Ten Tips to Leveraging Chat GPT as a Scrum Master

John Barratt
13 min readDec 10, 2023
infographic 10 Tips to leveraging Chat GPT

Are you a Scrum Master looking for ways to take your practice to the next level? Do you want to explore the potential of AI in enhancing your ability to serve teams, product owners, and organisations? If so, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll share ten tips, closely aligned with the Scrum Guide’s key accountabilities of a Scrum Master, on how AI can act as a force multiplier for Scrum Masters. We’ll explore AI-driven tools for fostering self-management and cross-functionality, ideas for removing impediments and ensuring productive Scrum events. These AI methods refine product goal definition, backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, and more.

The post will be grounded in the Scrum Guide’s principles, so you can be sure that we’re staying true to the essence of Scrum while embracing the innovation that AI brings. In the post, we’ll share actionable tips and insights on integrating AI into your Scrum practices effectively and ethically.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your Scrum Master role to new heights and blend traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology, let’s dive into AI and Scrum!

Tip 1 of 10 — Data-Driven Insights

AI can be a game changer in coaching our teams towards ultimate success! By leveraging AI, we can gain valuable insights into team dynamics, workflow efficiencies, and skill development. How cool is that? Not only can we identify bottlenecks and uneven workload distributions, but we can also uncover hidden potential within our team. With this powerful tool in our arsenal, we can guide our teams towards a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Tip 2 of 10 — Helping Scrum Teams meet the Definition of Done

As Scrum Masters, we all understand the importance of having a crystal-clear definition of “done” (DoD) for our teams’ sprints. However, ensuring that everyone on the team shares the same understanding of “done” can be challenging. That’s where ChatGPT can help — this AI-powered assistant can assist your web development team in creating a comprehensive list of DoD criteria specific to web development.

ChatGPT can suggest some great ideas for your team to ensure their code is up to par. From completing code reviews, passing all unit tests, and meeting accessibility standards to successful integration testing, ChatGPT’s got you covered. You can also use ChatGPT to put together an interactive guide that explains each DoD criterion in detail, complete with examples, good practices, and FAQs to clarify expectations.

Using ChatGPT in a targeted way is a surefire way to gain a more transparent, unified understanding of the DoD, leading to higher-quality outputs and more efficient workflows. With ChatGPT, you can be confident that everyone is on the same page and that your team is delivering high-quality work that meets your standards of “done.”

Tip 3 of 10 — Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.

As a Scrum Master, I understand that stakeholders may struggle with understanding technical jargon during Sprint Reviews. To make their experience more accessible and efficient, I recommend using ChatGPT. With it, technical aspects of the sprint work can be translated into easy-to-understand summaries before the review, ensuring that all stakeholders can quickly grasp what has been accomplished without getting bogged down in technicalities.

ChatGPT can also generate concise summaries highlighting critical decisions, feedback, and action items after the review. This makes it easier for stakeholders to review and follow up, saving time and allowing them to focus on what matters. Additionally, ChatGPT can generate pre-review briefs to help stakeholders prepare questions or comments in advance, leading to more focused and productive discussions.

By integrating ChatGPT in these ways, I can make Sprint Reviews more accessible and efficient for stakeholders, ensuring their valuable insights and time are optimally utilised.

Tip 4 of 10 — Helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management

Are you ready to dive into an exciting Scrum simulation with me? We will build a diverse and functional LEGO city that combines creativity and real-world urban structure in the most harmonious way possible. And the best part? We’ll use AI to gather insights on various city designs, cultural landmarks, and best practices for urban planning!

With the help of ChatGPT, the Scrum team can quickly synthesise all this information into a clear Product Goal, which we’ll then use to create a detailed Product Backlog. And trust me, this process will be both rewarding and exhilarating!

Using AI-driven solutions like ChatGPT, the Scrum team can refine their list of features into specific and actionable Product Backlog items. These tools can also analyse market trends and architectural themes to ensure we order backlog items based on critical elements.

