[Scrum](https://inpositiv.com/insights/scrum-framework-and-artefacts-explained) is a popular [Agile framework](https://inpositiv.com/insights/what-is-agile-methodology-and-how-does-it-work) for managing and completing complicated projects. [The Scrum Master](https://inpositiv.com/insights/scrum-components-and-events) is a critical job in Scrum who is responsible for facilitating the Scrum process and ensuring the team adheres to the Scrum framework. The [principle of servant leadership](https://inpositiv.com/insights/the-power-of-servant-leadership-in-agile-how-leading-by-serving-can-transform-your-team), however, distinguishes Scrum Masters from typical managers. This leadership concept focuses on placing the needs of the team ahead of one's own and on creating a good work atmosphere. We will look at why Scrum Masters are referred to as servant leaders, how this leadership philosophy correlates with the Scrum framework, and the benefits of servant leadership in the Scrum environment in this article.

### Understanding Servant Leadership:

- [Servant leadership](https://inpositiv.com/insights/the-power-of-servant-leadership-in-agile-how-leading-by-serving-can-transform-your-team) is a leadership concept that prioritises followers' needs and well-being.
-  Servant leaders prioritise promoting a healthy work atmosphere, building trust, and empowering team members.
-  Servant leaders set a good example for their teams by modelling the behaviours they desire to see.

### Alignment of Servant Leadership with Scrum:

- As Scrum Masters, their primary responsibility is to support the team by facilitating the Scrum process and ensuring that the team adheres to the Scrum framework.
- They develop a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared ownership by creating a great work environment.
- They may improve ownership and accountability among team members by allowing them to self-organise and make decisions.

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### Benefits of Servant Leadership in Scrum context:

- **Increased motivation and productivity**: By emphasising the needs of the team and fostering a positive work environment, we will boost team members' motivation and productivity.
- **Improved team collaboration and communication**: We can improve team collaboration and communication by cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared ownership.
- **Increased ownership and accountability**: By empowering the team to self-organise and make decisions, we may boost team members' ownership and accountability.
- **Improved customer value delivery**:  improve the team's ability to give value to the customer by aligning the team's efforts with the goal of delivering value to the customer.

Finally, in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, the role of Scrum Masters as Servant Leaders is important. The Servant Leadership attitude complements the Scrum framework, and its application can result in a more positive work environment, better team motivation, improved collaboration, and improved value delivery to customers. Servant Leadership in Agile environments will become increasingly important as firms handle increasingly complex difficulties. Organisations may better support their teams in delivering value to customers and achieving success by understanding the leadership philosophy behind Scrum and the role of Scrum Masters as Servant Leaders.

As a Scrum Master, he/she must remember that servant leadership is a philosophy, not just a function, and it must be practised regularly to foster a healthy work environment and ensure the team's success in delivering value to the client.

Explore the relationship between servant leadership and the Scrum framework, as well as the benefits of servant leadership in the Scrum setting. Understand the significance of servant leadership in Agile situations, as well as the role of Scrum Masters in effectively managing Agile teams.

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Why Scrum Masters are Called Servant Leaders: Understanding the Leadership Philosophy behind Scrum

[Agile development](lhttps://inpositiv.com/insights/what-is-agile-methodology-and-how-does-it-work) has become increasingly popular in recent years, with its focus on flexibility and collaboration within teams. One important aspect of agile project management is estimation, particularly story point estimation. This process involves assigning a numerical value to each user story in the product backlog, indicating the effort required to complete the task.

Story points can be calculated based on factors such as complexity, uncertainty, and effort required. This estimation helps agile teams to plan sprints effectively and manage their workload, ensuring that deadlines are met and the project moves forward efficiently. However, story point estimation is not always straightforward. It requires careful consideration by the product owner and the development team, based on their understanding of the project requirements and their collective expertise.

