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Scrum Team Overview

The Scrum Team is a small, cohesive unit focused on one product and one Product Goal. Per Scrum Guide 2020, there is no separate team within a team — there is one Scrum Team with three accountabilities: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers.

The Three Accountabilities

  • Product Owner: Maximizes product value and manages the Product Backlog. Accountable for the Product Goal.
  • Scrum Master: Accountable for establishing Scrum and helping the team and organization be effective. A true leader who serves.
  • Developers: Professionals who do the work of delivering a usable Increment each Sprint that meets the Definition of Done.

Key Characteristics (Scrum Guide 2020)

  • Typically 10 or fewer people in total. No sub-teams.
  • Cross-functional, with all skills needed to deliver value without depending on others outside the team.
  • Self-managing — decides internally who does what, how, and what to work on to reach the Sprint Goal.
  • Collaborative, with collective accountability for delivering value toward the Product Goal.

Benefits of the Scrum Team Structure

  • Encourages ownership and accountability.
  • Improves communication and coordination.
  • Enhances flexibility and adaptability during development.
  • Drives continuous improvement through regular inspection and adaptation.