Online CSM

Scrum Alliance CSM — Certified Scrum Master

This class is taught by Tobias Mayer, a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer since 2005, a student of Ken Schwaber, and one of the first twenty certified Scrum trainers worldwide. Immersed in Agile practice since 1998, Tobias is the author of The People's Scrum, an influential book since its publication in 2013, highly acclaimed, and now translated into six different languages.

"I highly recommend Tobias Mayer's experiential online 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

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".

Format

Using the Scrum Guide as a springboard the essence of Scrum will be explored through lecture, interactive dialog and team-centric creative dialogue. This is a multi-way learning experience. Be prepared to engage with your fellow learners as both teacher and student. The Scrum Guide describes framework, theory, values, team, events and artefacts, but the content of this workshop is taught in an holistic rather than a reductionist way, all elements/aspects of Scrum being covered in increasing levels of depth. There is an emphasis on the "Why" of Scrum, relating Scrum to the natural way that creative humans interact in the world, and a strong focus on the relationship aspects of a healthy workplace.

What's expected of you

You'll be called on to step into your creativity, and 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. So, if you are looking to be instructed, or be a mere recipient of information you're advised to request 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 with a commitment to attend with an open mind, leaving your assumptions at the door.

Important Note: Topics such as estimation, storypoints, planning poker, burn-down charts, velocity, or tools such as Jira are not covered in this workshop. We will focus on essential Scrum, according to the Scrum Guide, and none of these topics are essential to Scrum.

Why do CSM with Tobias Mayer?

A few reasons given here, a few endorsements too. And below, a few recent remarks from previous CSM students.

"This experience was more than just a certification—it was an incredible learning journey. I had the privilege of being taught by Tobias Mayer, who himself learned directly from Ken Schwaber, the co-creator of Scrum. Tobias's passion for Scrum and his unique teaching style made this a truly transformative experience." — Caroline Beauchesne, December 2024

"Tobias Mayer's CSM training is beyond anything one can imagine. He took us on a philosophical and reflective journey that taught the elements of scrum (totally unlike the usual training one gets on the market). It ended with a never-before experience of creating and releasing a live MVP product with a diverse group of participants. In that exercise, all the Scrum elements, challenges and values came alive for us to absorb and learn from. It was incredibly wonderful. The value gained is priceless. — CSM student, December 2024

"This learning experience was the highlight of 2024 for me. Tobias, count me as a lifetime fan of your coaching style. The analogies you presented were so effective, the lessons got engraved in my long-term memory. Thank you." — Bishakha De, November 2024

"Tobias, your lectures were mind opening and beautifully illustrated to ensure critical thinking while simplified enough for us beginners to follow through and understand. Thank you." — Laura Chinwuba, October 2023

"It is not very often at all, that I have such high regard for an instructor. Tobias, you hit every adult learning principle in two days and seamlessly embedded the Scrum framework in our learning. Thank you for your patience, your humor, your knowledge and your commitment to us over the weekend. There is no doubt your leadership was a pivotal part of my success at passing the exam on the first attempt."
— Stefanie Maucher, August 2023

"Tobias, you were an incredible storytelling trainer! Thank you for an engaging course...I was a bit worried walking into it Saturday morning but it was awesome!" — Naseem Mohajer, August 2023

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