In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when estimating story points in agile development, as well as practical tips for using story points effectively in [sprint planning](https://inpositiv.com/insights/scrum-framework-and-artefacts-explained). By mastering the art of agile estimation, teams can optimise their productivity and deliver high-quality products to their clients. So if you're ready to learn more about story points and how to use them in your Agile project management, read on. 

## What are story points in the agile model?

In [agile project management](https://inpositiv.com/insights/what-is-agile-methodology-and-how-does-it-work), teams use story points to estimate the effort required for completing a specific task. Story points are a way in which an agile team can measure and prioritise the work they do. They are not based on time but are rather a measure of the complexity, risk, and effort in completing an item.
![software-agile-board-with-paper-task.jpg](/uploads/software_agile_board_with_paper_task_0a51c81de1.jpg)
Teams use story points in agile instead of hours or days because they provide a more accurate and consistent way of estimating work efforts. Story points are relative to each other, meaning they reflect the relative size or complexity of the items being estimated. When calculating story points in agile, a baseline story that represents an average level of complexity is chosen, and all other items are then compared to this baseline story. This comparison provides a better understanding of the size and complexity of each item, making it easier to prioritise tasks and allocate resources. Overall, story points in agile provide a more reliable and consistent way for teams to estimate and manage their workload in an agile manner.

### Understand what story points are and why they matter in Agile.

Story points are a unit of measure used in agile development to estimate the effort required for a particular task or user story. They are not a measure of time but rather a measure of complexity, risk, and effort. This method of estimation helps teams to better plan and prioritise their work and track their progress over time. Understanding the concept of story points and why they matter is essential to effectively using them in agile development.

In agile methodologies like [Scrum](https://inpositiv.com/insights/scrum-framework-and-artefacts-explained), teams work in short iterations called sprints. During sprint planning, the team and the product owner collaborate to prioritise and assign user stories from the product backlog to the upcoming sprint. To facilitate this process, they estimate the effort required for each story using story points. This estimation technique allows the team to gauge how much work they can realistically complete during the sprint and allocate resources accordingly.

One popular method for estimating story points is planning poker, where team members use a deck of cards with Fibonacci numbers to assign story point values to product backlog items. The Fibonacci sequence is used because it reflects the inherent uncertainty in estimating larger tasks, which tend to have more risk or uncertainty.

The key advantage of using story points over traditional time-based estimation is that it focuses on relative estimation, comparing the amount of work and effort between different tasks. For example, if a team assigns a story point value of 2 to a task and a value of 4 to another task, they are estimating that the second task requires twice as much effort as the first task. This allows for more accurate and consistent estimation, as it takes into account the complexity, risk, and uncertainty of each task.

### Use a consistent scale for estimating.

In agile development, using a consistent scale for story point estimation is crucial for the success of the project. A shared understanding of what each point value represents in terms of effort and complexity enables agile teams to accurately and reliably estimate work. This common understanding allows team members to assign points to user stories in agile projects effectively, which in turn helps in better planning and execution of sprints.

Different teams may choose different scales for estimating story points. Some teams use the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.), which is useful when dealing with a higher degree of uncertainty, while others use a linear scale (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) for more straightforward tasks. The key is to select a scale that works best for your team and ensure that everyone understands and uses it consistently.

When assigning points to user stories in Agile, it's essential to consider various aspects, such as development and testing efforts, complexity, and potential risks. Agile story points help the team to determine how much work they can commit to in a sprint, considering their capacity and the complexity of the tasks at hand. Consistency in estimation ensures that the number of story points assigned to a task reflects the actual effort required to complete it.
![businesspeople-planning-glass-wall.jpg](/uploads/businesspeople_planning_glass_wall_330d1abce6.jpg)
Using a consistent scale for estimating also facilitates better communication among team members, as it helps them align their understanding of the work required. Agile estimation techniques, such as planning poker, can further enhance this alignment by encouraging team members to discuss their perspectives before arriving at a consensus.

