What is an effective practice for a Scrum Master when working with a team unfamiliar with Scrum?

Offering continuous support and mentorship is an effective practice for a Scrum Master working with a team that is unfamiliar with Scrum because it fosters a climate of learning and adaptation. When teams are new to the framework, they often need guidance to understand the roles, responsibilities, and ceremonies involved in Scrum. Continuous support ensures that team members feel safe to ask questions, express concerns, and seek clarification on Scrum practices.

This approach allows the Scrum Master to not only impart knowledge but also to build trust and rapport within the team. By being present and available, the Scrum Master can facilitate discussions, provide resources, and share best practices that enable the team to gradually adopt Scrum principles in a way that suits their unique dynamics.

In contrast, introducing complex rituals immediately may overwhelm the team and create resistance or confusion, hindering their ability to effectively grasp and implement Scrum principles. Keeping the process hidden until positive outcomes materialize would not provide the necessary transparency and understanding essential for a team to function cohesively within the framework. Lastly, encouraging individual work instead of collaboration contradicts Scrum's core tenet of teamwork and collective ownership, which is essential for delivering incremental value.