But that’s not all! ChatGPT is also the perfect tool for continuous backlog refinement, integrating stakeholder feedback and evolving trends to ensure our product stays aligned with the defined Product Goal. So, let’s get started on this journey towards a truly unique and innovative product!

Tip 5 of 10 — Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items

Clear and specific Product Backlog Items (PBIs) are essential for any Scrum Team’s success. However, many teams need help with vague and non-specific items, resulting in confusion and inefficiencies. This is where AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can revolutionise how Scrum Teams approach backlog refinement.

In a LEGO City simulation, the Scrum Team faced a common challenge of a Product Backlog filled with general items like “Build residential area.” Using ChatGPT, the team could transform each item into more detailed and actionable ones. For example, “Construct a residential zone with diverse housing styles, including apartments, townhouses, and green spaces.” Then, by asking ChatGPT to break down the task into more specific PBIs, the team received three PBIs in user story format.

This AI-assisted approach streamlines the simulation and offers a practical lesson on the importance of clear backlog items. With consistent phrasing and detail level across all items, the Scrum Team can quickly refine the PBIs. This balance between guiding development and not constraining creativity is essential in real-world backlog refinement and can be achieved with the help of AI-powered tools.

Tip 6 of 10 — Leading, Training, and Coaching the organisation in its Scrum adoption

Now, using AI to lead or coach the scrum adoption might be too far, but let’s dive in and discover how we can use AI to create a fun and interactive quiz that boosts your scrum training and perhaps takes it to the next level.

Imagine this: you’re faced with the challenge of training a diverse workforce with varying levels of familiarity with Scrum. That’s where ChatGPT comes in! Through this fantastic tool, I developed a Scrum quiz that helps people gain a deeper understanding of the principles behind Scrum.

But that’s not all! I integrated this AI-generated quiz into Smart Slides, creating an exciting and interactive learning module that makes your training sessions more engaging and effective. And the best part? Participants receive instant feedback, making learning more active and allowing you to adjust your teaching methods in real-time.

Tip 7 of 10 — Visualizing Scrum Concepts with AI-Generated Images

Are you looking to add a creative and informative edge to your Scrum visuals? Consider using AI-generated images! Following a step-by-step guide, you can create visuals highlighting key concepts and engaging your team.

Start by identifying the Scrum concept you want to visualise, whether the framework, Sprint dynamics, or team collaboration. Next, clearly describe your vision to the AI using a tool like ChatGPT-4. Once the image is generated, refine your description and incorporate the visuals into your Scrum artifacts, training materials, or events like Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives.

Tip 8 of 10 — Don’t Believe Everything You Read

While it’s true that AI can be a game-changer for how you work, it’s crucial to recognise that it’s not perfect. We must learn how to work with it effectively and understand its limitations.

Let’s take a closer look at the upsides and downsides of AI in Scrum. While AI tools are powerful, they’re not infallible. They need guidance and a critical eye to work effectively. I can personally attest to this — I used AI to summarise client survey results yesterday, only to find a noticeable error. It was a stark reminder that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human insight.

But don’t worry — there’s plenty of upside to AI in Scrum, too! It can speed up and assist with written tasks, generate drafts, suggest ideas, and even help structure thoughts. This can be incredibly helpful in my suggested tips; just don’t expect it to be perfect.

Tip 9 of 10 — Use prompt sheets

Think of prompt sheets as your secret weapon for working with AI. They help you craft precise requests that get the best responses from AI tools, making tasks like generating reports, creating user stories, and piecing together roadmaps a breeze. Plus, they save you time and enhance clarity — what’s not to love?

Ten Tips to Leveraging Chat GPT as a Scrum Master

Are you a Scrum Master looking for ways to take your practice to the next level? Do you want to explore the potential of AI in enhancing your ability to serve teams, product owners, and organisations? If so, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll share ten tips, closely aligned with the Scrum Guide’s key accountabilities of a Scrum Master, on how AI can act as a force multiplier for Scrum Masters. We’ll explore AI-driven tools for fostering self-management and cross-functionality, ideas for removing impediments and ensuring productive Scrum events. These AI methods refine product goal definition, backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, and more.

