In-person CSM

Overview

This Certified Scrum Master (CSM) workshop is centred on the belief that Scrum is a radically different way of working, and not some kind of superficial reframe of work-as-usual. Focusing on the principles beneath the framework and process, reaching into your own personal value system to draw out meaning, this workshop will have you challenge how you show up for work, and what you believe it means to "do Scrum".

The learning emerges from the shared experience of all in the room. This is not expert-led, indeed the idea of expertise in Scrum is itself challenged. Participants are invited to bring their own experience to bear on the learning, and to express their expectations, desires and frustrations. Ultimately, what you learn here will emerge from your heart, and take form in the practice you apply back in the workplace.

"Enlightening and amusing. Tobias's Scrum training was one of the best seminars I've ever taken—and I do Executive Training frequently with the brightest minds on the planet. I only wish I would have taken it years before!" — Raul Cristian Aguirre, CEO, Tango/04, Spain

"I highly recommend Tobias Mayer's experiential CSM workshop for anyone interested in finding their own creative rhythm for working and creating value for others in a sustainable, human-friendly way. His program offers a transformative blend of learning and unlearning that has forever shifted my perception of Scrum and how I coach teams." — Kari Kelly, Enterprise Agile Coach, Sweden

Important Notice

If you are looking to be instructed, or be a mere recipient of information you'll need to find a different CSM. This one calls on you to step up to the same kind of responsibility a Scrum team member is expected to have in the workplace, in this case to take responsibility for your own learning. While this CSM teaches to the Scrum Guide is does not teach the Scrum Guide, which should be read in advance of the workshop, to inform your questions and interactions—see pre-requisites below.

Content

The Scrum framework will be explored, not as a What but as a Why. Relationships between the Scrum accountabilitiess will be revealed, showing the vitality of "individuals and interactions over processes and tools". The Scrum values of focus, respect, openness, commitment and courage will be unpacked to understand how these values can actually be lived, rather than being mere words to which we pay lip-service. The underlying, unmentioned guiding principles of alignment, attention and ritual will be revealed, showing how such principles must underpin any effective Scrum implementation.

"Thank you so much Tobias for delivering such a powerful and valuable workshop. I have gathered a ton of insights and a lot of inspiration on how to improve myself in the role of a Scrum Master... Honestly, this is by far the best workshop I have ever attended." — Vasya Vankova, Scrum Master, Sofia, Bulgaria

Workshop Form

This CSM does not rely on powerpoint or lecture, rather it utilises pedagogical techniques widely known to create a deeper, and longer-lasting learning, one that each participant can take ownership of and develop in his or her own way. These techniques include team interaction, socratic dialog, improvisation, theatre games, and exploration through metaphor.

Scrum is taught holistically, with each iteration delving deeper into the framework. The focus is on learning through action, activity, and conversation, allowing the new ideas to take root, and have the potential to grow within each participant's context. Scrum is not a formula to be memorised, but rather a journey to undertake.

You will not sit still for long, and you'll not be fed information. You are expected to show up with an open mind and an open heart, and to bring your own experiences to share with others.

"This two-day, in-person CSM was so much better than I expected—incredibly informative, engaging and good fun, set within a positive, energetic setting. Tobias is clearly an incredibly experienced and talented Scrum coach/leader and it was a pleasure to be trained by him. He created an open forum to explore any and all questions which I particularly appreciated. All in all, this CSM is a wonderful chapter on one's voyage into Agile." — Joe T, Senior Digital Account Director

Who should attend?

Although entitled "Certified Scrum Master" (as a necessary categorisation required by the Scrum Alliance) this workshop is more accurately described as an introduction to the framework and application of Scrum. This CSM has a particular focus on the values, principles and overall essence of Scrum. The purpose behind all the events, accountabilities, and artefacts will be uncovered, and the relationship aspects of a healthy workplace will be the core focus.

Thus the course is suitable for everyone who is about to start using Scrum or has already gathered some experience and wants to deepen their understanding of Scrum. It is also useful to those championing Scrum, or exploring it from a stakeholder perspective.

In other words, you're all welcome :)

"Thank you once again for the insightful and inspiring workshop. Absolutely loved your training approach and how you engaged us all" — Luca Bisoni, Scrum Master/Digital PM

"The course was superbly facilitated. There were great conversations throughout and it was constantly interactive." — CSM participant, 2022

Pre-requisites

Please take time to read The Scrum Guide before attending this workshop. The guide provides a good overall understanding of the Scrum framework, and will initiate curiosity, questions, concerns and doubts which you should bring with you to the workshop. You should also familiarise yourself with The manifesto for software development and its 12 principles.

If you'd like to read something more in advance of the workshop I recommend Scrum: a pocket guide by Gunther Verheyen.

The CSM Test

The Scrum Alliance CSM test will be taken during the afternoon of the second day, with time allowed to discuss the results and clarify any remaining confusion or concerns. The test is a 50-question multiple choice test, time-boxed to 60 minutes. All the information you need to answer the questions correctly is in the Scrum Guide and the Agile Manifesto. Students that study these two documents tend to do better on the test.

About the Facilitator

Discovering XP in 1998 set Tobias Mayer on a journey of discovery into all things Agile. He has been practicing Scrum since 2003, and in 2005 was among the first twenty-five people, worldwide, certified to teach Scrum by Ken Schwaber, its co-founder.

Skilled as a developer, tester and engineering manager, Tobias also has a background in publishing, theatre arts, and community service work. He skilfully blends this unusual mix of experiences when teaching Scrum, creating a lively and engaging experience.

Tobias is the author of the highly acclaimed, and somewhat controversial book, The People's Scrum, is co-presenter of The 800lb Agile Gorilla, and has written extensively on leadership, citizenship and corporate transformation. He also speaks regularly at Agile conferences and has been interviewed for various Agile podcasts and videocasts. To learn more about Tobias's own Scrum journey and his views and approach to Scrum, please watch this 60-minute 'Agile to Agility' video where he is interviewed by fellow CST, Miljan Bajic: Scrum, Co-training, and Metaphors.

So, why do CSM with Tobias Mayer? A few reasons given here, a few endorsements too.

"Tobias taught my Scrum Master course back in 2009 and how he did it was excellent—a master class in learning by doing. Without doubt the best trainer I've come across."" — Rob Curtis, Curtis Consulting, Finland

Workshop Minimum

This workshop relies on effective group interaction. It will not be a meaningful learning experience with less than eight people, therefore the organisers reserves the right to postpone the workshop if the required minimum of eight is not reached seven days before the start date. Participants unable to attend on the new date will be offered a full refund, or the opportunity to move their registration to a future workshop.