In 30 seconds
- Aligns priorities across teams and stakeholders.
- Scales the Product Owner role, as Scrum of Scrums scales delivery.
- Ideally includes leaders with budget authority.
Purpose
In Scrum@Scale, the MetaScrum is where Product Owners, stakeholders and leaders agree a single ordered backlog for many teams. It's the product side of scaling; Scrum of Scrums is the delivery side.
Who attends
- Chief Product Owner
- Team Product Owners
- Key stakeholders and executives with authority over priorities and budget
What it decides
- Priorities across teams
- Responses to changes in strategy or market
- Release decisions
It usually meets on a regular cadence aligned with sprints.
Myth vs reality
Myth · MetaScrum is a status meeting.
Reality · It's a decision forum for priorities.
Myth · Only Product Owners attend.
Reality · Stakeholders with real authority should attend too.
Myth · It replaces team backlogs.
Reality · It aligns them under a shared order.
FAQ
Where did the term come from?
Jeff Sutherland used it in early scaled Scrum work and in Scrum@Scale.
How often does it meet?
Commonly once per sprint.
What's a Chief Product Owner?
The person who leads product decisions across teams.