How do you add new members to your scrum teams?
We have several scrum teams in our organization and for various reason we have lost a member here and there. Initially the teams took this in stride and adjusted their work the best they could. Now that we're in a position to add members back, the teams have stated they would rather continue on with their existing teams rather than take on the responsibility of bringing someone new up to speed. The Scrum Masters have also indicated they would prefer the new team members be onboarded and fully trained before being assigned to their scrum team.
I need some help from the seasoned scrummers out there. Is this just an internal culture problem or is this normal? How should this work?
Now that we're in a position to add members back, the teams have stated they would rather continue on with their existing teams rather than take on the responsibility of bringing someone new up to speed.
@Brian Harvey, Perhaps it is not a bad thing. Do they have all the skills needed and are they able to create a Done Increment? If yes, then, is there a reason why more team members need to be added?
Now that we're in a position to add members back, the teams have stated they would rather continue on with their existing teams rather than take on the responsibility of bringing someone new up to speed.
Why? What consequences do they fear from having such a responsibility? Do stakeholders expect the same level of productivity to be maintained while this happens?
Now that we're in a position to add members back, the teams have stated they would rather continue on with their existing teams rather than take on the responsibility of bringing someone new up to speed.
If your Development Teams are saying that they do not want additional members why are you trying to force it upon them? Does management know more about what is good for a team? Let them continue working and ask for help when they need it. This is from the Scrum Guide section that describes the Development Team:
Development Teams are structured and empowered by the organization to organize and manage their own work. The resulting synergy optimizes the Development Team’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Let them be structured and empowered.
The Scrum Masters have also indicated they would prefer the new team members be onboarded and fully trained before being assigned to their scrum team.
I question the Scrum Master's decision making skills on this one. How can an individual be fully trained before being assigned to a self-organizing, self-managing team of individuals? And if it is a self-organizing, self-managing team why would anyone outside of the team assign someone else to be part of that team?
Honestly, it sounds like your Development Teams are saying they are ok and the company has an opportunity to save some money that can be used elsewhere in the company. In today's economy, that sounds like a team of people making really good decisions for the company.