What is Scrum?
There are a variety of different approaches or frameworks based on the Agile values and principles set out in the Agile Manifesto, like Scrum, Extreme Programming, Crystal Method, SAFe, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all, so we choose the framework based on many factors.
In this blog, we will focus on the most successful and widely used framework – Scrum.
Scrum was founded on Empiricism which believes that knowledge comes from experience and we make decisions based on what is observed and Lean thinking which eliminates waste and focuses on what is important.
Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.
It employs an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and control risk. It emphasizes on transparency in communication – be it success or failures, and creates an environment of collective accountability for continuous progress.
It engages a group of people who collectively have all skills and expertise to do the work and are willing to share or acquire such skills.
The 3 Pillars of Scrum
Transparency – The emergent process and work must be visible to those performing the work as well as those receiving the work. Transparency enables inspection. Inspection without transparency is misleading and wasteful.
Inspection – The Scrum artifacts and the progress toward agreed goals must be inspected frequently and diligently to detect potentially undesirable variances or problems. Inspection enables adaptation. Inspection without adaptation is considered pointless.
Adaptation – If any aspects of a process deviate outside acceptable limits or if the resulting product is unacceptable, the process being applied or the materials being produced must be adjusted. The adjustment must be made as soon as possible to minimize further deviation. Adaptation becomes more difficult when the people involved are not empowered or self-managing. A Scrum Team is expected to adapt the moment it learns anything new through inspection.
The 5 Values of Scrum
The success of Scrum depends on people becoming more proficient in living the 5 values:
Commitment – To achieve goals and support each other in the team
Focus – On the work of the sprint to make the best possible progress
Openness – About work and challenges
Respect – Mutual respect for each other in the team
Courage – To do the right thing and to work on tough problems