### Involve the whole team in the estimation process

Story point estimation is a crucial aspect of agile project management that helps teams plan and prioritise their work effectively. It's essential to involve the entire team in the process of assigning story points to tasks, as this ensures that everyone has a shared understanding of the work involved in each story. Involving the whole team also helps to prevent bias and guarantees that all perspectives are taken into account. Encouraging open discussion and collaboration during the estimation process leads to more accurate and reliable estimates.

In agile methodologies like Scrum, story points represent the complexity, risk, and effort associated with a product backlog item. These points are relative, meaning that they are used to compare the amount of work required for different tasks rather than providing an absolute measure of time. Understanding story points in agile is vital for teams to effectively use them in planning and managing their work.

When the whole team participates in the story point estimation process, it fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among team members. This collaborative approach helps to identify potential challenges or issues that may not have been apparent to just one or two individuals. By having everyone contribute their perspectives, the team can arrive at a more accurate story point estimate, which in turn leads to a more efficient and successful sprint.

It's important to remember that story points don't represent a commitment to complete a task within a specific timeframe. Instead, they provide a relative measure of effort and complexity that can be used to guide the team's planning and prioritisation efforts. This shared understanding of the work involved ensures that the team can make informed decisions about their sprint capacity and work allocation.

### Break down stories into smaller, more manageable tasks.

In agile development, breaking down user stories into smaller, more manageable tasks is an effective way to improve the accuracy of story point estimation. This approach helps the team to better understand the complexity of the work involved and make more informed decisions when assigning story points. Smaller tasks also enable the team to more effectively plan and execute sprints, which is essential in agile planning.

To break down a user story, start by identifying the major tasks involved and then decompose those tasks into smaller sub-tasks. This process allows the team to assess the effort needed for each component, consider any potential roadblocks or challenges, and assign a point value accordingly. A story that is assigned 1 story point, for example, would be significantly less complex and time-consuming than one assigned 5 story points.

It's crucial to take into account any dependencies or external factors that may impact the work involved in each task. These factors could include the availability of resources, the expertise of team members, or the need to collaborate with other departments. By incorporating these considerations into the estimation process, the team can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the scope of the work.

Using a story point estimation matrix can further help the team in breaking down stories and assigning points based on the complexity and effort required. This tool allows the team to compare different tasks and determine how many story points should be assigned to each, ensuring consistency in the estimation process.
![asian-woman-standing-window-office-looking-printouts-with-business-graphs-glass (1).jpg](/uploads/asian_woman_standing_window_office_looking_printouts_with_business_graphs_glass_1_967e1f5e43.jpg)
### Use past data to inform future estimates.

Utilising past data is a powerful approach for estimating story points in agile development. This method involves examining previous sprints or projects to discern patterns and trends regarding the time taken to complete specific tasks or user stories. By leveraging this historical data, teams can make more informed estimates for upcoming sprints or projects, leading to improved planning and execution. It is essential to remember that this strategy should be combined with other estimation techniques, as past data might not always be relevant to present or future tasks.
In the agile framework, story points are used to provide an estimate of the overall effort required to complete a task, taking into account factors like complexity, uncertainty, and required resources. To ensure accuracy and consistency, agile teams often use techniques like planning poker, which promotes collaboration and open discussion among team members, including the product owner, development, and testing teams.

In addition to using past data, teams assign story points by comparing the effort needed for a new task to previously completed tasks. For example, if a team assigned two story points to a user story in a past sprint and believes that a similar story in the product backlog requires a similar level of effort, they may assign the same number of story points to the new story. This process of relative estimation helps teams establish a consistent baseline for story points in the agile development process.

However, relying solely on past data may not always provide an accurate picture, as factors like changing team dynamics, evolving technologies, and shifting project requirements can impact the complexity of tasks. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously review and adjust the estimation process, incorporating lessons learned from past sprints to ensure that story point estimates remain relevant and accurate.

