As a Scrum Master, how should you approach assigning Developers to new Scrum Teams?

• A. Organize people by similar skills
• B. Let Developers self-organize into teams
• C. Determine the structure yourself
• D. Randomly assign people to teams

Answer: (B)

Allowing Developers to self-organize into teams is aligned with one of the core principles of Scrum, which emphasizes self-management and empowerment. This approach fosters collaboration and enhances team dynamics, as individuals are more likely to work effectively with peers they have chosen based on mutual interests, skills, and working styles. When Developers self-organize, they take ownership of the team's composition, which can lead to increased motivation and accountability.

Self-organization also encourages innovation within the teams, allowing members to form groups in a way that they believe will maximize their collective potential. This method respects the expertise and judgment of the Developers, promoting an environment where they can thrive and perform at their best.

In contrast, organizing people by similar skills can create silos, limiting the diversity of thought and approaches within teams. Determining the structure yourself could undermine the self-organizing nature of Scrum, stifling collaboration and potentially leading to teams that lack cohesion or engagement. Randomly assigning people might disrupt established relationships and dynamics, which can hinder the team’s effectiveness and decrease productivity. Therefore, allowing Developers to self-organize is the most effective and Scrum-aligned strategy for forming new teams.