Which of the scrum values is most demonstrated?

Scrum (n): A framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value.

• Scrum Guide 2017

The Scrum consists of collections of values and principles, which we will be glancing at in this article. This scrum framework helps teams work together to deliver the most valuable products.

Scrum Values

Scrum is straightforward and is based on the principle of taking potential actions in a given situation based on what is known. It has rules that serve as guidelines for the teams to utilize Scrum to the fullest. Still, there are additions of values in the guide, so let’s know the significance of these values and their usage of these values. According to Scrum Guide, there are five values: Courage, Focus, Commitment, Respect, and Openness. 

The general line is that successful Scrum relies on the whole team signifying specific values based on the context. Without connections made on these values, the Scrum team can’t make their outcome sustainable and productive.

Courage and Respect are significant aspects. As well as you require the ‘courage’ to face challenging problems, it would help if you respected’ your team members to construct good bonding. And these two can be values most demonstrated when a team tries to create valuable outcomes for the users. However, ‘focus’ can be the value shown when a team sets the goal of delivering the most critical feature before proceeding to the next. Moreover, it reminisces about the team’s ‘commitment’ when it accomplishes the correct value through the suitable feature. 

To an Agile team’s success, the above are all significant. But, first, the team must feel safe enough and exhibit ‘openness’ to present their thoughts and try new things to help the whole team proceed in the right direction.

So, in a nutshell, all the values need to be demonstrated as much as possible for the team to be successful with Scrum.

Let’s have a good burst with all these values.

Commitment

The commitment here is fundamental. Commitment is all about bringing the best version at any given moment. It would help if you were committed to doing your best job for the team, precisely the way to commit in Scrum. It is not about the precise outcome since it is usually uncertain and unpredictable under challenging situations. However, commitment is an essential Scrum character trait that drives the team. The team members are committed to their team and team cooperation. They pledge to achieve the best possible outcome and be determined to produce their best every day. The team is determined to reach what they call the Sprint Goal. They pledge to operate as professionals and be committed to achieving excellence.

Focus

Scrum’s diverse yet balanced roles let the team focus on their strengths in terms of specialization, skills, and expertise. The overarching goals (Product Goal & Sprint Goal) and objectives provide focus as a team and demand them to collaborate and develop their understanding and capabilities. The time-boxing nature of Scrum encourages participants to concentrate on what is essential now without being distracted by worries about what may not be necessary. For example, the daily Scrum allows participants to focus on their Sprint Goal. Daily Scrum allows people collaboratively to concentrate on the actions required to make the fastest possible progress towards reaching the Sprint Goal.

Openness

The empirical nature of Scrum demands transparency to make decisions based on what is known rather than assumptions. So inherently, openness is needed. The team members need to be open and transparent about their progress, work, learnings, and issues and are willing to collaborate with stakeholders. This helps in making decisions that maximize value and minimizes risk. In addition, the team needs to be open to changes as complex environments are bound to change unexpectedly, abruptly, and often.

Respect

The Scrum ecosystem is about respecting one another for their expertise and backgrounds. The Scrum team must respect each other’s capabilities, skills, and knowledge. At the core of it, they should respect Scrum’s rules – time-boxing of events, the purpose of the events, etc. 

Courage

The Scrum team must display the courage to make the right decisions, even if it is unpopular. The team members should display the courage to challenge their team members to hold themselves accountable in case of undesirable activities. Then, courage to share all potential details that might help the team and the organization. For empiricism to happen in a complex environment, the team members should embrace the courage to bring the correct information to the table. 

Concluding thoughts

The Scrum Values are an integral part of the Scrum Team’s success. When the Scrum Team embraces the Scrum Values in its day-to-day activities, behaviours and decision-making, the probability of the team’s effectiveness will always be higher.