The role of a strong scrum master and agile best practices – a training report

In software development, agile methods and well-thought-out project management are often crucial for successful teams and projects – this applies to our customers as well as to us. As part of a recent training session with our colleagues at mgm technology partners, the topic of ‘Agile & Scrum Best Practices’ was highlighted and the participants had the opportunity to gain deep insights into agile frameworks, in particular Scrum.

The aim was to create a better understanding of how agile working methods can enrich day-to-day project work and to provide specific tools for successfully implementing agile principles oneself.

Insight into the training content

The training offered participants a thorough introduction to Scrum and other agile frameworks such as Kanban, LeSS, SAFe and Flight Levels, each of which has its own value in different project contexts. Particular attention was paid to the way mgm itself uses agile methods – from the roles and responsibilities within a team to specific best practices that have been developed over ten years of agile project work. Another focus was on scaling approaches such as LeSS, SAFe and Flight Levels, which enable agile methods to be used efficiently in larger organisations as well.

The three pillars of Scrum: transparency, control and adaptation

A central component of the training was the emphasis on the three pillars of Scrum: transparency, control and adaptation. These values form the foundation for successful collaboration and help the team to constantly improve. Trust is the key: a team that works in an open atmosphere and where trust prevails can better overcome challenges and react quickly to changes. A Scrum Master who promotes these principles helps the team to develop an agile mindset and grow in the long term.

Choosing the method – Kanban, Scrum or waterfall?

Another topic that was explored in more detail during the training was how to select the appropriate methodology for a project. Deciding whether Scrum, Kanban, waterfall or even design thinking is the right choice depends heavily on the type of project, the requirements and the framework conditions. Scrum is ideal for projects that need to work dynamically and iteratively. Kanban is well suited for continuous processes and short throughput times. In static, heavily planning-driven projects, on the other hand, the waterfall approach remains an option. An experienced Scrum Master can advise and support you in selecting the appropriate method and enabling teams to apply the chosen method optimally.

The importance of estimates and iterations

Estimates are another important tool in Scrum for better assessing the project and the team. They help to formulate realistic expectations for the next sprint and to better plan resources. Through regular iterations, the team can continuously refine its estimates and make the planning more and more precise. A scrum master supports this process by introducing estimation methods such as Planning Poker and helping the team to improve its self-organisation.

The Scrum Master’s responsibility for the agile process

How agile a project can actually be depends on the context and the client’s expectations. This is where the role of the Scrum Master comes into its own: they are responsible for introducing the agile process into the team and for supporting and developing it through regular retrospectives, sprint planning and reviews. The Scrum Master ensures that the team does not just apply the agile methodology superficially, but really lives the principles and continuously strives for improvement.

Feedback from participants: enthusiasm and practical application

The feedback from colleagues illustrates how valuable practical training is for directly transferring the advantages of agile methods into the working world. One participant summarised: ‘It was a lot of fun and gave me many ideas for adapting the project structure.’ Another participant emphasised the practical orientation of the training: ‘I found it very helpful that specific questions were answered with equally specific solutions. This way, you can implement what you have learned directly in the project.’

For many, the balanced mix of theory and practice was the key to learning success. ‘The structure and mix of practice to theory was particularly good,’ emphasised one participant, while another praised the training with ‘Super balance between theory and practice!’ This interplay helped the participants to not only grasp what they had learned intellectually, but also to anchor it in practice.

Agile methods for the success of teams and organisations

An agile mindset and the appropriate methodology can be crucial to responding flexibly to change while increasing the quality and speed of projects. Organisations that successfully implement agile methods report higher levels of satisfaction and productivity among their teams, as well as better adaptability to market demands.

The Agile & Scrum training at mgm not only taught the participants the theoretical basics, but above all the practical benefits of agile methods. The positive feedback shows how important it is to anchor agile best practices in training so that teams have the tools to confidently master challenges in their day-to-day projects.

With well-trained agile leadership and competent Scrum Masters at their side, teams and companies can grow sustainably and lead their projects to success.

Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by mgm-marketing