During a transition to cross-functional teams, what should a Scrum Master consider?

In the context of transitioning to cross-functional teams, considering that initial team performance may be lower as they adjust is essential. This recognizes that team members, when brought together with diverse skill sets, will need time to learn how to best collaborate with one another. The adjustment phase can involve overcoming misunderstandings, aligning on processes, and building trust among team members. As everyone learns to work together effectively, it is common for there to be a dip in performance before they start seeing the benefits of their collaboration.

Understanding this aspect allows the Scrum Master to provide appropriate support and facilitation, helping the team navigate challenges and encouraging a focus on continuous improvement. This is a key component of the Scrum framework, where adaptation and learning are critical for development.

Other considerations, like performance comparisons or uniform skill sets, can distract from the immediate goal of fostering collaboration and understanding within the team. As the team evolves, the emphasis on collaboration over individual roles becomes crucial in ensuring that all team members contribute to the team's overall success.