Scrum Masters are an invaluable asset to any project or organization. With their ability to optimize processes, motivate teams, and work within time constraints, Scrum Masters must have a clear set of goals to succeed.
Developing SMART goals is an excellent way for Scrum Masters to focus on specific objectives and ensure they are met efficiently. This article will provide 13 examples of SMART goals for Scrum Masters.
What is a SMART Goal?
It would be best if you created your goals with the SMART goal-setting strategy. In case you didn’t know, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
- Specific: Be as detailed as possible when creating your Scrum Master goals.
- Measurable: Ensure your goals are tracked over time; this component is critical to project success.
- Attainable: Make your objectives and goals realistic but also challenging enough.
- Relevant: Consider aligning your larger goals with your personal values.
- Time-based: Set a precise end date for meeting your goals as a Scrum Master.
By following these 5 components, you’ll be able to realize success as a Scrum Master. You’ll take the required steps to succeed in your roles and responsibilities.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Scrum Masters
Here are several SMART goals to pursue as a Scrum Master:
1. Improve Team Performance
“I will work with the team to create a plan that addresses gaps in performance, skills, and training needs. I’ll implement this plan within four months and measure our team’s performance against it to ensure we meet the desired outcomes.”
Specific: The SMART goal is evident as it outlines the steps needed to improve team performance.
Measurable: The individual can measure the team’s performance for the duration of four months.
Attainable: The goal is achievable with a plan, dedication, and effort.
Relevant: Boosting team performance is essential for any scrum master.
Time-based: Goal achievement is expected after four whole months.
2. Increase Scrum Knowledge
“In the following 7 months, I will increase my knowledge of Scrum by attending at least two workshops and reading three books related to Agile methodology. I want to support my team and enhance the productivity of our projects with this improved knowledge.”
Specific: You recognize the steps needed to reach your goal (attend workshops and read books).
Measurable: You can keep track of the workshops and books you’ve gone through.
Attainable: Reading books and attending workshops is entirely achievable.
Relevant: You’re actively trying to increase your knowledge of Scrum and Agile methodology.
Time-based: You want to pursue and accomplish this goal within 7 months.
3. Enhance Team Collaboration
“To motivate team collaboration and to optimize the workflow, I will implement a daily check-in meeting with all team members. This will allow us to set tasks, review progress, and exchange ideas to improve our team’s overall efficiency within three months.”
Specific: The goal is clear and concise, stating the exact objective and how it will be accomplished.
Measurable: Team collaboration can be measured through the increased efficiency of tasks and workflow.
Attainable: This goal can be achieved by meeting with all team members to check in and exchange ideas.
Relevant: This is important for optimizing workflow, motivating team collaboration, and keeping everyone on the same page.
Time-based: There is a three-month deadline for this particular goal.
4. Reduce Project Risks
“I’ll reduce project risks for upcoming company initiatives by 10% in the following 8 months. I’ll do this by using a combination of risk management tactics, such as regularly auditing project progress and developing contingency plans.”
Specific: You have a precise goal in mind: work on reducing project risks by 10% over 8 months.
Measurable: You could pay close attention to the project risk levels regularly.
Attainable: This is a relatively achievable goal if you commit to the process.
Relevant: Reducing project risk is essential for many initiatives in the company.
Time-based: Eight months gives you enough time to implement risk management tactics.
5. Develop New Skills
“I want to become a better problem solver and develop new skills by attending two certifications courses in the four months ahead. This will help me become a more effective Scrum Master and better understand Agile concepts.”
Specific: This is specific because the person will attend two certification courses to become a better problem solver and develop new skills.
Measurable: This goal can be measured by taking exams and tests related to the certifications courses.
Attainable: Attending two certification courses in four months is a realistic goal if the person has enough time and resources.
Relevant: This SMART goal is appropriate because it helps the person become a successful Scrum Master.
Time-based: The goal should be accomplished in four months.
6. Monitor Sprint Progress
“I’ll aim to create metrics to monitor the progress of all sprints, and I will use those metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of each team every two months. I’ll use this data to assess the team’s performance, identify areas of potential improvement, and inform decisions on how best to allocate resources.”
Specific: The statement clearly outlines the objective, action plan, and timeline.
Measurable: Track the team’s performance in relevant metrics, such as velocity or story points.
Attainable: This goal is possible within two months for adequate evaluation and improvement opportunities.
