Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

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Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) offers the simplicity of Scrum while allowing its application to large-scale multi-team operations. It keeps a single product owner and a single product backlog, emphasizing multiple overlapping-development teams’ close coordination. LeSS involves potentially difficult organizational transformation however the methodology’s simplicity and principles-based approach offer flexibility and a concentration on long-term outcomes.

Guide on Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

What is Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)?
LeSS is a framework for scaling agile development, by applying the principles of Scrum. It provides a simple, powerful approach to large, complex software development. LeSS was developed by Craig Larman and Bas Vodde.
Why it's important?
LeSS is important because it helps large-scale development teams to remain agile, reduce complexity, and deliver high-quality products in shorter times. It enables organizations to get the benefits of small team development while managing the complexity of many teams working on the same product.
How does it work?
In LeSS, multiple teams works together on one product. They share the same product backlog, but are able to select, build, and deliver features independently. Product Owners prioritize the overall product backlog and each team has its own sprint backlog. This enhances transparency, communication, and increased productivity.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)
1. Understand the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, roles, and rules of LeSS2. Be Familiar with the LeSS Principles: LeSS principles guide the decisions and actions in LeSS adoption and operation3. Know the Differences: Expect questions that distinguish LeSS from traditional Scrum and other agile frameworks4. Focus on 'Whole Product Focus': This principle is a central aspect of LeSS5. Practice Makes Perfect: Practice answering questions about large scale Scrum.
Remember, the main aim of LeSS is to descale work on a big scale rather than scaling up.
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PSM I - Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)

Question 1

In a LeSS framework, you find one team is not participating in the overall retrospective meetings. As a Scrum Master, how will you address this scenario?

Correct Answer: Discuss the importance and benefits of the overall retrospective meetings with the team and encourage them to participate.

While it's crucial to address the lack of participation in retrospective meetings, forcible measures or indirect approaches like compulsory attendance or assigning a representative may not address the underlying issues or promote the desired culture of openness and transparency. The correct approach is to open a dialogue with the team about the value and purpose of the retrospectives, encouraging participation through understanding and mutual agreement rather than coercion or delegation.

Question 2

In your LeSS environment, several teams are too dependent on a few multi-functional team members and as a result, their sprint progress is often blocked or slowed down when waiting for their availability. As a Scrum Master, what's the most effective way to rectify this situation?

Correct Answer: Promote a culture of continuous learning among the teams, encourage the multi-specialists to educate others and create a backup for such roles.

In Scrum, promoting a culture of continuous learning supports a more resilient and versatile team. Whenever there is a high dependency on a few specific team members, it can create bottlenecks and slow down progress. Cross-skilling and continuous learning allow other team members to step in and prevent such bottlenecks whereas ignoring the situation can prolong the problem and risks compromising the sprint goal. Micromanaging isn't a solution as it undermines the Scrum values of Trust and Respect and may lead to further dysfunctions. Hiring more multi-specialists may seem like a short-term solution but it may not be feasible in all situations and does not necessarily solve the dependency problem. It is always beneficial to create an environment where every team member can contribute in multiple areas.

Question 3

While executing a Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) project, the development teams feel disconnected from the users. They are developing features based on the Product Owner's inputs, but never get direct feedback from the users. As a Scrum Master, how should you address this situation?

Correct Answer: Organize a review meeting where developers can showcase their work directly to users for immediate feedback.

Direct feedback from users is crucial in Agile and Scrum frameworks to ensure that the team is building the right product and to foster a user-centric development culture. The correct answer involves creating a direct feedback loop from users to developers, which is key in addressing their feeling of disconnection. Wrong answers either avoid direct user interaction, misinterpret the purpose of Scrum ceremonies, or provide indirect methods that do not solve the core issue of lacking direct feedback.

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