In Scrum Teams, the Scrum Master plays a exciting role. But even a Scrum Master can experience moments of stagnation or boredom. So, how do you keep your profession fresh and fun? Let’s delve into my very own tried and true methods of staying sane in the Scrum realm.
The Scrum Guide: an old friend
There’s something soothing about revisiting the Scrum Guide. It’s like meeting an old friend and rediscovering the core of your profession. By rereading the guide, you reinforce foundational knowledge while perhaps gleaning new insights from familiar text. So, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and take a nostalgic dive back into the guide.
Check out this article on re-reading the Scrum Guide.
The vast world of Scrum media
Books, videos, podcasts, media aplenty! Scrum’s growing popularity means there’s no shortage of resources. Do yourself a favor: once in a while, immerse yourself in a new Scrum book or click on an insightful YouTube video. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from others’ experiences and insights.
My personal recommendations:
- “Fixing Your Scrum” by Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller: a review
- “SCRUM – A Smart Travel Companion” by Gunther Verheyen: a review
- “Mastering Professional Scrum” by Stephanie Ockerman & Simon Reindl: a review
- “Scrum Insights for Practitioners: The Scrum Guide Companion” by Hiren Doshi: a review
- “Scrum Mastery” by Geoff Watts: a review
- “Scrum – The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time” by Jeff Sutherland: a review
- YouTube: Scrum.org’s Scrum Tapas
- YouTube: Gunther Verheyen’s channel
Broaden the mind with relevant reads
It’s not just about Scrum; it’s about the skills that complement the role. From innovative team coaching techniques to fun ways of facilitating and the nuances of servant leadership, there’s a world out there waiting to be explored. Go ahead, be that Scrum Master who knows a little bit about everything.
My personal recommendations:
- “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: a review
- “Coaching Agile Teams” by Lyssa Adkins: a review
- “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni: a review
Your role isn’t just confined to Scrum; it’s a blend of leadership, facilitation, coaching, and more. So why not delve into areas like conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, or even time management? Equip yourself with auxiliary skills, and you’ll not only be a great Scrum Master but also a holistic (servant) leader.
Expand your horizons with new courses and assessments
Life’s a constant learning process. Scrum.org offers myriad courses and assessments designed to deepen and broaden your Scrum knowledge. From basics to advanced topics, there’s always something new to explore. Challenge yourself; you never know what nuggets of wisdom you might uncover.
Try advanced steps in your Scrum Master training. After PSM-I, you can try PSM-II and PSM-III. There are various courses and assessments available on Scrum.org.
Experimentation is key!
The beauty of Scrum lies in its adaptability. Every few weeks, dare to implement something new, no matter how trivial it might seem. A small tweak in the teams’ Daily Scrum, perhaps? An innovative retrospective technique? These little changes can bring a world of difference and add zest to the routine. And most important – it’s OK to fail! The iterative nature of Scrum gives you a steady feedback loop to improve.
Share, learn, and grow
Knowledge, when shared, multiplies. Start a blog or find a peer group. The joy of sharing experiences, successes, and even failures can not only enrich others but also offer you fresh perspectives. Besides, there’s an added bonus: the community’s feedback can sometimes be the best teacher!
Conclusion
Keeping oneself sane in the dynamic world of Scrum is not just a desire, it’s a necessity. It’s all about balance, continuous learning, and the joy of sharing. So, dear Scrum Masters, as you embark on this journey of self-preservation and growth, remember to keep the fun alive. Because at the end of the day, when work is fun, sanity follows. And as you explore these sanity-saving hacks, don’t forget to add a sprinkle of wit, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of passion. Sanity is best served with a smile!