Scrum of Scrums is a technique used in Scrum framework to coordinate and manage the work of multiple Scrum teams, especially in larger, more complex projects. It is a way to address the challenges of scaling Agile practices to involve multiple teams working on the same product.

Here’s an overview of Scrum of Scrums:

Format and Facilitation:

• Format: Scrum of Scrums typically involves representatives from each Scrum team, often the Scrum Masters or Product Owners. These representatives meet to discuss progress, dependencies, and impediments.
• Frequency: The frequency of Scrum of Scrums meetings can vary but is often held daily or as needed, depending on the level of coordination required.
• Duration: These meetings are usually time-boxed to a short period, often 15-30 minutes.

Purpose and Benefits:

• Coordination: The primary purpose of Scrum of Scrums is to facilitate communication and coordination among multiple teams. It helps teams understand each other’s progress, dependencies, and potential roadblocks.
• Dependency Management: Scrum of Scrums is crucial for identifying and managing dependencies between teams. This is essential for ensuring that work can be integrated and delivered as a whole.
• Transparency: It enhances transparency by sharing information about what each team is working on and any challenges they’re facing.
• Quick Issue Resolution: Scrum of Scrums helps identify impediments early and allows for quicker issue resolution, preventing delays and bottlenecks.
• Alignment: It ensures that all teams remain aligned with the product vision and the organization’s strategic goals.

Anti-Patterns:

• Lack of Focus: Running Scrum of Scrums meetings without a clear focus on dependencies or without addressing impediments can make them unproductive.
• Ineffective Facilitation: Poor facilitation can result in unproductive or overly lengthy meetings.
• Excessive Detail: Going into too much detail in a Scrum of Scrums can make the meeting unwieldy. It’s essential to stay focused on the most critical information.
• Infrequent Meetings: Not holding Scrum of Scrums meetings regularly can lead to issues going unnoticed until it’s too late to address them efficiently.

Scrum of Scrums is a valuable tool for organisations with multiple Scrum teams working together. It helps them scale Agile practices, manage dependencies, and ensure that they are collectively delivering value in alignment with the overall product or project goals. When well-facilitated and focused on the right objectives, it enhances collaboration and keeps the organisation on track in larger, more complex Agile projects.