This document discusses leading distributed Scrum teams across different cultures. It introduces cultural models from Geert Hofstede and Edward Hall that can help understand differences between cultures like Vietnam, India, and Germany. The Scrum process and roles like the Scrum Master can help bridge cultural gaps if adapted, with practices like daily communication, shared team identity, and inspecting and adapting the process. Meetings like estimations and retrospectives require tools and facilitation to include all locations. Cultural awareness and sensitivity are important for an internationally distributed Scrum team to work effectively.

1. Das agile Manifest
Leading Distributed Scrum Teams
or How to Inspect & Adapt by using Cultural Models
Stephanie Gasche -
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2. Das agile Manifest
About me:
— Lived, studied and worked in Austria, France, Germany, UK and USA
— English & History (BA), International Business Management (MA)
— Management Consultant at bor!sgloger consulting GmbH
— Assists Scrum Teams and Management in Agile Transitions
— Blogs at http://borisgloger.com/blog
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3. Das agile ManifestOne Scrum Team spread across the globe ...
... how can I make that work?!
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“Culture is a dead resource until its value and
utility are recognized as knowledge.“
- John Holden
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Once upon a time,
there was my Scrum-Team...
5 different cultures
— 4 developers in Vietnam
— 3 developers in India
— 3 developers in Germany
— 1 English Product Owner (located in Germany)
— 1 Austrian ScrumMaster (located in Germany)
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6. Das agile Manifest
Dr. Geert Hofstede
Cultural Dimensions
5 Dimensions
— Power Distance (PD)
— Individualism / Collectivism (IDV)
— Masculinity / Femininity (MAS)
— Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)
— Long Term Orientation (LTO)
© http://geert-hofstede.com/dimensions.html
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7. Das agile Manifest
© http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html
Vietnam vs. Germany India vs. Germany
How can I apply the Cultural Dimensions to my Team?!
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8. Das agile Manifest
Edward T. Hall
Contexting Model
Low-context cultures
— verbal communication
— logic- and fact-driven
— direct speech and precise language
High-context cultures
— non-verbal communication
— context more important than content
— relationship-oriented, collectivistic
— group harmony and consensus
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9. Das agile Manifest
How can these Cultural Models help
and what can they teach me?!
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What to watch out for...
— Make sure everyone is aware of the differences
— Team staffing (persons, roles & hierarchies)
— Technical equipment
— Bridge the distance
— Corporate culture vs. national culture vs. Team culture
— WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY
Cultural Models meet Scrum
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11. Das agile Manifest
Yes.
— Principle of Inspect & Adapt
— Sprint Retrospective every 2 weeks
— Role of Scrum Master
— Daily “face-to-face“ communication
— Shared identity - one code, one product, one team
— Agile Values as the common denominator
Does Scrum generally help with
internationally distributed Teams?
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12. Das agile Manifest
The Scrum-Meetings
Tips & Tricks
— Preparation time
— Value everyday chit chat
— Move the webcam for interactive communication
— Visualisation
— Don‘t digitalise what needn‘t be digitalised
— ScrumMaster as meeting facilitator
— Time-box (sore necks & backs)
— Checklist - did everyone (every location) participate?
— Losing face: ScrumMaster asks the silly questions
— Use the sub-team whenever possible
— Proxy roles in every location
— Go drinking together
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13. ESTIMATION MEETING - Magic Estimation
Examples
© Corkboard
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14. ESTIMATION MEETING - Magic Estimation
© Google Docs
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15. ESTIMATION MEETING - Planning Poker
© www.planningpoker.com
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16. SPRINT RETROSPECTIVE - Online Spreadsheet
© www.editgrid.com
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17. Key Ideas
— The role of the ScrumMaster becomes non-disputable.
— Cultural Models can give a better understanding. Be sensible
in how to apply them. Continue treating people as individuals.
— If possible, co-locate. If not possible, use this impediment as
an opportunity for turning creative.
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18. Thank you for your attention!
Any questions?!
E-Mail: stephanie.gasche@borisgloger.com
Blog: http://borisgloger.com/blog/
Twitter: @StephyGasche
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/stephanie-gasche/53/460/929
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