About the course
Our Scrum Master training provides the practical experience and the theory required to become an effective Scrum Master or Scrum Developer. We can take into account your team's existing experience levels, the types of product you're developing, and your critical timescales and put together a customised Scrum course which meets your needs. You and your team will learn how to employ Scrum to increase value, improve productivity, and optimise the total cost of ownership of software products. This course can also help you prepare to take Scrum Master accreditation / certification exams such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM I).
This intensive 2-day hands-on course is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the Scrum Framework and the pivotal role of the Scrum Master. It goes beyond theoretical concepts by incorporating practical exercises, simulations, and real-world examples, allowing attendees to build the essential skills, style, and actions needed to effectively serve the Scrum Team, Product Owner, and the wider organisation. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles outlined in the Scrum Guide and learn how to apply them in practice to foster self-organisation, enhance collaboration, remove impediments, and guide the team towards continuous improvement and delivering high-quality products efficiently.
By mastering the facilitation of all key Scrum events, understanding techniques for measuring and interpreting team progress and productivity metrics (while being mindful of their context), and learning to identify and address organizational impediments ("Scrum Smells"), you will be well-equipped to support teams in navigating the complexities of product development. The course also explores the Scrum Master's interactions with various stakeholders (including Project Managers and Clients), introduces concepts for working with multiple teams and scaling Scrum, discusses the transition towards a coaching stance, and provides practical guidance on stepping into and growing within the role. The comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes this course an excellent foundation for becoming an impactful Scrum Master and for preparing for industry-recognized certifications like CSM or PSM I.
Instructor-led online and in-house face-to-face options are available - as part of a wider customised training programme, or as a standalone workshop, on-site at your offices or at one of many flexible meeting spaces in the UK and around the World.
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- Understand the foundational principles of Agile theory and the structure and values of the Scrum Framework as defined in the Scrum Guide.
- Articulate the accountabilities, services, skills, style, and key actions of an effective Scrum Master.
- Understand and effectively manage the crucial relationships of the Scrum Master with the Development Team, Product Owner, and other key stakeholders (e.g., managers, clients).
- Facilitate all key Scrum events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective) effectively to maximise their value.
- Identify and actively work to remove impediments that hinder the Scrum Team's progress.
- Understand concepts related to measuring and interpreting team productivity and identifying areas for improvement ("Scrum Smells").
- Gain awareness of considerations for working with multiple Scrum Teams and applying Scrum principles at scale.
- Understand the shift towards a coaching and mentoring stance as a Scrum Master.
- Apply learned Scrum principles and Scrum Master practices through hands-on exercises and simulations.
- Prepare effectively for industry-recognized Scrum Master accreditation/certification exams (such as CSM or PSM I).
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This 2-day intensive hands-on training course is designed for individuals who are aspiring to become or are already working as Scrum Masters, and anyone involved in Agile software development projects using the Scrum Framework. It is ideal for:
Aspiring and current Scrum Masters seeking to deepen their understanding and practical skills.
Development Team members who want to better understand the Scrum Master's role and how to support the team.
Team Leads, Project Managers, Business Analysts, or other professionals transitioning to an Agile/Scrum environment.
Anyone preparing for industry-recognized Scrum Master certifications (e.g., Certified Scrum Master - CSM, Professional Scrum Master - PSM I).
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Familiarity with basic software development, product development, or project management concepts is helpful.
Some experience working in a team environment is beneficial.
An open mind and willingness to engage actively in interactive learning, discussions, and practical exercises.
No prior experience specifically with the Scrum Framework is required. Familiarity with general Agile concepts is a bonus but not essential.
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This Scrum course is available for private / custom delivery for your team - as an in-house face-to-face workshop at your location of choice, or as online instructor-led training via MS Teams (or your own preferred platform).
Get in touch to find out how we can deliver tailored training which focuses on your project requirements and learning goals.
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Overview of Agile theory and Scrum Framework
Introduction to Agile values and principles.
Understanding why Agile frameworks like Scrum are effective.
Overview of the Scrum Framework components: Roles, Events, Artefacts.
Discuss the Scrum Guide: Its purpose and core concepts.
Origins and history of Scrum.
Discussion: Contrasting traditional approaches with Agile and Scrum.
The Role and Accountabilities of the Scrum Master
Focus on the role and accountabilities of the Scrum Master as defined in the Scrum Guide.
Scrum Master as a servant-leader.
Services to the Development Team, Product Owner, and Organisation.
Exploring the skills, style and actions of an effective Scrum Master (facilitation, coaching, mentoring, teaching, impediment removal, change agent).
Exercise/Discussion: What makes an effective Scrum Master?
Relationships in Scrum
Understanding the Scrum Master's relationship to the Development Team: Facilitating self-organisation, protecting the team, removing impediments.
Understanding the Scrum Master's relationship to the Product Owner: Helping with backlog management, understanding empiricism.
Understanding the Scrum Master's relationship to Project Managers, Clients, and other stakeholders: Managing expectations, shielding the team, promoting Scrum understanding.
Discussion/Role Play: Navigating common relationship dynamics.
Facilitation of Scrum Events
Understanding the purpose and time-boxes of all Scrum Events.
Facilitation techniques for effective Sprint Planning.
Running efficient Daily Scrums ("Stand-Up") - Dos and Don’ts.
Holding engaging and valuable Sprint Reviews.
Facilitating impactful Sprint Retrospectives ("Retrospective Gold").
Practical Exercise/Simulation: Facilitating a Scrum event (e.g., Daily Scrum or Retrospective).
Productivity, Impediments, and "Scrum Smells"
Eyes on productivity: Understanding what productivity means in Scrum (delivering value) vs. busyness.
Basic concepts of metrics in Scrum (e.g., Velocity, Burndown - handled carefully).
Identifying and addressing impediments (obstacles blocking the team).
Understanding Scrum “Smells”: Signs that Scrum might not be implemented effectively.
Techniques for removing impediments and fostering a healthy team environment.
Discussion: Common impediments and strategies for overcoming them.
Working with Other Teams and at Scale
Brief overview of considerations for working with multiple Scrum Teams.
Introduction to concepts for applying Scrum at scale (e.g., LeSS, SAFe - high-level awareness).
Challenges and patterns when coordinating work across teams.
Discussion: Experiences or challenges with multi-team environments.
Towards Coaching
Understanding the Scrum Master's transition from task-master or secretary to coach and mentor.
Different stances of a Scrum Master (facilitator, coach, teacher, mentor, impediment remover, change agent).
Basic coaching concepts applicable to supporting individuals and the team.
How to Get Started & Certification Prep
Practical steps for getting started as a Scrum Master in a new team or organisation.
Maintaining and improving your skills as a Scrum Master.
Discussing Scrum Master accreditation / certification exams (such as Certified Scrum Master - CSM or Professional Scrum Master - PSM I).
Tips and resources for exam preparation.
Wrap-up and Q&A.
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The Scrum Guide™: The essential and definitive source for the rules and framework of Scrum.
"Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by Jeff Sutherland: A popular book offering insights into the origins and successful implementation of Scrum.
"Agile Facilitation: Leading Effective Meetings and Workshops" by Johanna Rothman: Resources on mastering facilitation skills crucial for Scrum Masters.
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