10 Mistakes To Avoid In Your First 30 Days As A Scrum Master.

Navigating the Early Days with Confidence and Strategy

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Embarking on a journey as a Scrum Master can be both exciting and daunting. I remember my first days in this role, fully aware of the significant impact I would have on the team's success and the product/project's progress.

Michael D. Watkins, author of 'The First 90 Days,' emphasizes the importance of the early days in a new role, stating,

“Your first 30 days in a new position are crucial because this is the period when others are forming their impressions of you.”

This is a critical time when the:

• habits you form,

• the relationships you cultivate, and

• the decisions you make

will set the tone for your entire tenure. It is a period full of potential pitfalls as well as opportunities. Watkins advises to approach it with caution, awareness, and a well-thought-out plan.

In this newsletter, I will share 10 common mistakes that I, and many other experienced Scrum Masters, have made in our first 30 days, along with strategies to avoid them.

Understanding the team's dynamics, establishing clear communication channels, and setting realistic expectations is key to navigating the initial days with confidence and setting a positive trajectory for your journey as a Scrum Master.

The goal is not just to survive the first 30 days but to thrive and establish yourself as an effective and supportive leader for your team. So, let’s dive in and get started on the right foot! Shall we?