When a Super Genius Developer Finds Themselves Trapped in a Scrum: Navigating the Kryptonite of Collaboration
Tags: agilescrum, collaboration, softwaredevelopment, strengths
Published: 2023-11-14 02:05:13

In the world of software development, we often celebrate the super geniuses among us - those exceptionally talented individuals whose coding prowess seems limitless. But even super geniuses can find themselves in situations akin to Superman being trapped with Kryptonite, and that situation is the Agile Scrum framework.

**The Kryptonite of Collaboration**
Imagine a brilliant developer, let's call him Alex, known for the ability to solve complex problems with elegance and speed. Alex's coding skills are a force to be reckoned with, and they've thrived in solo projects, where they had complete control and autonomy. But then comes the Agile Scrum methodology, which requires collaboration, teamwork, and adherence to strict timelines.

For Alex, this can feel like Kryptonite. The rigid sprint schedules, daily stand-up meetings, and constant communication can be suffocating. It's like they've been trapped in a cell, unable to utilize their full potential.
Some observation that I have noted with `Alex` is that, he

- Hate marathon meetings.
- Hate multiple channels for updating their effort.
- Don't want to be micro managed.
- Need his opinion's to be acknowledged.
- Need space for healthy tech discussions.
- Don't want to be outdated.
- Often asks for flexibility on time to ensure the code and deliverable meet high standards.

**Balancing Strength and Collaboration**
So, how do we balance the brilliance of a super genius developer with the collaborative nature of Scrum without micromanaging and ensuring transparency and productivity?

First and foremost thing is to reduce the number of collaborative tools. In Alex's case I mostly stick on to "Microsoft Teams".

**Ⅰ. Acknowledge Their Strength:** Just as Superman's strength is celebrated, acknowledge Alex's coding prowess. Make it clear that their skills are highly valued within the team.

_In Microsoft Teams, create a dedicated channel or space where the team celebrates individual achievements. Recognize Alex's coding prowess by showcasing their outstanding contributions. Share positive feedback and highlight specific instances where their expertise made a significant impact on the project._

**Ⅱ. Coach, Don't Control:** Instead of micromanaging, offer guidance. Share the team's goals and how Alex's expertise can contribute to achieving them.

_Use Microsoft Teams to set up regular one-on-one coaching sessions with Alex. During these meetings, discuss project goals, timelines, and how their unique skills can contribute. Share screens and walk through the Scrum board, explaining how their work fits into the bigger picture._

**Ⅲ. Open Communication:** Encourage Alex to express their concerns and preferences within the Scrum framework. Finding compromises that align with their strengths can be key.

_Create an open channel for communication within Microsoft Teams where team members can freely express their concerns and preferences. Alex can use this space to voice any challenges they face within the Scrum framework, fostering transparency and trust._

**Ⅳ. Prioritization:** Focus on high-impact work and ensures everyone's efforts are aligned with the team's goals.

_Use Microsoft Planner or a similar tool to prioritize tasks and projects. When a client request for an urgent task arises, assess its impact on the existing workload and project timeline. Discuss with the team, including Alex, how to re-prioritize tasks to accommodate the urgent request while minimizing disruption._

**Ⅴ. Distribution of Work:** Assign work to team members evenly to avoid overworking anyone.

_Microsoft Teams can be used to assess the availability of team members. If Alex has high-quality work that needs more time, consider redistributing tasks among team members to free up some of Alex's time for the urgent client request._

**Ⅵ. Crisp Meetings with Future Notes: **Practice of conducting concise and purposeful meetings while ensuring that important insights and decisions are documented for future reference.

_Using the "Teams" app's integrated video conferencing. Immediately after the meeting, share meeting notes in a dedicated channel for future reference, ensuring all discussions are documented._

**Ⅶ. Collaborate via a Common Channel:** Involve team members working together and sharing updates in a shared digital space to enhance transparency and coordination.

_Encourage team members to collaborate and share updates in a common channel or Group within the "Teams" app. This promotes transparency and keeps everyone on the same page, even if they have different strengths._

**Ⅷ. Utilize Tools:** Leverage modern tools and platforms that enhance transparency and streamline collaboration. Project management software like Jira, Trello, or Asana can help track progress and facilitate communication. But make sure not to over complicate by providing multiple tools to update.

_Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with project management tools like Microsoft Planner, making it easy to manage tasks and track progress. Alex can use Planner to visualize sprint goals, assign tasks, and monitor deadlines, ensuring transparency in the team's workflow._

**Ⅸ. Flexible Roles:** Allow for flexibility within roles. While Scrum defines specific roles, adapting them to fit the strengths of team members can be empowering.

_In Microsoft Teams, customize the roles and permissions to accommodate the unique strengths of each team member. For example, if Alex excels in code review, assign them the role of a code quality advocate, allowing them to focus on their strengths while contributing to the team's success._

**Ⅹ. Continuous Learning:** Emphasize the opportunity for Alex to learn from their teammates. Collaboration doesn't just benefit the team; it enriches individual skill sets too.

_Create a dedicated knowledge-sharing channel in Microsoft Teams where team members can post articles, tutorials, and resources related to coding practices and emerging technologies. Encourage Alex to share their expertise through webinars or workshops within the team, promoting a culture of continuous learning._

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In conclusion, the situation of a super genius developer in a Scrum team is not unlike Superman grappling with Kryptonite. However, by recognizing their strengths, fostering open communication, and leveraging modern tools, we can find a balance that allows their talents to shine within the collaborative framework of Agile Scrum. It's a reminder that even the most brilliant among us can thrive when we learn to harness our strengths in the face of challenges.