How Scrum Teams Can Foster Positive Relationships with Stakeholders

Oct 25 / Alex Apenberg

Invite Stakeholders to Key Events

One of the best ways for Scrum teams to foster positive relationships with stakeholders is by inviting them to key events, such as the Sprint Review. This gives stakeholders a chance to see progress firsthand and provide feedback in real-time. For example, during a Sprint Review, a stakeholder may observe how the team solved a particular problem and provide additional insights that could further refine the solution for the next sprint. By creating this kind of transparency, Scrum teams help stakeholders feel involved and valued.

2. Communicate in the Language of Value, Not Technical Jargon:
Scrum teams often get caught up in technical details, but stakeholders are usually more interested in how the work delivers business value. When discussing progress or asking for feedback, teams should frame the conversation in terms of outcomes and benefits, rather than tools and technologies. For example, instead of saying, "We’ve completed 5 story points related to the backend API integration," a better approach would be, "The integration will allow our customers to access real-time data, which should increase user engagement and satisfaction."

3. Establish Trust Through Transparency:
The key to any strong relationship is trust, and trust is built through transparency. Scrum teams can cultivate trust by openly discussing challenges, roadblocks, and successes. For example, if a particular feature is proving more complex than expected, rather than trying to hide the delays, the team can explain the issue during a Sprint Review and propose potential solutions. This kind of openness helps stakeholders feel confident that they are being kept in the loop and that the team is proactively addressing challenges.

Conclusion:
Building positive relationships with stakeholders takes consistent effort and effective communication. By inviting stakeholders into key events, speaking their language, and fostering transparency, Scrum teams can create a collaborative environment where everyone is working towards the same goals..

2. Communicate in the Language of Value, Not Technical Jargon:

Scrum teams often get caught up in technical details, but stakeholders are usually more interested in how the work delivers business value. When discussing progress or asking for feedback, teams should frame the conversation in terms of outcomes and benefits, rather than tools and technologies. For example, instead of saying, "We’ve completed 5 story points related to the backend API integration," a better approach would be, "The integration will allow our customers to access real-time data, which should increase user engagement and satisfaction."

3. Establish Trust Through Transparency

The key to any strong relationship is trust, and trust is built through transparency. Scrum teams can cultivate trust by openly discussing challenges, roadblocks, and successes. For example, if a particular feature is proving more complex than expected, rather than trying to hide the delays, the team can explain the issue during a Sprint Review and propose potential solutions. This kind of openness helps stakeholders feel confident that they are being kept in the loop and that the team is proactively addressing challenges.

Conclusion?

Building positive relationships with stakeholders requires ongoing effort and effective communication strategies. Scrum teams can enhance these relationships by actively inviting stakeholders to participate in key events, ensuring they feel valued and engaged in the process. Even though this is an integral part of Scrum, not all stakeholders use this invitation! Demonstrating empathy is essential; understanding where everyone is coming from fosters a deeper connection and promotes collaboration, which is a never-ending journey. By promoting transparency throughout the project, teams build trust and encourage open dialogue, allowing for constructive feedback and input from all parties involved. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is aligned and working towards common goals not only motivates team members but also strengthens collaborative efforts, leading to improved outcomes.

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