As a scrum master who have to go into the office every day, have you ever pondered, “where should I sit to best support my team?”
This question might sound funny and trivial, but can significantly impact team dynamics and collaboration.
Well, to answer the question, let’s look into the considerations that can help determine the optimal seating arrangement for a scrum master.
Proximity to the team: Fostering collaboration
No doubt. Sitting alongside the development team offers undeniable advantages.
It facilitates spontaneous conversations, quick resolution of impediments, and a deeper understanding of the team’s daily challenges.
In my experience, being physically present with the team often lead to serendipitous discussions that unearthed hidden obstacles or sparked innovative ideas.
The Scrum Guide emphasises the importance of close collaboration, and physical proximity can naturally foster this environment.
Balancing presence with empowerment
However, constant proximity can have its drawbacks. There’s a fine line between being supportive and inadvertently becoming a crutch.
Teams might become overly reliant on the scrum master for decision-making, hindering their journey toward self-organisation.
I recall a time when I was always available at the team’s workspace. While it seemed beneficial, I noticed the team hesitated to make decisions without my input.
Stepping back slightly encouraged them to take more ownership, enhancing their confidence and autonomy.
Organisational dynamics and responsibilities
The scrum master’s role isn’t confined to the development team alone.
Engaging with stakeholders, attending cross-team meetings, and addressing organisational impediments often require time away from the team’s immediate vicinity.
In larger organisations, scrum masters might oversee multiple teams, making it impractical to sit with all of them.
In such scenarios, finding a neutral space or rotating between team areas can be effective. The key is maintaining accessibility without being tethered to a single location.
Remote and hybrid work environments
With the rise of remote work, the concept of “sitting with the team” has evolved. Virtual presence through communication tools has become the norm.
In these settings, the emphasis shifts from physical location to availability and responsiveness.
Regular check-ins, virtual open-door policies, and leveraging collaboration platforms ensure that the scrum master remains an integral part of the team’s ecosystem, regardless of physical location.
Tailoring the approach: No one-size-fits-all
Ultimately, the decision on where a scrum master should sit is context-dependent.
Factors such as team maturity, organisational culture, and specific challenges play a crucial role. It’s essential to assess the team’s needs continually.
Sometimes, being embedded with the team is beneficial; other times, maintaining a slight distance promotes growth. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
Conclusion
Where a scrum master should sit isn’t black and white. It’s about striking a balance between being present and empowering the team to function independently.
Regularly evaluating the team’s dynamics and being willing to adjust your approach ensures that you provide the support they need while fostering an environment of self-reliance and continuous improvement.
You should also read if a scrum master is mandatory in daily scrum.
I hope you found this post helpful.
