In the latest episode of "Scrum is Hard and Disruptive," Todd and Ryan dive into the powerful dynamics of self-managing teams, exploring why these groups can be game-changers in any organization. As we inch closer to the end of this insightful series, episode 13 reminds us of a fundamental truth: self-managing teams rock—especially when they work closely with customers.
Ken's 13th Statement: "Self-managing teams are extremely productive. When they work closely with the customer to derive the best solution to a need, they and the customer are even more productive."
Why Self-Managing Teams Excel
Self-managing teams are built on the principles of autonomy, trust, and accountability. When professionals are given the freedom to own their work without the constant oversight of management, magic happens. The episode emphasizes that this isn't just about being left alone—it's about empowering teams to define how they work, collaborate, and deliver. The autonomy drives productivity, quality, and innovation in ways that traditional, top-down management simply can't match.
Connecting Teams with Customers
One of the key insights from Todd and Ryan is the importance of direct connection between teams and customers. Instead of product owners acting as bottlenecks, connecting developers directly with the end-users creates a deeper understanding of real customer needs. This direct interaction fosters empathy and leads to better, more impactful solutions that aren’t just dictated by management but are grounded in true customer insights.
Autonomy Doesn’t Mean Chaos
However, Todd and Ryan are quick to caution that achieving self-management is a skill, not an overnight transformation. Organizations can't just throw their teams into the deep end with minimal training and expect miracles. Like a seven-year-old handed the keys to a truck, teams need guidance, boundaries, and support. This is where skilled Scrum Masters come into play, nurturing these capabilities and building an environment where self-management can thrive.
The Battle Against Coercion
The ongoing struggle in many companies—forcing employees back into the office, dictating hours, and mandating specific tools—is a costly battle. As Todd and Ryan point out, coercion simply doesn’t work. Allowing teams to self-organize around their work and manage how they achieve their goals not only leads to happier employees but also delivers far better business outcomes.
Building the Future of Work
Ultimately, the success of self-managing teams hinges on a shift in mindset—from management, from teams, and across the entire organization. It’s not just about letting go; it’s about investing in the growth, skills, and maturity of your teams. When done right, the results are nothing short of spectacular. As Todd and Ryan put it, human flourishing is the natural outcome of a well-supported, self-managing team.
Check out the full episode for more insights, and start thinking about how you can implement these principles in your own organization. The future of work is self-managing, and it’s time to let your teams rock!
⏩ Join Ryan and Todd for a Scrum.org course: https://buytickets.at/agileforhumansllc
Check out their books:
📖 "Unlocking Business Agility with Evidence-Based Management: Satisfy Customers and Improve Organizational Effectiveness" on Amazon -- https://amzn.to/4690qJy
📖 "Fixing Your Scrum: Practical Solutions to Common Scrum Problems" on Amazon -- https://amzn.to/46dAQTC