Scrum Team — I-Shaped vs T-Shaped People

Some people have deep specializations in one domain, but rarely contribute outside of that domain. These people are known in agile communities as “I-shaped people” since, like the letter “I,” they have depth, but not much breadth. By contrast “T-shaped people” supplement their expertise in one area with supporting, but less-developed skills in associated areas and good collaboration skills.

As an example, a person who can test some areas of the product and develop different areas of the product is considered to be a T-shaped person as shown in the above Figure.

A T-shaped person has a defined, recognized specialization and primary role, but has the skills, versatility, and aptitude for collaboration to help other people when and where necessary. This collaboration reduces hand-offs and the constraints of only one person being able to do the job.

More Scrum Articles

• What is Scrum Team?
• What is a Self-Organizing Team in Scrum?
• How Scrum Team Works? — A Brief Guide
• How to be a Good Product Owner in Scrum Project?
• What is Product Owner’s Role in Scrum?
• Agile Development: How to Become a Qualified Scrum Master?
• What is Pig and Chicken in Scrum?
• Project Manager vs Scrum Master vs Project Owner
• What Are The Three Scrum Roles?
• What is a Scrum Master? The Role and Responsibilities
• What is Cross-Functional Team in Agile?
• As a Scrum Master, How Can You help Your Project Owner?