The 5 Fundamental Scrum Values and their Importance
Scrum Values
Scrum is, without a doubt, one of the most popular agile frameworks used for strategies for software development. Since its release, it has introduced five core values that every member of the development team must follow to achieve results efficiently and effectively.
However, even though Scrum is really popular, not everyone knows about these values nor understands them. They are vital for the successful application of Scrum strategies in the development team.
Why do Scrum values matter?
To understand the importance of Scrum Values, first, you need to know what they are and how many there are. Below, you can find a list containing the five essential Scrum Values, together with a brief description of their meaning.
The 5 Scrum Values are:
1) Courage
Scrum teams need to have the courage to make the right decisions and to deal with all the problems and obstacles along the way.
2) Focus
The Scrum Team needs to be focused all along with the development of the project in order to reach all the goals that were set by the project leader.
3) Commitment
Every single member of the Scrum Team must be committed to the task he has been assigned to.
4) Respect
Every member of a Scrum Team has to respect his colleagues and the work each of them does.
5) Openness
Everyone involved in the project, including Scrum Team members, have to be open about the work they are doing, this includes achievements, setbacks, current obstacles, and performance.
Courage
Scrum Team members have to be courageous so they can always make the right decisions and deal with whatever problems may come up along the way without second-guessing. Team members have to be able to support each other during the decision-making process and the taking of well-informed risks; this way, the team members will learn from each other and become better during the project. Things to keep in mind:
- Admitting that no one is perfect is the best policy.
- Being an open book will help the team to become better organized.
- Delivering undone tasks puts everyone at risk.
Focus
Every member of the Scrum Team has to understand that focusing on the task at hand is essential in the delivery of efficient and effective results. When dealing with complex circumstances and unpredictable situations, focusing on specific tasks is what determines if we fail or succeed. If everyone’s attention goes to their assigned tasks, then team members are capable of delivering critical items quicker.
The Scrum philosophy suggests the following elements in order to gain focus:
- The team must make sure at least a task is completed by the end of a work cycle.
- Each member should focus on their work and trust others will do the same.
- The entire Scrum Team must remain focused on the final objective.
- The product backlog is a crucial element that contains the main things the team has to focus on.
- Work cycles of Scrum Sprints need to have achievable deadlines.
Commitment
Scrum Team members need to understand that while the project is being developed, they have to be 100% committed. This will help them set achievable goals and realistic deadlines that can be achieved. Every member commits to the success of the team, instead of their individual achievements; This allows to create a trusting environment and to solve any productivity issues.
Respect
You can’t have a successful Scrum Team if their members don’t respect each other. Respect creates an engaging, productive, and humane working environment for everyone.
Openness
One of the pillars of the Scrum methodology is transparency and openness. All the information regarding the project has to be available for everyone involved in it. This includes all the successes, all the problems, all the fixes, and all the obstacles.
These Scrum values make teamwork unique: highly efficient and transparent. They teach members to be courageous, committed, honest, respectful, and focused on their work.
Following Scrum values helps the team align and work together to create extraordinary ideas that improve results.
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