The post will be grounded in the Scrum Guide’s principles, so you can be sure that we’re staying true to the essence of Scrum while embracing the innovation that AI brings. In the post, we’ll share actionable tips and insights on integrating AI into your Scrum practices effectively and ethically.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your Scrum Master role to new heights and blend traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology, let’s dive into AI and Scrum!

Tip 1 of 10 — Data-Driven Insights

AI can be a game changer in coaching our teams towards ultimate success! By leveraging AI, we can gain valuable insights into team dynamics, workflow efficiencies, and skill development. How cool is that? Not only can we identify bottlenecks and uneven workload distributions, but we can also uncover hidden potential within our team. With this powerful tool in our arsenal, we can guide our teams towards a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Tip 2 of 10 — Helping Scrum Teams meet the Definition of Done

As Scrum Masters, we all understand the importance of having a crystal-clear definition of “done” (DoD) for our teams’ sprints. However, ensuring that everyone on the team shares the same understanding of “done” can be challenging. That’s where ChatGPT can help — this AI-powered assistant can assist your web development team in creating a comprehensive list of DoD criteria specific to web development.

ChatGPT can suggest some great ideas for your team to ensure their code is up to par. From completing code reviews, passing all unit tests, and meeting accessibility standards to successful integration testing, ChatGPT’s got you covered. You can also use ChatGPT to put together an interactive guide that explains each DoD criterion in detail, complete with examples, good practices, and FAQs to clarify expectations.

Using ChatGPT in a targeted way is a surefire way to gain a more transparent, unified understanding of the DoD, leading to higher-quality outputs and more efficient workflows. With ChatGPT, you can be confident that everyone is on the same page and that your team is delivering high-quality work that meets your standards of “done.”

Tip 3 of 10 — Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.

As a Scrum Master, I understand that stakeholders may struggle with understanding technical jargon during Sprint Reviews. To make their experience more accessible and efficient, I recommend using ChatGPT. With it, technical aspects of the sprint work can be translated into easy-to-understand summaries before the review, ensuring that all stakeholders can quickly grasp what has been accomplished without getting bogged down in technicalities.

ChatGPT can also generate concise summaries highlighting critical decisions, feedback, and action items after the review. This makes it easier for stakeholders to review and follow up, saving time and allowing them to focus on what matters. Additionally, ChatGPT can generate pre-review briefs to help stakeholders prepare questions or comments in advance, leading to more focused and productive discussions.

By integrating ChatGPT in these ways, I can make Sprint Reviews more accessible and efficient for stakeholders, ensuring their valuable insights and time are optimally utilised.

Tip 4 of 10 — Helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management

Are you ready to dive into an exciting Scrum simulation with me? We will build a diverse and functional LEGO city that combines creativity and real-world urban structure in the most harmonious way possible. And the best part? We’ll use AI to gather insights on various city designs, cultural landmarks, and best practices for urban planning!

With the help of ChatGPT, the Scrum team can quickly synthesise all this information into a clear Product Goal, which we’ll then use to create a detailed Product Backlog. And trust me, this process will be both rewarding and exhilarating!

Using AI-driven solutions like ChatGPT, the Scrum team can refine their list of features into specific and actionable Product Backlog items. These tools can also analyse market trends and architectural themes to ensure we order backlog items based on critical elements.

But that’s not all! ChatGPT is also the perfect tool for continuous backlog refinement, integrating stakeholder feedback and evolving trends to ensure our product stays aligned with the defined Product Goal. So, let’s get started on this journey towards a truly unique and innovative product!

Tip 5 of 10 — Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items

Clear and specific Product Backlog Items (PBIs) are essential for any Scrum Team’s success. However, many teams need help with vague and non-specific items, resulting in confusion and inefficiencies. This is where AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can revolutionise how Scrum Teams approach backlog refinement.

