3. Enabling teams
Enabling teams focus on supporting other scrum teams by providing tools, systems, expertise, or technical solutions.
They are not directly responsible for delivering features, but are critical to enabling feature and component teams to move faster.
When is enabling team useful?
Think of enabling teams like a pit crew in a Formula 1 race. They don’t drive the car but ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ever experienced a sprint delay because your platform or system wasn’t ready? An enabling team could prevent that.
Key characteristics:
- Supports other teams without delivering features
- Provides specialised tools or expertise
- Solves technical challenges or bottlenecks
How to choose the right type of scrum team?
Selecting the right types of scrum teams depends on several factors like your project’s complexity, team skill sets, and customer needs.
Are you building a feature-heavy product with minimal interdependencies? A feature team might work best.
Is your system complex and requires deep expertise in specific areas? Then a component or enabling team could be the solution.
Which scrum team type is right for you?
Now that you’ve explored different types of scrum teams, the question remains: Which one fits your project?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is often a combination of these team types, tailored to your product and organisation’s unique needs.
Whether you’re aiming for faster delivery or enhanced customer satisfaction, structuring your teams effectively can make all the difference.
Are you ready to form or restructure your scrum teams?
Understanding the nuances between feature, component, and enabling is the first step toward greater agility and success.
See what happens when a scrum team have no dedicated members.
I hope you found this post helpful.