In conclusion, effective story point estimation is a vital aspect of agile development, as it helps teams accurately plan and prioritise their work. To achieve the most accurate estimates, it is crucial to involve the entire team in the estimation process, ensuring that all perspectives are considered and fostering a shared understanding of the tasks at hand. Additionally, using a consistent scale for estimating and breaking down stories into smaller tasks enables teams to better comprehend the work involved and assign story points accordingly. Moreover, leveraging past data to inform future estimates helps teams identify patterns and trends, resulting in more informed decision-making. By implementing these practices, agile teams can improve their process.

Story points are a key component of agile development, but estimating them can be tricky. This guide breaks down the process and provides tips for success.

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How to Estimate Story Points in Agile Development

As businesses strive to keep up with the growing demands of the modern world, more and more are turning to the agile methodology in software development. Agile is a constantly evolving process that empowers teams to self-organise and optimise their work, resulting in more efficient and effective project completion. For managers in this field, adopting agile methodologies can seem overwhelming, especially if they have little experience with this approach. However, there are specific steps that managers can take to ensure that they understand and implement agile methodologies effectively.

An agile team typically consists of a product owner, a scrum master, and cross-functional team members. The product owner is responsible for setting priorities and goals for the project, while the [scrum master](https://inpositiv.com/insights/unveiling-the-role-of-scrum-master-what-they-do-what-makes-a-good-one-and-more) acts as a coach, guiding the team in implementing agile methodologies. Cross-functional team members work collaboratively to overcome barriers and accomplish the project's objectives. To make the most of agile principles, it's important that self-organising teams are established for optimal results.

In this article, we will explore the key practices and strategies that can help managers transition to an agile approach. We'll also take a closer look at impediments that may arise during implementation, and how to overcome them to achieve success. By the end of this article, you should be better equipped to implement agile methodology as an agile manager, initiating a positive change in your software development team.


## How to Manage Agile Teams?

Agile teams have become increasingly popular in organisational settings as they offer countless benefits such as increased productivity, flexibility, and team member satisfaction. To successfully manage an agile team, an agile manager must possess several key skills such as effective communication, flexibility, and adaptability. Communication is essential in an agile organisation as it fosters transparency, builds trust and ensures all team members have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, flexibility is necessary in an agile environment as changes in project requirements and priorities are common.

An agile manager must be able to adapt to these changes and create a work environment that supports and encourages team members to do the same. To maximise the benefits of agile, an organisational culture that is supportive of innovation, collaboration, and agile methodologies should be fostered.
![cheerful-young-speakers-standing-near-whiteboard.jpg](/uploads/cheerful_young_speakers_standing_near_whiteboard_af06e499eb.jpg)
This involves promoting continuous learning, experimentation and creating an environment that encourages risk-taking. In conclusion, managing an agile team requires a combination of soft and technical skills, a supportive organisational culture, and an adaptive management approach. When implemented effectively, an agile team can produce high-quality results quickly and efficiently. Here we'll explore five critical aspects of the agile manager role that will help you to effectively lead your team, foster collaboration, and continuously deliver value to your customers.

### Understand the Principles of Agile Methodology.

To effectively implement agile methodology within your team or organisation, it's crucial to first understand its foundational principles. Agile emphasises adaptability, collaboration, and ongoing enhancement in various aspects such as software development and project management. Agile teams, consisting of roles like the product owner, scrum master, and cross-functional team members, work in short, iterative cycles called sprints, enabling them to adapt and pivot as necessary.


Effective communication and collaboration lie at the heart of agile methodology. Team members work cohesively to resolve problems and achieve shared goals. Agile managers create an environment that encourages teams to self-organise and empowers them to make decisions. By removing impediments and optimising processes, agile leaders support self-organising teams, fostering collaboration and shared ownership.

Identify the Right Agile Framework for Your Team.
With various agile frameworks available, such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and others, it's essential to identify the one that aligns best with your team's requirements and objectives. Each framework brings its distinct approach and set of practices, making the selection process vital for your team's success in software development and other projects.

