Scrum…quick definition
Scrum is a popular Agile framework that is widely used in various industries beyond IT. Scrum provides a set of rules and practices that enable teams to work together efficiently and effectively to deliver high-quality products. One of the key features of Scrum is its focus on values that underpin the framework. These values are commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect. In this blog post. Are these values your organization espouses? We will explore these values and their importance in the Scrum framework.
Commitment
Commitment is the foundation of Scrum. In Scrum, everyone is committed to achieving the goals of the team. This means that the team members are dedicated to their work and are willing to do whatever it takes to deliver high-quality products. The commitment of the team members is essential for the success of the project. Without commitment, the team cannot achieve its goals.
Courage
Courage is another key value of Scrum. In Scrum, team members are encouraged to be courageous and take risks. This means that team members should be willing to speak up when they see something wrong, take ownership of their work, and try new things. Courage is essential for innovation and continuous improvement. Scrum teams that lack courage are unlikely to achieve their goals.
Focus
Focus is critical in Scrum. In Scrum, the team has a clear goal, and everyone works together to achieve that goal. This means that the team members must be focused on their work and avoid distractions. The team must prioritize its work and avoid multitasking. Focusing on the most important work ensures that the team delivers the highest value to the customer.
Openness
Openness is a core value in Scrum. In Scrum, everyone is encouraged to be open and transparent. This means that team members should be willing to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns with others. Openness enables the team to learn from each other and continuously improve. In Scrum, feedback is essential, and team members should be open to receiving feedback and acting on it.
Respect
Respect is the final value in Scrum. In Scrum, everyone is treated with respect. This means that team members should be respectful of each other’s opinions, ideas, and contributions. Respect creates a positive team culture where everyone feels valued and supported. A respectful team is more likely to achieve its goals than a team that lacks respect.
Conclusion
Scrum is a powerful framework that enables teams to work together efficiently and effectively. The values of commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect underpin the Scrum framework. These values are essential for the success of Scrum teams. By following these values, Scrum teams can deliver high-quality products that meet the needs of their customers. If you are interested in using Scrum, be sure to embrace these values and make them an integral part of your team culture.
So here is the question to ask yourself…”Are these values that my organization (department, team, etc.) value and hold dear?” Perhaps you work in an environment where these values are not embraced. That is ok. I would encourage you to honestly score yourself and your environment on these values. Scrum can help. If you are not currently utilizing Agile Scrum, I would encourage you to examine it. If you are…then great! You already have the basics in place and can improve in the values.
Disclaimer: Agile Scrum can be disruptive to culture and the values your environment currently holds. That can be painful for some individuals. Make certain you adhere to these values through the change process as well.
