Scrum is an Agile methodology that is widely adopted by organizations for its effectiveness in managing complex projects. Scrum teams work collaboratively on projects by adhering to a set of rules and working agreements. These agreements help to ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal and fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. In this article, we will explore some examples of Scrum team working agreements.
1. Daily stand-ups
One of the most common working agreements in Scrum is daily stand-ups. This is a short meeting that typically lasts 15 minutes or less and is held every day at the same time. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that everyone on the team is aligned and working towards the same goals. Each team member shares what they worked on the previous day, what they plan to work on today, and any challenges they are facing. This meeting helps to keep everyone on track and fosters collaboration amongst team members.
2. Definition of done
The definition of done is a working agreement that outlines what needs to be done for a project to be considered complete. This agreement helps to ensure that everyone on the team has a clear understanding of what is expected of them and what the end goal looks like. This agreement can include things like functional requirements, user acceptance testing, and code reviews. By having a clear definition of done, the team can avoid confusion and ensure that the project is completed to a high standard.
3. Sprint planning
Sprint planning is a working agreement that outlines what will be achieved during a sprint. The sprint is a set period, usually two to four weeks, during which the team works towards achieving a set of goals. During sprint planning, the team collaboratively decides what work will be completed during the sprint. This agreement helps the team to stay focused and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.
4. Retrospectives
Retrospectives are a working agreement that allows the team to reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement. This meeting is typically held at the end of each sprint and provides an opportunity for the team to discuss what went well, what didn`t go well, and what they can do better in the future. This agreement helps to foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensures that the team is always looking for ways to improve.
5. Code review guidelines
Code review guidelines are a working agreement that outlines the process for reviewing code. This agreement can include things like when and how code should be reviewed, who should be involved in the process, and what criteria should be used to evaluate the code. By having clear guidelines in place, the team can ensure that code is reviewed thoroughly and to a high standard.
In conclusion, Scrum team working agreements are essential for ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned and working towards the same goals. The examples we have discussed are just a few of the many working agreements that can be put in place. By adopting these agreements, the team can foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