Relevant: The data gathered will promote informed decisions and ensure that resources are correctly allocated.
Time-based: You will make periodical assessments every two months, so this goal will be ongoing.
7. Facilitate Scrum Meetings
“I will facilitate 20 Scrum meetings by the end of the quarter and ensure each meeting is properly documented with action items, notes, and updates. I’ll use the information from these meetings to improve our process and ensure we are on track for project success.”
Specific: The goal is to facilitate 20 Scrum meetings and document them properly.
Measurable: This is evaluated by the number of successful meetings held within the set timeline.
Attainable: This goal is achievable if given the time and resources.
Relevant: Facilitating and documenting Scrum meetings is an essential part of the process for successful project completion.
Time-based: There is a one-quarter end date for goal completion.
8. Encourage Productivity
“I want to create a productivity program to incentivize the team, encouraging them to produce more output in less time. By the end of this quarter, I want to implement a system that rewards team members for achieving higher productivity.”
Specific: The SMART goal is to create a productivity program to incentivize the team.
Measurable: You will implement a system that rewards team members for higher productivity.
Attainable: This is reachable because you are taking active steps to create a program that encourages productivity.
Relevant: The statement is appropriate because it incentivizes the team to produce more output in less time.
Time-based: You want to attain this goal by the end of the quarter.
9. Build Agile Culture
“I will lead initiatives to build an agile culture throughout the entire organization by the end of 6 months. I’ll create processes and procedures that support and cultivate an agile mindset as well as provide resources to help foster a strong sense of collaboration and constructive communication.”
Specific: The goal states the objective, what will be done to achieve it, and the timeline.
Measurable: You could determine whether the organization can complete projects with agility and collaboration.
Attainable: This is possible because it can be accomplished with enough effort and resources.
Relevant: This goal is pertinent to creating an organization that can quickly adapt to change and be prepared for the future.
Time-based: There is a 6-month end date for meeting this goal.
10. Streamline Communications
“To create a smoother workflow, I’ll review and revise communications processes within the team, focusing on streamlining them by the end of 5 months. I want to create a simple and efficient system so that no time or resources are wasted.”
Specific: This goal focuses on reviewing and revising communication processes to make them more efficient.
Measurable: After revising each communication process, check off the boxes and review the improvements.
Attainable: Given a reasonable timeline of 5 months, this goal is achievable.
Relevant: Streamlining communications will create a smoother workflow in the team, making it suitable for the organization’s goal.
Time-based: Goal achievement is expected after 5 months.
11. Introduce Innovation
“I plan to introduce at least three new ideas or methods for the team to implement that can help improve our processes and efficiency in two months. I want to foster innovation for the team and allow them to experiment with new ideas that could benefit the company.”
Specific: The goal is easy to understand, specifying what the team should do.
Measurable: The team can track how it impacts their processes and efficiency by introducing three new ideas or methods.
Attainable: This goal is feasible by creating a plan of action with the team and giving them time to brainstorm ideas.
Relevant: Introducing new ideas or methods helps foster innovation and encourages the team to think outside the box.
Time-based: The goal should be completed within two months.
12. Optimize Scheduling
“I will create an optimized project scheduling system and review it with key stakeholders within the next three months. This system should help the team manage their resources more effectively and ensure that deadlines are met.”
Specific: The Scrum Master will create an optimized project scheduling system and review it with key stakeholders.
Measurable: You can measure the progress and completion of the scheduling system.
Attainable: This goal is achievable with proper planning and time management.
Relevant: The project scheduling system should help the team manage their resources better and meet deadlines.
Time-based: You can expect goal attainment after three whole months.
13. Encourage Continuous Learning
“I’ll provide my team with the knowledge and resources they need to continually improve their skills by the end of 6 months. I hope to ensure that each team member is up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies so they can be as successful and productive as possible.”
Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it describes how to provide team members with the knowledge and resources they need.
Measurable: The Scrum Master can measure the team’s success in staying up-to-date on trends and technologies.
Attainable: This realistic goal can be achieved within the given time frame.
Relevant: The goal is pertinent to encouraging professional development.
Time-based: Six months is required to reach this particular goal.
Final Thoughts
Setting SMART goals as a Scrum Master is essential to successful project management. It encourages team members to strive for success and provides a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met.
By outlining specific objectives and assigning measurable results, Scrum Masters are better equipped to manage their projects efficiently.
