Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches The Risk-Aware Scrum Master: Preventing Problems Before They Happen | Irene Castagnotto
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Irene defines success for Scrum Masters as helping teams anticipate and manage risks before they become unexpected problems. She focuses on ensuring teams don't face surprise risks during sprints and don't start work with missing requirements. Her approach includes using user story mapping with Product Owners to visualize potential risks and maintaining team happiness as a key success indicator. For Irene, creating a positive team environment is a crucial deliverable that Scrum Masters must actively work on. She emphasizes the importance of listening to team feedback and regularly assessing whether the team feels supported and engaged.
In this segment, we refer to W. Edwards Deming, and his famous quote “a bad system will beat a good person, every time!”
Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: The Good/Bad/Risk RetrospectiveThis retrospective format works particularly well with younger teams and uses humor to help teams discuss emotionally challenging topics. The format focuses on three key areas: what went well (Good), what didn't work (Bad), and what potential risks the team sees ahead (Risk). Irene recommends this approach because it helps teams surface risks that aren't visible to anyone else, creating opportunities to address potential problems proactively. By incorporating the language of risk into everyday conversations, teams become more aware of potential challenges and can plan accordingly. The humor element helps reduce the emotional intensity that often accompanies difficult discussions about team performance and challenges.
In this segment, we refer to the book “How to Make Good Things Happen: Know Your Brain, Enhance Your Life” by Marian Rojas Estape.
Self-reflection Question: How comfortable is your team with discussing risks openly, and what techniques could you use to make these conversations more approachable?
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About Irene Castagnotto
Irene, a Gen Z Italian Scrum Master, began her Agile journey at a young age. With a positive and passionate approach, she aims to help her generation navigate the world of work with confidence and serenity, while supporting teams in unlocking their full potential.
You can link with Irene Castagnotto on LinkedIn.