An Anti-Pattern is a recurring pattern that frequently shows up, where the behaviour creates new problems somewhere else in the system. Example: the common practice of MicroManagement allows the MicroManager to feel like they’re maintaining control, yet their control reduces self-organization, creates disengagement, slows decision-making etc. So even though the MicroManager feels like they’re in control, their behaviour is damaging the system they’re part of.
Even the ScrumMaster can join in the AntiPattern fun:
- Doesn’t understand self-organization and so gives orders to the Team
- Doesn’t coach the Product Owner and so the Team continues to work without a Product Vision or Strategy
- ScrumMaster Role is combined with the Product Owner role – the roles have different focuses and skill sets. Few people are skilled in both Coaching a team and also bringing a Product to life
- Scrum Parent – ScrumMaster solves all the team’s problems for them
- Facilitator only – not realizing there is more to the role; the ScrumMaster facilitates meetings but puts no effort into coaching
MicroManagement is just one of the many general Agile Anti Patterns that we document.
Resource Links:
- 3 Common Scrum Anti-Patterns and How to Fix Them
- Scrum Master Anti-Patterns
- Scrum Master Anti Patterns: Beware of Becoming a Scrum Mom (or Scrum Pop)
- ScrumMaster Antipatterns That Every ScrumMaster Must Understand
- Understanding the anti-patterns of a Scrum Master
- When the Scrum Master Role is Set Up to Be an Anti-Pattern
See Also:
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