Scrum, a subset methodology of Agile, is a highly effective framework primarily used for software development projects but its utilization has been escalating in other fields as well. It brings flexibility and productivity in projects by breaking them into smaller and manageable tasks known as Sprints. Scrum encourages an energetic, collaborative environment, where team members work synchronously to achieve a common goal.
Understanding the Scrum Values
To efficiently implement the Scrum framework, understanding the Scrum Values is indispensable. There are five: Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect. Each of these values contributes to the success of Scrum teams and projects in unique ways.
1. Commitment
Commitment refers to the dedication of the team towards the work, goals and to each other. Scrum members need to be committed not just to doing their jobs, but to the goal of the project and supporting their teammates. For example, team members willingly pick up tasks beyond their comfort zone to ensure that the Sprint Goal is met, showing commitment.
What it is | What it isn’t |
---|---|
Passion for work | Blind dedication |
Stepping up when needed | Over-committing, thus leading to burnouts |
2. Courage
Scrum members must have the courage to deal with issues, complexities and challenges face on. They should also have the courage to share ideas, discuss issues and take on tasks that push their boundaries. For example, a Developer courageously admitting a fault in deliverable much before the Sprint Review so it can be rectified on time.
What it is | What it isn’t |
---|---|
Openness to challenges | Rashness and not thinking about consequences |
Being genuine | Fear of negative feedback |
3. Focus
Focus refers to attention and concentration on the tasks, the sprint goal, and the project. Scrum members are expected to stay focused on their tasks to achieve the sprint goal. For instance, a Scrum Master effectively shields the team from external interference to maintain the team’s focus on the tasks.
What it is | What it isn’t |
---|---|
Concentrating on the Sprint Goal | Ignoring the larger vision |
Avoiding distractions | Being inflexible to changes |
4. Openness
Openness infers transparency, feedback, and active communication. It involves being open to constructive criticism, and being forthcoming about what’s working and what’s not. For example, the Product Owner honestly discussing constraints with stakeholders to manage their expectations.
What it is | What it isn’t |
---|---|
Transparency in operations | Sharing sensitive information recklessly |
Welcoming feedback | Overlooking the need for confidentiality |
5. Respect
Respect is about appreciating everyone’s contributions, respecting their decisions and giving importance to their opinions. It involves respecting diversity, each other’s skills, and experiences. For example, team members appreciating the efforts of a fellow member who tried a new way of problem-solving.
What it is | What it isn’t |
---|---|
Acknowledging all opinions and ideas | Accepting all ideas without review |
Giving credit where due | Inadvertently tolerating lousy work |
Conclusion
In general, these five Scrum values work collectively to bring out the best in terms of productivity, quality, and team morale. Knowledge of these values not only proves beneficial for the “Scrum Foundations Exam” but also for practical scrum implementations. They form the core philosophy behind Scrum, and understanding and applying these values will significantly improve your Scrum practice.
Practice Test
True or False: The five Scrum values are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: These constitute the five main values of Scrum that foster a healthy and collaborative working environment.
Select all that apply: Which of the following are considered as one of the Scrum values?
- a) Integrity
- b) Respect
- c) Diversity
- d) Commitment
Answer: b, d
Explanation: Respect and Commitment are two of the five Scrum values. The others are focus, courage, and transparency.
True or False: Honesty is one of the Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Although honesty is crucial in Scrum methodology, the five Scrum values specifically are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
According to the Scrum methodology, one should focus on the work and the goals of the Scrum Team.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Focus is one of the five Scrum values. Team members do not get sidetracked and focus on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum Team.
Select all that apply: Scrum values are:
- a) Focus
- b) Innovation
- c) Courage
- d) Consistency
Answer: a, c
Explanation: Innovation and consistency are not included in Scrum values. The Scrum values are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
True or False: Transparency is not one of the Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Transparency is indeed one of the Scrum values. It helps to ensure full visibility of project progress for all team members.
In Scrum methodology, which value helps team members to do the right thing and work on tough problems?
- a) Respect
- b) Focus
- c) Courage
- d) Transparency
Answer: c, Courage
Explanation: The Scrum value of Courage helps team members to deal with difficult issues and do the right thing.
