Online CSM

Important Timezone Information

The start and end times are given for each workshop along with the specific time-zone the class is prioritised for. Please adjust the time for your locale before registering.

If you live in England, or close by, please consider joining one of my in-person CSM workshops, held monthly in London.

Philosophy

This Certified Scrum Master (CSM) workshop is centered 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".

"It is not very often at all, that I have such high regard for an instructor. I am not usually a fan of 'online' learning because I value the face-to-face. You hit every adult learning principle in two days and seamlessly embedded Scrum framework in our learning. Thank you for your patience, your humor, your knowledge and your commitment to us over the weekend. I look forward to following you and learning from you! There is no doubt your leadership was a pivotal part of my success at passing the exam on the first attempt."
— Stefanie Maucher, CSM, August 2023

Format

Using the Scrum Guide as a springboard the essence of Scrum will be explored through lecture, interactive dialog and team-centric creative making. This is a multi-way learning experience. Be prepared to engage with your fellow learners as both teacher and student. The learning is divided into eight focused units, but the content is taught holistically and all elements/aspects of Scrum will be covered in each unit.

• Unit 1: Purpose
  The Why of Scrum;
• Unit 2: Theory
  Scrum theory, empirical process, three pillars of Scrum;
• Unit 3: Structure
  Scrum framework, flow and events;
• Unit 4: Process
  Scrum artefacts, commitments, backlog management;
• Unit 5: Relationship
  Scrum values, Scrum team, accountabilities;
• Unit 6: Scrum Master
  Specific accountabilities and challenges
• Unit 7: Consolidation
  Review, clarification, practice;
• Unit 8: Context
  Scrum in context, future planning.

"Tobias is a very engaging speaker. He approaches each subject very organically inviting collaboration and participation from attendees."
— CSM participant, May 2023

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. However...

Important Notice

...if you are looking to be instructed, or be a mere recipient of information you're advised 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. This begins by paying attention to the pre-requisites.

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 agile 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.

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.

"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