In 30 seconds
- The team decides how to do its work.
- Scrum's 2020 Guide uses "self-managing" instead of "self-organizing".
- Needs clear goals, boundaries and support.
What they decide
- Who works on what
- How to build and test
- How to improve their process
- Within agreed goals, budgets and standards
The 2020 Scrum Guide changed "self-organizing" to "self-managing" to stress that the team decides who does what, when and how.
What they need
- A clear goal, such as a Product Goal
- Explicit boundaries and decision rights
- The skills to deliver: cross-functional membership
- Leaders who support rather than direct
Common pitfalls
- Managers still assigning tasks behind the scenes
- No clear goal, so the team drifts
- Dominant individuals deciding for everyone
Myth vs reality
Myth · Self-managing means leaderless.
Reality · Leadership is shared and emerges where needed.
Myth · They need no management.
Reality · Management sets context and removes obstacles.
Myth · Any team can self-manage immediately.
Reality · It's a capability that grows over time.
FAQ
How do self-managing teams handle performance issues?
With team agreements first, and management support when needed.
What's the Scrum Master's role?
Coaching the team in self-management.
Can large organizations have self-managing teams?
Yes, within a clear structure of goals and boundaries.