True or False: Collaboration is one of the Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Although collaboration is an essential aspect of Scrum, the five Scrum values are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
Which of the Scrum values is about believing in capacity and that achieving goals is possible?
- a) Courage
- b) Commitment
- c) Transparency
- d) Respect
Answer: b, Commitment
Explanation: Commitment is about having faith in the team’s capacity and generating the belief that goals can be reached.
True or False: Flexibility is one of the Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While flexibility is critical in Agile methodology, the five Scrum values are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
Team members should value their colleagues and uphold the Scrum value of ———?
- a) Focus
- b) Respect
- c) Courage
- d) Transparency
Answer: b, Respect
Explanation: The Scrum value of respect promotes a positive and productive workplace environment.
True or False: Respect and focus mean the same in Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Respect and Focus have distinct meanings in Scrum values. Respect is about valuing others. Focus is about concentrating on the work and goals.
Which Scrum value ensures that everyone has a clear understanding of what is being created?
- a) Courage
- b) Transparency
- c) Focus
- d) Commitment
Answer: b, Transparency
Explanation: Transparency is the Scrum value that ensures everyone has a clear understanding of what is being done and where the team stands.
True or False: Conflict resolution is one of the Scrum values.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While conflict resolution is important in team dynamics, it’s not one of the five Scrum values. The core Scrum values are respect, courage, focus, commitment, and transparency.
Which Scrum value allows the Scrum team to face challenges and to work on demanding tasks?
- a) Courage
- b) Transparency
- c) Commitment
- d) Focus
Answer: a, Courage
Explanation: Courage, as a Scrum value, allows the team members to tackle tough problems and work on overcoming challenges.
Interview Questions
What are the five core values of Scrum?
The five core values of Scrum are commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect.
What does the Scrum value ‘Commitment’ mean?
‘Commitment’ in Scrum refers to the team members’ dedication to agreed goals and objectives of their project.
How does the ‘Openness’ value manifest in Scrum?
‘Openness’ facilitates clear communication about all project aspects within the Scrum team, promotes transparency and adaptiveness to changes.
Can you elaborate on the ‘Courage’ value in the context of Scrum?
‘Courage’ in Scrum is the ability to express one’s thoughts, resolve conflicts, take on work and face tough decisions, meaning team members are not afraid to address issues or changes necessary for their project.
How does the Scrum value of ‘Focus’ aid in project execution?
‘Focus’ ensures that everyone concentrates on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum team, letting them target their efforts towards the timely completion of tasks.
Tell me about the ‘Respect’ Scrum value and how it’s implemented?
‘Respect’ means recognizing and acknowledging each other’s skills, knowledge, and efforts without bias, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
What is the role of these five Scrum values in a Scrum team?
The Scrum values guide the team in their decision-making, collaboration, product development and ensure a productive, transparent, and harmonious work environment.
Does the Scrum value ‘Commitment’ suggest that the team has to deliver all decided scopes?
No, ‘Commitment’ refers not to fulfilling all scopes, but to the dedication to achieving the team’s goals. Scopes may be negotiable.
How do openness and focus compliment each other in Scrum?
Openness enables team members to communicate their progress transparently and any obstacles they face. Focus allows them to concentrate on overcoming these obstacles and achieving their sprint goals.
What is the impact of the value ‘Courage’ on the Scrum team’s performance?
‘Courage’ empowers team members to take risks, voice their opinions, and make tough decisions, often leading to innovative solutions and enhances team performance.
Give an example of how the value of ‘Respect’ impacts a Scrum team’s interaction?
‘Respect’ encourages team members to value each other’s views and contributions, creating a supportive environment that drives effective collaboration and high-quality outcomes.
How do the five Scrum values help in managing the product backlog?
These values lead the Scrum team to work collaboratively, focus on sprint goals, stay open to changes, respect each other’s opinions which promotes effective backlog management.
How do the five Scrum values reinforce the Scrum Pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation?
The values of openness and focus support transparency, commitment and courage encourage inspections, while all five values together foster an environment that welcomes adaptation.
Do the Scrum values change according to the nature of the project?
No, the Scrum values of commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect are universally applicable regardless of the project’s nature.
What happens if a Scrum team fails to adopt these five values?
Lack of these values can lead to mistrust, miscommunication, demotivation, inefficiencies in the team, and potential failure in project delivery.