Concepts
The Scrum framework is built on top of five fundamental values that every team member should embody. These Scrum values set the foundation for the team’s interactions, decisions, and overall approach to work. They include Courage, Openness, Respect, Commitment, and Focus. Let’s delve into each value in detail:
1. Courage
One of the key attributes required in a Scrum Team member is courage. This means not being afraid to question the status quo, raise difficult issues, estimate, and complete work honestly. For instance, a developer has to have the courage to say no to a product owner who might suggest that more work be added to the sprint even though it could compromise the quality.
2. Openness
Openness involves being transparent about all the work and the challenges with performing the work. Team members are always straightforward and honest about their work’s progress or difficulties faced during the project. For example, a tester highlighting major issues emerging in later stages of the development cycle during a daily Scrum meeting portrays openness.
| Work Situation | Without Openness | With Openness |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow | Hesitant to speak about progress or challenges | Freely shares technical problems or roadblocks |
| Meetings | Hides doubts or issues that can impact project delivery | Raises critical issues and challenges encountered |
3. Respect
Every team member is valued and possesses unique skills and strengths- that’s the essence of respect in Scrum. The team recognizes that individual members have different skills and talents and appreciates the diverse views each member brings to the table. For example, a designer respecting the code written by the developer showcases respect within a Scrum team.
4. Commitment
Commitment entails personally committing to achieving the goals of the Scrum Team. The team commits to the goal, be it the vision of the product or the sprint goal. It’s like a product owner standing by their decision about product requirements and making sure the team follows through.
5. Focus
The last value is focus: all team members focus on the work of the sprint and the goals of the Scrum Team. In a Scrum context, focus ensures that the team concentrates on a limited amount of work (User Stories) during a sprint cycle and delivers it to the best of their knowledge and expertise. For example, a Scrum Master maintaining focus on clearing obstacles for the team exemplifies this value.
| Team Member | Without Focus | With Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Juggles between multiple project tasks, impacting overall quality | Concentrates on a few tasks but ensures high-quality delivery |
| Scrum Master | Distracted with administrative tasks, neglecting team issues | Prioritizes resolving team impediments over other duties |
These five Scrum values act as guiding principles for any Scrum Team’s actions and behavior. Understanding and living these values not only helps individuals to enhance their personal development but also fosters team collaboration, leading to a more successful Scrum implementation.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: The five Scrum values include Respect, Courage, Openness, Commitment, and Focus.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Which of the following is NOT one of the five Scrum values?
- a) Encouragement
- b) Openness
- c) Courage
- d) Respect
Answer: a) Encouragement
Which of the following are among the five Scrum values? (Select all that apply)
- a) Collaboration
- b) Commitment
- c) Focus
- d) Empathy
Answer: b) Commitment, c) Focus
Respect is one of the five values of Scrum. In Scrum, it means:
- a) Adhering to timelines and estimates
- b) Recognizing and acknowledging each person’s and role’s worth
- c) Assembling project resources
- d) Paying close attention to each development stage.
Answer: b) Recognizing and acknowledging each person’s and role’s worth
True or False: The five Scrum values are intended to guide a Scrum team’s interactions and behavior.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
In the context of Scrum, what does ‘commitment’ refer to?
- a) The willingness to stick to a job until it is completed
- b) The ability to set clear boundaries in terms of work
- c) The ability to conform to a specific work schedule or routine
- d) The act of signing a contract for a project
Answer: a) The willingness to stick to a job until it is completed
Which of the following is considered a Scrum value?
- a) Transparency
- b) Conformity
- c) Efficiency
- d) Autonomy
Answer: a) Transparency
True or False: In Scrum, courage means the ability to carry out tasks, but it also means being upfront about challenges and issues.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Which of the Scrum value is demonstrated when Scrum team members focus on their work and objectives for the Sprint?
- a) Respect
- b) Openness
- c) Commitment
- d) Focus
Answer: d) Focus
True or False: The five Scrum values are meant to guide teams in developing and delivering high-value software products.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Which of the following is NOT one of the five values in Scrum?
- a) Absolute
- b) Respect
- c) Courage
- d) Openness
Answer: a) Absolute
When a Scrum team member states: “I will be open about all the work and the challenges with performing the work.” Which Scrum value is being referred to?
- a) Respect
- b) Openness
- c) Commitment
- d) Focus
Answer: b) Openness
The five Scrum values are really essential for any team! They are Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect.
Commitment is so important. Without full commitment, Scrum just doesn’t work the way it should.
Focus is something our team struggled with initially but once we got it right, our productivity soared!
Respect among team members is non-negotiable. It’s the foundation for a collaborative and effective team.
Openness is crucial, especially during the retrospective meetings. It allows for honest feedback and continuous improvement.
Courage to try new things and fail fast is what drives innovation in our projects.
Thanks for the blog post, very informative!
Commitment from the Product Owner is equally important as the Development Team.