When determining the most suitable agile framework, take into account factors like team size, project complexity, and organisational culture. Consider how each framework might influence the way your agile team, product owner, and scrum master work together, as well as how it may impact self-organising teams and their ability to self-organise.

Involving your team in the decision-making process is crucial for fostering ownership and commitment. Furthermore, provide training and support to ensure your team fully understands the chosen framework and can effectively implement its practices. By addressing potential impediments and optimising processes, you'll be able to facilitate a smooth transition and empower your cross-functional team to excel within the chosen agile framework.

### Set Clear Goals and Priorities.

In an agile organisation, one of the fundamental principles is to concentrate on providing value to the customer through an iterative and incremental development process. As a development manager, your role in agile is to set well-defined goals and priorities for your team, ensuring they tackle the most critical tasks first. This approach requires regular communication and collaboration with stakeholders to comprehend their needs and preferences, facilitating effective product management.

Utilise tools such as user stories and product backlogs to prioritise tasks and monitor progress toward your objectives. These tools aid in managing the agile process and defining the manager's role in a way that supports the overall success of teams and individuals. Establishing clear goals and priorities is essential not only for individual teams but also for fostering alignment across teams, and achieving end-to-end results.

By setting transparent goals and priorities, you empower your team to remain focused and motivated to deliver customer value. Furthermore, it allows them to better understand their part within the larger context of the organisation, thus promoting cohesion and boosting overall productivity.

### Foster a Collaborative and Transparent Environment.

Embracing agile culture within an organisation requires the adoption and implementation of agile values such as collaboration and transparency. As a manager in an agile environment, it's crucial to create a setting where teams and individuals feel at ease discussing their thoughts and concerns. Encourage open communication and regular check-ins to guarantee that everyone stays aligned and informed within the agile framework.
![female-graphic-designer-pointing-sticky-notes-glass](/uploads/female_graphic_designer_pointing_sticky_notes_glass_af6b1899bf.jpg)
Leverage tools like daily stand-up meetings and retrospectives to promote communication and identify areas for improvement. These practices help agile teams operate more cohesively and ensure a smooth workflow in multiple agile teams within the organisation. In product management, a manager also plays a vital role in nurturing this collaborative atmosphere, leading by example and actively participating in transparent communication.

By fostering a collaborative and transparent environment, you not only empower your team to work more efficiently and effectively towards your shared objectives, but you also contribute to the growth of a healthy agile organisation. As a result, your team can continuously improve and deliver better outcomes, thus benefiting the organisation as a whole.

### Continuously Evaluate and Adapt Your Processes.

A fundamental aspect of agile methodology lies in the notion of continuous improvement. In the agile manager role, it's crucial to consistently assess your team's processes and make necessary adaptations. This entails being receptive to feedback from team members and implementing changes based on their input. As a manager, you must also be proactive in monitoring your team's performance metrics and pinpointing areas that require enhancement.

By adopting this continuous evaluation and adaptation approach, you can help the team optimise their workflow and maintain peak performance levels. In doing so, your team is better positioned to deliver value to the customers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results in a constantly evolving landscape. Remember, as an agile manager, your role is not just about managing, but also about empowering and supporting your team in achieving their goals and driving overall success.

In conclusion, adopting the agile manager role requires an understanding of agile principles, selecting the right framework for your team, setting clear goals and priorities, fostering a collaborative and transparent environment, and continuously evaluating and adapting your processes. By focusing on these five aspects, you'll be better equipped to lead your team to success within an agile organisation. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve as an agile manager, and you'll find yourself guiding your team toward higher levels of performance, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.

 As a manager, implementing agile methodology can be a game-changer for your team's productivity. Learn how to do it effectively with this guide.

Why Scrum Masters are Called Servant Leaders: Understanding the Leadership Philosophy behind Scrum

Understanding Servant Leadership:

Alignment of Servant Leadership with Scrum:

Benefits of Servant Leadership in Scrum context:

How to Estimate Story Points in Agile Development

How to Implement Agile Methodology as a Manager

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