Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches
Episode: Situational Leadership for Scrum Masters - Knowing When to Step Back
Guest: Anh Vu
Host: Vasco Duarte
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte (referred to as Rasco during the conversation) engages in a profound discussion with guest Anh Vu, an experienced Scrum Master and Agile Coach. The conversation centers around situational leadership for Scrum Masters, emphasizing the delicate balance between guiding teams and knowing when to step back to foster autonomy.
Favorite Agile Retrospective Format
The episode opens with Rasco inquiring about Anh Vu's preferred format for agile retrospectives. Anh Vu shares his recent preference:
“Recently in my teams I prefer a freeform retrospective with people in a small room with a table and a white spot and people can like freely reflect into from the last win what we achieve from the goals and what we did not achieve.”
(01:43)
He highlights the importance of open reflection and collaborative discussion, ensuring that each retrospective concludes with actionable items:
“As long as the team leave the room with 1, 2, 3 actions, I think it's a win.”
(02:18)
Techniques to Encourage Participation
Rasco probes further into how to foster active participation during retrospectives, especially in preventing team members from remaining silent. Anh Vu elaborates on his approach:
“I also prepare some sticky note for people to have some like two minutes at the beginning to really think quietly on their own about the last sprint and writing a few words from their perspective.”
(03:01)
This technique encourages individual reflection before group discussion, helping team members articulate their thoughts and share more openly. Over time, this practice cultivates a habit of sharing and enhances team communication.
Team Context: Co-location vs. Remote/Hybrid
The conversation shifts to the team dynamics, specifically addressing the challenges of remote versus co-located teams. Anh Vu explains his team's setup:
“Actually we are the hybrid team. Like we spend 50% of the time working remotely. But we have the ground rule that usually we will spend time for the resource in the office together and we have lunch together that day.”
(04:22)
He emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions, such as sharing meals, to build trust and camaraderie among team members.
Building Trust: Meals and Social Interaction
Rasco reinforces the significance of social activities in fostering trust within teams:
“Having a meal together builds trust or breaking bread together builds trust. [...] it's an important way to create connection and build trust within teams.”
(05:16)
Anh Vu concurs, highlighting his investment in offline office days to not only work together but also engage in social activities:
“Meal and coffee. So I will try to invest a lot in the offline office day. So we meet each other and we not only work, but do stuff together.”
(05:29)
Such activities are pivotal in strengthening team bonds, especially in hybrid environments.
Defining Success as a Scrum Master
The core of the episode delves into what constitutes success for a Scrum Master. Anh Vu shares a transformative perspective inspired by a story from the Scrum Master Tumble Postcards:
“he defined successful Scrum Master, that when the Scrum Master can take a leave in one or two weeks, the team think as normal.”
(05:53)
For Anh Vu, a successful Scrum Master is one who empowers the team to become self-managing and self-organizing, enabling them to function seamlessly even in the Scrum Master's absence. This includes effective communication with stakeholders, problem-solving, and consistent delivery without constant oversight.
Situational Leadership and Team Evolution
Rasco introduces the Situational Leadership Model by Hersey and Blanchard, relating it to team development stages. Anh Vu elaborates on how this model applies to Scrum Masters guiding their teams:
“It is the journey for the team from they start working with each other, they overcome the storming stage, [...] and then they reach the stage that they can start norming and performing.”
(07:54)
He outlines the evolution of a team through various stages—forming, storming, norming, and performing—and how the Scrum Master's role adapts accordingly:
- Directing: In the initial stages, the Scrum Master provides clear guidance and structure.
- Coaching: As the team gains confidence, the Scrum Master shifts to a coaching role, facilitating problem-solving without direct intervention.
- Supporting: In advanced stages, the Scrum Master steps back, offering support only when necessary, allowing the team to operate autonomously.
Anh Vu emphasizes the importance of aligning the Scrum Master's growth with that of the team:
“the Scrum Master need to identify those sashes and with each sash the Scrum Master also need to know their role in that sash.”
(09:00)
Parallel Growth of Team and Scrum Master
Rasco underscores a critical insight:
“the growth of the team is related to the growth of the Scrum Master.”
(10:26)
He points out that the team's ability to self-manage is intertwined with the Scrum Master's personal and professional development. A Scrum Master who continuously evolves can better support and lead their team through various stages of maturity.
Anh Vu echoes this sentiment:
“the team can really self manage and the Scrum Hustle can spend more time for more important things.”
(11:39)
This mutual growth ensures that both the team and the Scrum Master can handle challenges effectively, leading to sustained success.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Rasco and Anh Vu reflecting on the journey towards team autonomy and the Scrum Master's role in facilitating this transition. The discussion reinforces the idea that effective leadership is adaptive, evolving with the team's needs to ultimately empower them to thrive independently.
Notable Quotes
- Anh Vu (01:43): “As long as the team leave the room with 1, 2, 3 actions, I think it's a win.”
- Anh Vu (05:53): “a successful Scrum Master is one who empowers the team to become self-managing and self-organizing.”
- Rasco (10:26): “the growth of the team is related to the growth of the Scrum Master.”
- Anh Vu (07:54): “It is the journey for the team from they start working with each other, they overcome the storming stage...”
This episode offers valuable insights into situational leadership for Scrum Masters, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous growth, and fostering team autonomy. Whether you're a seasoned Scrum Master or new to the role, Anh Vu's experiences and strategies provide practical guidance for enhancing your leadership approach and driving team success.