Solving problems without blaming
In collaborative teams, especially those following agile frameworks, it’s essential to create an environment that promotes communication and clarity. When individuals pick up tickets independently, staying aligned is crucial to prevent misunderstandings, overlapping work, and the potential for resentment. “Daily” meeting is a place where the team can align on the end goal, share the challenges or ask for help.
Situation:
Imagine this scenario: Team member “A” is working on a challenging ticket. During a daily, “A” shares that he/she is facing difficulties. Hearing this, “B” takes a look at the task and ends up completing the task. Next day, “A” finds the ticket already marked as done, and their efforts seemingly discarded. Although “B” intended to be helpful, the way it was handled left “A” feeling side-lined.
While this is a minor instance, similar situations can easily escalate, resulting in tension within the team. Small misunderstandings over who does what or steps on whose toes can lead to bigger issues over time.
So, what’s the solution?
Setting Clear Expectations: Communicate, Don’t Assume
The key here isn’t the complexity of the task — it’s the importance of keeping each other informed. In this case, “B” could have approached “A” to offer support or at least communicated that he/she is moving forward with a solution. Likewise, a simple acknowledgment from “A” that they would appreciate a hand might have smoothed things over. The goal is to maintain open communication so that the team works together without accidentally overstepping.
Clear communication, respect for each other’s work, and a willingness to help each other without taking over are the pillars of effective teamwork. This avoids stepping on each other’s toes and keeps everyone feeling valued for their contributions.
Using Comics for Clarity
Being a Scrum Master it is important to find creative ways for set expectations. Sometimes, sharing expectations in a traditional format can feel too formal or even accusatory. To address this, I often use creative tools — like this time I used comic strip — to illustrate scenarios without blame game. Visual storytelling allows the team to recognize common issues, understand the right approach, and learn in a fun and non-judgmental way.
Here’s an example comic strip showing how this situation might look in a team setting. In a few simple panels, it highlights the importance of keeping communication open and shows how small actions can have a big impact on the team’s dynamic.
Takeaways for Teams: Focus on the Solution, Not the Person
Through creative problem-solving and open conversations, we can avoid misunderstandings and foster a supportive work environment. When teams focus on addressing issues rather than pointing fingers, everyone feels empowered to learn, grow, and contribute fully.
In summary, let’s remember:
Communicate Intentions Clearly: If you’re about to take over someone’s work, give them a heads-up.
Be Open to Help and Collaboration: Asking for assistance is a sign of teamwork, not weakness.
Focus on the Problem, Not the Person: Use tools like comic strips to reinforce key behaviours without personalising issues.
Encouraging open communication, promoting mutual respect, and injecting a bit of fun through comics can make even the trickiest situations easier to navigate. Let’s keep working together, focusing on solutions, and enjoying the process!
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