create a working agreement to foster clear communication and teamwork.

Developing a working agreement is an essential part of any scrum team. For those who aspire to become an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM), crafting agreements that foster clear communication and teamwork is a critical aspect of their role. These agreements not only guide the team’s actions but also allow everyone to be on the same page, which ensures efficient execution of tasks.

What is a Working Agreement?

A working agreement, in simple terms, is a contract prepared by the scrum team outlining how they wish to work together. It includes behavioral guidelines, method of communication, and work expectations, establishing mutual respect and understanding among team members. A well-established working agreement is characterized by clear communication, resulting in highly efficient teamwork.

Importance of Working Agreement in Scrum

The significance of a working agreement in a scrum environment cannot be understated. It provides a practical foundation for collaboration, promoting a shared understanding of expectations and communication norms. Furthermore, a working agreement can help mitigate conflicts, as it clearly defines parameters for interactions and behaviors.

Creating a Working Agreement for Clear Communication and Teamwork

Constructing a successful working agreement involves a series of steps:

1. Discussing team expectations: Begin by having a dialogue about what everyone expects from the team and from themselves. This could include work hours, availability, expected response time, the method of communication, and preferred tools for collaboration.
2. Define norms and protocols: Once everyone has an understanding of expectations, it’s important to discuss and agree on norms and protocols. This includes when and how to provide feedback, handling disagreements, decision-making process, and meeting etiquettes.
3. Determine responsibilities: Clarify the roles and responsibilities. A clear understanding of who is accountable for what eliminates potential uncertainties and delays.
4. Creating and refining the agreement: Draft the working agreement, considered a ‘live document’. This means it should be modified and refined based on the team’s evolving needs. Always encourage team members to provide feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
5. Communication and enforcement: Once the working agreement is in place, ensure it is well-communicated and enforced. Use it as a reference in meetings to instill the values and principles stated in the agreement.

A-SCM Responsibilities

Example of a Working Agreement

A working agreement for an Agile team might include the following points:

• Daily stand-up meetings at 9:30 AM
• The preferred communication tool is Slack
• Prioritizing product backlog on every Monday
• The decision-making process is consensus-based
• Respect for everyone’s views and ideas
• Everyone arrives on time for meetings and stays until they are finished
• Keeping shared files and tasks updated in Trello

In sum, a working agreement lays the groundwork for effective and transparent team collaboration. For a ScrumMaster, the ability to establish this agreement is an important skill, fostering clear communication and optimizing productivity within the team. The goal is to create an environment in which every team member feels valued and heard, thereby accelerating the overall progress of the project.