We’ve often heard that adopting a scrum model can be beneficial for software projects which have pressing demands or see quick changes. Here is how a scrum method typically works: A team sits down for a short planning session to decide what needs to be worked on in the forthcoming iteration. The team members then work for several weeks and develop a “potential shippable release”. Now here are 5 key problems with Scrum which you need to avoid so that you can get the maximum benefits out of it.

  1. Absence or negligence of product owner

The role played by the product owner is very important in a scrum model. The business could greatly suffer in case the product owner fails to comprehend the business needs and cannot take fast decisions. The worst case scenario is that the product owner does not even attend the scrum meetings. In case the product owner is unavailable for a daily planning or review scrum meeting, the team should consider rescheduling the meeting in the presence of the product owner.

  1. Daily scrum lacks clarity

Often we find that the daily scrum goes off track and starts focusing on subjects which aren’t really important. It is important for the leader of the team to get the meeting back on track and discuss the vital issues at hand. These meetings need to be very short and crisp. All matters related to dead ends and project bumps could be discussed later with relevant parties.

  1. No transparent goals

It is crucial for the scrum team members to establish rational, achievable goals. It isn’t a good idea to pressure team members and stretch the goals. Over-commitment could lead to under-performance.

  1. Unsuitable workspace

A scrum meeting has to take place face-to-face. You will fail to benefit from the Scrum model if team members are sitting in different buildings or even rooms. In fact, a scrum model is not advisable in cases where the team members might be in varied geographical locations. The best way to execute a scrum project is to have all members working from the same space so that regular face-to-face meetings can take place.

  1. Quality restrictions

Scrum teams generally work under tight deadlines and this might result in quality taking a back seat. It is important to pay attention to quality even in when tight deadlines have to be met in the scrum framework.