In 30 seconds
- Scales Scrum by connecting teams, not adding layers.
- Teams form Scrum of Scrums; leaders form an Executive Action Team.
- Designed to be "scale-free": the same pattern at every level.
The idea
Scrum co-creator Jeff Sutherland published Scrum@Scale to apply Scrum's own structure at every level of an organization. Small teams link into a Scrum of Scrums, which can link into a Scrum of Scrums of Scrums, and so on.
Two cycles
- Scrum Master cycle: how to deliver. Coordinated by Scrum of Scrums and an Executive Action Team that removes organizational impediments.
- Product Owner cycle: what to deliver. Coordinated by a MetaScrum that aligns priorities across teams.
When it fits
Organizations already committed to Scrum that want to scale with minimal new vocabulary. It's lighter than SAFe but needs strong leadership involvement.
Myth vs reality
Myth · Scrum@Scale requires big teams.
Reality · It recommends small teams of about five.
Myth · It's just Scrum of Scrums.
Reality · It also scales product ownership through the MetaScrum.
Myth · It doesn't involve executives.
Reality · The Executive Action Team is central to it.
FAQ
Is there an official guide?
Yes, a free Scrum@Scale Guide is published online.
How does it compare with Nexus?
Nexus focuses on integration for a few teams; Scrum@Scale covers the whole organization.
What is a MetaScrum?
A forum of Product Owners and stakeholders aligning a shared backlog.