In a LEGO City simulation, the Scrum Team faced a common challenge of a Product Backlog filled with general items like “Build residential area.” Using ChatGPT, the team could transform each item into more detailed and actionable ones. For example, “Construct a residential zone with diverse housing styles, including apartments, townhouses, and green spaces.” Then, by asking ChatGPT to break down the task into more specific PBIs, the team received three PBIs in user story format.

This AI-assisted approach streamlines the simulation and offers a practical lesson on the importance of clear backlog items. With consistent phrasing and detail level across all items, the Scrum Team can quickly refine the PBIs. This balance between guiding development and not constraining creativity is essential in real-world backlog refinement and can be achieved with the help of AI-powered tools.

Tip 6 of 10 — Leading, Training, and Coaching the organisation in its Scrum adoption

Now, using AI to lead or coach the scrum adoption might be too far, but let’s dive in and discover how we can use AI to create a fun and interactive quiz that boosts your scrum training and perhaps takes it to the next level.

Imagine this: you’re faced with the challenge of training a diverse workforce with varying levels of familiarity with Scrum. That’s where ChatGPT comes in! Through this fantastic tool, I developed a Scrum quiz that helps people gain a deeper understanding of the principles behind Scrum.

But that’s not all! I integrated this AI-generated quiz into Smart Slides, creating an exciting and interactive learning module that makes your training sessions more engaging and effective. And the best part? Participants receive instant feedback, making learning more active and allowing you to adjust your teaching methods in real-time.

Tip 7 of 10 — Visualizing Scrum Concepts with AI-Generated Images

Are you looking to add a creative and informative edge to your Scrum visuals? Consider using AI-generated images! Following a step-by-step guide, you can create visuals highlighting key concepts and engaging your team.

Start by identifying the Scrum concept you want to visualise, whether the framework, Sprint dynamics, or team collaboration. Next, clearly describe your vision to the AI using a tool like ChatGPT-4. Once the image is generated, refine your description and incorporate the visuals into your Scrum artifacts, training materials, or events like Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives.

Tip 8 of 10 — Don’t Believe Everything You Read

While it’s true that AI can be a game-changer for how you work, it’s crucial to recognise that it’s not perfect. We must learn how to work with it effectively and understand its limitations.

Let’s take a closer look at the upsides and downsides of AI in Scrum. While AI tools are powerful, they’re not infallible. They need guidance and a critical eye to work effectively. I can personally attest to this — I used AI to summarise client survey results yesterday, only to find a noticeable error. It was a stark reminder that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human insight.

But don’t worry — there’s plenty of upside to AI in Scrum, too! It can speed up and assist with written tasks, generate drafts, suggest ideas, and even help structure thoughts. This can be incredibly helpful in my suggested tips; just don’t expect it to be perfect.

Tip 9 of 10 — Use prompt sheets

Think of prompt sheets as your secret weapon for working with AI. They help you craft precise requests that get the best responses from AI tools, making tasks like generating reports, creating user stories, and piecing together roadmaps a breeze. Plus, they save you time and enhance clarity — what’s not to love?

Tip 10 of 10 — Individuals and Interactions Over Process and Tools

As I wrap up my ‘Leveraging AI as a Scrum Master’ series, let me reflect on one of the core values of the Agile Manifesto: “Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.”

Throughout this journey, I’ve come to a surprising realisation. While AI has the potential to revolutionise our Scrum practices, it can unintentionally overshadow the human element that is at the heart of Scrum.

It’s hard to balance utilising AI as a helpful tool whilst maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes Scrum effective. Perhaps AI can serve as a silent partner, supporting the Product Owner in managing the Product Backlog, automating administrative tasks, or gathering data for informed decision-making.

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John Barratt

John is the only agile coach to achieve the much harder than it sounds Systemic Modelling Level 1 certification. He is also a Certified Enterprise Coach