Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems. It was designed to be simple and purposefully incomplete, only defining the parts required to implement Scrum theory.
When you've been practicing Scrum for a long time it is very likely that you have incorporated a lot of your "organizational personality" into it. And that’s OK.
As The Scrum Guide says: "Scrum is built upon by the collective intelligence of the people using it. Rather than provide people with detailed instructions, the rules of Scrum guide their relationships and interactions".
Scrum can be adapted to work effectively in any organization.
Like people, organizations are unique and have their own flaws so you need to watch out for those organizational characteristics that can negatively impact the correct application of Scrum.
If you want to ensure you're still on track when applying Scrum while tailoring the framework to your needs, here are the three most important concepts to keep in mind so that Scrum can still work to your company's advantage:
Key #1: Scrum will never tell you the HOW
You negotiate the HOW with your team, and if something doesn't work, you can negotiate again.
- How long will sprints be?
- How will you check that an issue is ready for the sprint backlog?
- How will you track and assign the work?
- How are you estimating the work to be done?
- How will you define when work is done?
You get to discuss all the “HOWs” with your team in a transparent way. All the cards should be on the table, always.
In Scrum, "HOWs" are not carved in stone. If the first attempt doesn't work, you inspect and adapt. Repeat as necessary.
Key #2: Scrum requires that you define what “DONE” means
The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. The moment a Product Backlog item meets the Definition of DONE, an Increment is born.
You need to negotiate (again) what's your definition of DONE, and you must do this with all the team.
What does DONE mean?
- Is the design ready?
- Is the implementation complete?
- Has documentation been written to help other members of the team?
- Has everything been tested?
- Is the feature promoted to the demo environment?
If you don't do this, you'll be lost during the whole project and things will feel unfinished all the time.
Define "DONE" clearly before starting your project. This simple step will prevent countless headaches down the road.
Key #3: Scrum values are there to guide you
Successful use of Scrum depends on people becoming more proficient in living five values: Courage. Focus. Commitment. Respect. Openness.
You'll need courage to do the right thing and say "no," focus to stay on task after making a commitment to achieve the agreed-upon goal, respect for your teammates throughout the process, and openness to the possibility that you may not always be right.
Keep the Scrum values close to you all the time, and everything will fall into place.
Dura Digital: Your Guide on the Scrum Journey
At Dura Digital, we understand the intricacies of implementing Scrum in diverse organizational environments. Our expertise can guide you through the journey of adapting Scrum to your unique organizational needs while maintaining its core principles.
Here's how we can assist you:
- Customized “HOW” Solutions: We help you navigate the "HOWs" of Scrum implementation, tailoring sprint lengths, work tracking methods, and estimation techniques to suit your team's specific requirements.
- Defining DONE: Our experts facilitate workshops to help your team create a clear, comprehensive definition of "DONE" that aligns with your project goals and organizational standards.
- Scrum Values Integration: We provide training and coaching to instill and reinforce Scrum values within your team, fostering a culture of courage, focus, commitment, respect, and openness.
With Dura Digital as your partner, you'll be equipped to leverage Scrum effectively, driving productivity and delivering value in your complex project environments. Let us help you transform your Scrum journey into a success story.
Ready to take your Scrum implementation to the next level? Contact us today to learn how Dura Digital can support your team's success.
Let's collaborate to unlock the full potential of Scrum in your organization!
