A deeper understanding on…
Scrum Values
Road to PSM III — Episode 5
[revised for 2020 Scrum Guide update]
The topic ‘team values’ might sound abstract. They are mushy-wushy terms, but the behaviors stemming from them make a real world impact. Many teams (or organizations as a whole) do not pay much attention to values, yet many preach about developing culture.
What are the Scrum Values?
- The Scrum Team commits to achieving its goals and to supporting each other.
- Their primary focus is on the work of the Sprint to make the best possible progress toward these goals.
- The Scrum Team and its stakeholders are open about the work and the challenges.
- Scrum Team members respect each other to be capable, independent people, and are respected as such by the people with whom they work.
- The Scrum Team members have the courage to do the right thing, to work on tough problems.
I see a lot of potential; teams really, collectively do have the power to create a better environment for themselves, but in order to unlock this, a demonstration of trust is needed and that takes courage. Without this, a lot is squandered. What is needed to create that sense of belonging in the workplace?
Personal values
I think it is essential we first cover our own personal values and principles. So here is a thought that might help you define what you value in relation to your job. So, hypothetically, if your kid would grow up to do the job you do today, what would you wish for them?
For example, this is just a small selection I would wish for my daughter if she were to follow me in my footsteps: I wish for her…
- Not to be called or considered to be a ‘resource.’ She is not an expendable human being.
- Be respected when she provides honest feedback.
- To be able to speak up and do the right thing without fearing repercussions.
- Not to be defined or limited by a job profile.
- Not have to report to someone less qualified.
- Not have to report to someone who values business objectives over her as a person.
- Not having to report and justify every single breath she breathes.
- To have the ability to learn and improve… during office hours continuously.
- Not have someone else take credit for her work and the challenges she overcame.
- Even if she is a developer of a product, she too enjoys a level of ownership of the product.
- She gets to take the time to make it right so she can maintain and elevate her professional standard.
- When she struggles, she is helped, not blamed.
- She won’t abandon healthy principles in unhealthy environments.
Personal team values
Now, consider these personal values in relation to Scrum’s values.
- Work in an equally committed team. To have each other's back at all times.
- To have to courage to speak up when something isn’t right.
- That she has the time to focus on doing her work right and that she can focus too on her own personal development.
- To be able to be open and honest without ‘corporate-social-political’ reprimand.
- And above anything else… to be respected for the work she does and the person she is.
Now I wish that too for myself and my teammates!
Scrum Team values
When considering ‘team values’ each member should first consider the statement: ‘we are in it together’. Sometimes a member may not want to be part of a team, or won’t consider him/herself to be a part of a team. Ask them to consider if they are all affected by the actions of another and if they have a shared purpose or direction. If so, you are in it together.
As Scrum Master, it is best to approach the situation holistically when your team is struggling or when there is continuous conflict. What to do when you ‘sense’ the issue is bigger than the argument?
To help the team ’to move on productively from conflict, consider the following:
- Are the right things transparent to the right people?
- Is the team routinely inspecting and adapting?
- Are we acting from our values, and how is this demonstrated?
No one wants continuous conflict. You are in it together. The team will have to work out how each individual can contribute to creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
Continue to the next episode:
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