Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches
Episode: When Nobody Expects the Scrum Master, Overcoming a Rocky Start in a Team New to Agile | Marina Lazovic
Host: Vasco Duarte
Guest: Marina Lazovic, Scrum Master and Kanban Trainer from Belgrade, Serbia
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte welcomes Marina Lazovic, a seasoned Scrum Master and Kanban trainer from Belgrade, Serbia. With nearly a decade of experience in the IT industry, Marina shares her journey from a non-technical background to becoming an effective Agile practitioner. This episode delves deep into Marina’s challenges, particularly her rocky start in a team new to Agile, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
Marina’s Journey to Scrum Mastery
Marina begins by outlining her unconventional path into the tech and Agile world. Despite lacking a formal education in technology, she transitioned from a long-term career in marketing to the dynamic field of digital marketing and content management. Her role at a small digital agency, where she coordinated projects and managed content, sparked her interest in improving team processes and efficiency.
Marina Lazovic [01:56]: "I started not really by chance, but I worked in marketing for a long time in a large corporation and at some point got really tired of that big machinery and started looking for different opportunities..."
Recognizing the inefficiencies of traditional project management in the fast-paced software industry, Marina sought out Agile methodologies. Her self-driven approach led her to extensive learning through classes, trainings, and certifications, culminating in her becoming a certified Scrum Master in 2018.
The Rocky Start: First Scrum Master Role
Marina recounts her first dedicated Scrum Master role, which turned out to be a formidable challenge. Joining a company entirely new to Agile, she found herself as the first Scrum Master without any prior preparation or understanding from the team and management.
Marina Lazovic [07:22]: "They never briefed me or prepared them for what's coming and what's the role. So when I joined, the team and developers were very confused like, okay, who are you? What are you doing?"
The lack of clarity led to significant confusion. Teams expected her to perform traditional daily stand-ups without understanding her role as a facilitator and coach. This misalignment created a "perfect storm," leaving Marina to build Agile processes from scratch amidst resistance and misunderstanding.
Marina Lazovic [07:22]: "It was a disaster, a perfect storm... I was in a constant battle, me against everyone else, trying to prove myself."
Navigating Challenges and Building Trust
Facing these obstacles, Marina had to earn the trust of her team and demonstrate the value of Agile practices. She emphasizes the importance of patience, calmness, and not taking resistance personally. Her approach involved being transparent about her own challenges and remaining open to questions, fostering an environment where the team could gradually embrace Agile principles.
Marina Lazovic [09:57]: "Patience and, you know, cool, calm. Take it calmly. Don't think things personally."
Marina also highlights the common human tendency to resist change, especially when it feels imposed. By understanding this, she was able to navigate the team's defensiveness and work towards gradual acceptance of Agile methodologies.
Marina Lazovic [11:15]: "When people are faced with unknowns, they are often also defensive... changes are very hard."
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Scrum Masters
Reflecting on her experience, Marina offers several key pieces of advice for new Scrum Masters facing similar challenges:
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Embrace Patience: Change takes time, and patience is crucial when introducing new methodologies.
Marina Lazovic [09:57]: "Patience and, you know, cool, calm."
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Maintain Composure: Staying calm and not taking resistance personally helps in maintaining professional relationships and focus.
Marina Lazovic [09:57]: "Don't think things personally. Just keep cool and calm."
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Be Transparent: Openly sharing your feelings and challenges can build trust and empathy within the team.
Marina Lazovic [11:15]: "Be open and transparent about how you are feeling."
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Foster Open Communication: Encouraging team members to ask questions and express concerns facilitates smoother transitions to Agile practices.
Marina Lazovic [12:15]: "Let them ask all the questions."
Marina underscores the importance of understanding the team's perspective and moving at a pace that accommodates their comfort level with change.
Conclusion
Marina Lazovic’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to succeed as a Scrum Master, especially in environments unaccustomed to Agile methodologies. Her experiences highlight the critical role of patience, communication, and empathy in overcoming initial resistance and fostering a collaborative, efficient team dynamic.
For Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches navigating similar challenges, Marina’s insights provide a roadmap for building trust, introducing change thoughtfully, and maintaining personal well-being amidst professional trials.
Notable Quotes:
- “Don't take things personally. Just keep cool and calm.” — Marina Lazovic [09:57]
- “When people are faced with unknowns, they are often also defensive.” — Marina Lazovic [11:15]
This episode serves as an inspiring resource for Agile practitioners seeking to enhance their craft and effectively lead teams through the complexities of Agile transformation.