Inconsistent or unclear goals

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

As a professional in the field of Agile and Scrum, you've likely encountered teams struggling to implement these methodologies effectively. When you join a new team, you may find that their Agile/Scrum practices are poorly managed, leading to inefficiencies and frustration among team members. In this article, we'll explore the complexities of addressing these issues and provide guidance on when to speak up.

Understanding the Context

You've recently joined a new team, which is a lateral move with additional benefits and opportunities to learn more about a field that interests you. This change can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you're aware of the team's Agile/Scrum management issues. It's essential to approach this situation with empathy and a clear understanding of the team's dynamics.

Recognizing the Signs of Poor Agile/Scrum Management

Before deciding whether to speak up, it's crucial to identify the specific challenges your new team is facing. Some common signs of poorly managed Agile/Scrum include:

Inconsistent or unclear goals: Team members may struggle to understand the project's objectives, leading to confusion and misaligned efforts.
Lack of transparency: Important information, such as project progress or team performance, may not be shared openly, creating uncertainty and mistrust.
Inefficient workflows: The team's processes may be cumbersome, leading to delays, rework, or unnecessary complexity.
Poor communication: Team members may not be communicating effectively, resulting in misunderstandings, conflicts, or missed opportunities.
Inadequate feedback: Team members may not be receiving regular feedback, making it challenging to identify areas for improvement.

When to Speak Up

Deciding whether to speak up about the team's Agile/Scrum management issues can be a delicate matter. Consider the following factors before sharing your concerns:

Your relationship with the team: If you're new to the team, it's essential to establish a rapport with your colleagues before addressing sensitive topics. Take the time to build trust and understand the team's dynamics.
The team's receptivity: Assess the team's willingness to listen and adapt to new ideas. If they're open to feedback and willing to learn, it's more likely that your input will be well-received.
Your role and authority: Consider your position within the team and the organization. If you're a team lead or have a significant influence on the team's processes, your input may carry more weight.
The potential impact: Weigh the potential benefits of speaking up against the potential risks. If your input could lead to significant improvements, it may be worth sharing your concerns.

Approaching the Conversation

If you've decided to speak up, it's essential to approach the conversation with empathy and a clear understanding of the team's challenges. Follow these steps:

Schedule a private meeting: Request a meeting with the team lead or relevant stakeholders to discuss your concerns.
Focus on the process, not the people: Emphasize the specific Agile/Scrum management issues and how they're impacting the team, rather than making personal attacks or criticisms.
Use "I" statements: Express your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements, which help to avoid blame and defensiveness.
Offer solutions and suggestions: Provide concrete recommendations for improving the team's Agile/Scrum management practices.
Listen actively: Pay attention to the team's concerns and respond thoughtfully to their feedback.

Example Script

Here's an example script to help you structure your conversation:

"Hi [Team Lead], I wanted to discuss some concerns I have about our Agile/Scrum management practices. I've noticed that we're struggling with [specific issue], which is impacting our productivity and team morale. I think we could improve our workflow by [proposed solution]. I'd love to discuss this further and explore ways to implement these changes. What are your thoughts?"

Conclusion

As a professional in the field of Agile and Scrum, you may have encountered teams struggling to implement these methodologies effectively. When you join a new team, you may find that their Agile/Scrum practices are poorly managed, leading to inefficiencies and frustration among team members. In this article, we'll address some frequently asked questions related to navigating a new team's Agile/Scrum challenges.

Q: What are the most common signs of poorly managed Agile/Scrum?

A: Some common signs of poorly managed Agile/Scrum include:

Inconsistent or unclear goals: Team members may struggle to understand the project's objectives, leading to confusion and misaligned efforts.
Lack of transparency: Important information, such as project progress or team performance, may not be shared openly, creating uncertainty and mistrust.
Inefficient workflows: The team's processes may be cumbersome, leading to delays, rework, or unnecessary complexity.
Poor communication: Team members may not be communicating effectively, resulting in misunderstandings, conflicts, or missed opportunities.
Inadequate feedback: Team members may not be receiving regular feedback, making it challenging to identify areas for improvement.

Q: How do I know if I should speak up about the team's Agile/Scrum management issues?

A: Consider the following factors before sharing your concerns:

Your relationship with the team: If you're new to the team, it's essential to establish a rapport with your colleagues before addressing sensitive topics. Take the time to build trust and understand the team's dynamics.
The team's receptivity: Assess the team's willingness to listen and adapt to new ideas. If they're open to feedback and willing to learn, it's more likely that your input will be well-received.
Your role and authority: Consider your position within the team and the organization. If you're a team lead or have a significant influence on the team's processes, your input may carry more weight.
The potential impact: Weigh the potential benefits of speaking up against the potential risks. If your input could lead to significant improvements, it may be worth sharing your concerns.

Q: How do I approach the conversation with the team lead or stakeholders?

A: Follow these steps:

Schedule a private meeting: Request a meeting with the team lead or relevant stakeholders to discuss your concerns.
Focus on the process, not the people: Emphasize the specific Agile/Scrum management issues and how they're impacting the team, rather than making personal attacks or criticisms.
Use "I" statements: Express your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements, which help to avoid blame and defensiveness.
Offer solutions and suggestions: Provide concrete recommendations for improving the team's Agile/Scrum management practices.
Listen actively: Pay attention to the team's concerns and respond thoughtfully to their feedback.

Q: What if the team is resistant to change or doesn't want to listen to my feedback?

A: If the team is resistant to change or doesn't want to listen to your feedback, it may be challenging to implement improvements. Consider the following:

Re-evaluate your approach: Reflect on your communication style and ensure that you're approaching the conversation in a constructive and respectful manner.
Seek support from higher management: If the team is resistant to change, it may be necessary to involve higher management or a third-party expert to facilitate the conversation.
Focus on small wins: Instead of trying to implement significant changes, focus on small, incremental improvements that can build momentum and demonstrate the value of Agile/Scrum.

Q: How can I ensure that my feedback is well-received and acted upon?

A: To ensure that your feedback is well-received and acted upon, consider the following:

Be specific and objective: Provide concrete, data-driven feedback that focuses on specific behaviors or processes rather than making general criticisms.
Use a solution-focused approach: Instead of simply pointing out problems, offer concrete recommendations for improvement.
Follow up and follow through: After providing feedback, check in with the team to ensure that they're making progress and address any concerns or questions they may have.

Conclusion

Navigating a new team's Agile/Scrum challenges requires empathy, understanding, and a clear approach. By recognizing the signs of poor management, considering your relationship with the team, and approaching the conversation with empathy, you can effectively address these issues and contribute to the team's growth and success. Remember to focus on the process, not the people, and offer solutions and suggestions to improve the team's Agile/Scrum management practices.