Guide on Cross-Functional and Self-Organizing Teams for Scrum Master Certification

What is it: Cross-functional and self-organizing teams are a key aspect of Agile and Scrum methodologies. A cross-functional team is comprised of individuals with different skill sets who are working towards a common goal. A self-organizing team is one where the team members themselves decide on the best way to accomplish their tasks, as opposed to being directed by a manager or supervisor.

Why is it important: Cross-functional and self-organizing teams promote a collaborative work environment, reduce dependencies on external teams or individuals, empower team members and increase efficiency.

How it works: In a cross-functional and self-organizing team, each team member brings a unique skill set and experience. They collaborate and decide on their tasks and how to achieve them, without any external management interference. This encourages ownership, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Cross-Functional and Self-Organizing Teams:
- Understand the concepts and benefits of cross-functional and self-organizing teams.
- Use real-life examples to demonstrate your understanding.
- Remember, Scrum encourages self-organization and cross-functionality, so any question in regards to these topics in the exam is likely to lean towards these as positive and beneficial approaches.
- Keep in mind that there's a balance in these teams - they are self-organizing, but that doesn't mean there's no structure or accountability.