Large Scale Scrum and Scrum of Scrums are two approaches to scaling up the Scrum framework for larger projects and teams. The Evolution of Large Scale Scrum: Past, Present, and Future . While both aim to improve communication and collaboration in a scaled agile environment, they have distinct differences in their implementation and focus.
Large Scale Scrum, also known as LeSS, is a framework for scaling Scrum to multiple teams working on the same product. LeSS focuses on simplifying the overall structure of the organisation by reducing unnecessary layers of management and promoting self-organising teams. It emphasises transparency, alignment, and continuous improvement across all teams, with a strong focus on the customer and delivering value.
On the other hand, Scrum of Scrums is a more informal approach to scaling Scrum, where representatives from different Scrum teams meet regularly to coordinate their work and address any dependencies or issues that may arise. The focus of Scrum of Scrums is on coordination and communication between teams, rather than on restructuring the organisation or changing team dynamics. It is a more lightweight and flexible approach compared to LeSS.
One key difference between Large Scale Scrum and Scrum of Scrums is the level of formality and structure. LeSS provides a set of rules and guidelines for scaling Scrum, including roles, ceremonies, and artefacts, while Scrum of Scrums relies on the cooperation and collaboration of team members to coordinate their work effectively. This difference in approach can impact the scalability and effectiveness of each framework in different contexts.
Another key difference is the level of autonomy and decision-making authority given to individual teams. In Large Scale Scrum, teams are encouraged to be self-organising and empowered to make decisions that impact their work, while in Scrum of Scrums, teams may have to rely more on coordination and alignment with other teams to make progress.
In conclusion, Large Scale Scrum and Scrum of Scrums are both valuable approaches to scaling Scrum in large organisations, but they have distinct differences in their implementation and focus. LeSS provides a more structured and formal framework for scaling Scrum, while Scrum of Scrums is a more flexible and informal approach to coordinating work between multiple teams. Understanding these key differences can help organisations choose the right approach for their specific needs and goals.