Want to learn about Scrum values?
Scrum is the most efficient project management framework for any team that needs to move fast- whether they are developing software or running a marketing campaign.
But just forming a team and holding a few meetings… that isn’t Scrum.
No more than driving a car around the block is a Formula 1 race!
It’s much more than that!
All of Scrum’s principles and processes are built on five values called the Scrum values.
They hold the Scrum framework together — like how Nick Fury keeps the Avengers in check!
So what are these five Scrum values?
And more importantly, how do you follow them?
To help you out, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Scrum values and how you can implement them.
This Article Contains:
Let’s get rolling.
What is the Scrum project framework?
Before diving into what Scrum is, let’s quickly go through what Agile is.
Why?
Because Scrum is an Agile project management framework!
Note: The following sections are for people who aren’t too familiar with Scrum and Agile processes. If you just want to learn about Scrum values, click here to jump to that section.
What is Agile?
Agile is a modern project management method that’s designed for maximum adaptability and efficiency. It’s open to changing project needs and encourages constant feedback from its stakeholders.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say you’re developing a software for Nick Fury to track the Avengers.
With a traditional software development method, like Waterfall:
You could spend a year building the software and ship it to him only to find that he’s unhappy with its features.
Why?
He wanted an app with their exact GPS coordinates at all times – not the last places they checked-in at!
With the Agile framework:
You could give Nick a version of the software at the end of a month, ask for their feedback and make the changes before moving onto the next set of features. You keep repeating this process until you’ve developed all the features you had planned.
The result?
Nick Fury smiling!
(which is typically rarer than a unicorn sighting)
What else do I need to know about Agile?
The best place to start is by going through the Agile Manifesto.
What’s the Agile Manifesto?
The Agile Manifesto describes the guiding principles and core values of the Agile methodology.
If you want to know more about the Agile mindset, check out our extensive guide on Agile project management.
Think of it as a guiding rules document that Captain America would’ve made the team sign before they went on any mission.
(Rules that Ironman would immediately violate on purpose)
Let’s now return to Scrum…
What is Scrum?
Scrum is one of the most popular project management methods based on the Agile mindset. It follows an iterative (repetitive) process that helps you deliver the product in the shortest time possible.
Like the Agile Manifesto, the guiding document for Scrum is the Scrum Guide. It defines the various components of Scrum — its principles, events, artifacts and roles.
(We’ll dive into these in a minute)
While Agile software development teams commonly use Scrum, it can also be used by any project team that’s looking to be flexible and efficient.
Doesn’t matter if you are designing an intergalactic spaceship or an AI-powered toilet — Scrum works for everything!
How does Scrum Work?
Designed for teams with five to ten members, Scrum breaks down your work into short development cycles called sprints.
At the end of each sprint, a working version of the product, called an increment, is delivered to the stakeholders.
Once the stakeholders give their feedback, the team adds the required changes to the product and starts the next development cycle.
Note: If a team has more than 10 members, the Scrum of Scrums method is used to divide them. They’re split into individual teams of 5–10 members and representatives from each team meet to discuss their progress at a Scrum of Scrums meeting.
What are the components of Scrum?
Scrum helps you adapt to sudden changes without jeopardizing your project deadlines or goals.
Awesome, right?
But before learning the Scrum values, you need to understand what goes into the Scrum process.
The Scrum framework is made up of:
Here’s a quick overview of each:
A. Scrum Principles
While the Scrum Guide doesn’t formally mention this, Scrum follows a few principles.
Sort of like the unwritten rules all superheroes share 😉
- Empiricism: Teams must regularly inspect and adapt their workflows to ensure that the project is heading in the right direction.
- Self-organization: They must know how to perform the tasks themselves without any input from non-team members.
- Collaboration: They must interact and work together to deliver high-quality increments.
- Value-based Prioritization: They must prioritize the product backlog items that will create the most value and tackle them first. This value can be anything from increasing the usability of the product to saving time.
- Time-boxing: Time acts as a constraint in Scrum to help teams plan and execute the project efficiently.
- Iterative Development: Scrum follows an iterative development model that helps teams include any change the customer needs in the product development process.
B. Scrum Events
Scrum defines a set of events that help teams plan and review their product development workflows.
They are:
- Sprints: A sprint is a short development period where a Scrum team works to complete an increment. All sprints have a sprint goal — it describes what’s to be built in that sprint.
- Sprint Planning: Sprint planning is where the team outlines the work to be carried out in a sprint.
- Daily Scrum Meeting: It’s a daily meeting where the team discusses the project progress.
- Sprint Review: A sprint review is done after each sprint to demo the increment and get feedback from the stakeholders.
- Sprint Retrospective: The Scrum team also performs a sprint retrospective after each sprint, to discuss improvements for the next sprint.
C. Scrum Artifacts
Scrum’s artifacts are a set of tools that keep everyone involved in product development on the same page. A lot like how JARVIS and the suit help Ironman carry out his activities!
Some of these artifacts are:
- Product backlog: A product backlog is a list of what’s needed (items) in the product. If there’s any change in the stakeholder needs, the backlog items are updated to reflect this.
- Sprint backlog: A sprint backlog is a list of product backlog items that are to be developed in an upcoming sprint.
- Increment: An increment is a usable version of the product that’s released after each sprint. It combines the backlog items completed in a sprint with those from the previous sprints.
D. Scrum Roles
Scrum teams are self-organizing and cross-functional teams made up of three key roles:
- Product Owner
- Scrum Master
- Development Team
Note: Usually, Scrum doesn’t have a clear project manager role. The managerial responsibilities are divided between the product owner, the Scrum master role, and the development team.
Much like all the Avengers contribute equally to a mission’s success! (yes even Hawkeye)
Let’s have a glance at what these Scrum roles are:
1. Product Owner (PO)
The Scrum product owner understands the needs of the stakeholders and turns it into project goals and backlog items. The PO is also responsible for managing the product backlog and relaying customer feedback to the team.
2. Scrum Master (SM)
The Scrum master helps the stakeholders and team members understand the Scrum practice as defined in the Scrum Guide. They ensure that each Scrum process in the project runs smoothly.
Note: In any Scrum team, you can’t replace a Scrum master with an Agile coach. An Agile coach has different roles and responsibilities that often go beyond helping a team succeed.
Usually, an Agile coach builds an Agile mindset in an organization or handles process development across teams – like what our man Nick Fury does!
3. Development Team (DT)
The development team consists of skilled individuals who develop the product. They’re responsible for delivering the increment at the end of each sprint.
Note: Professional groups like the Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org offer certification courses for the product owner, the Scrum master role and Agile software development teams. It’s recommended that your teams take these courses up before adopting the Scrum framework.
What are the Scrum Values?
Sure, Scrum has key principles, events, artifacts and team roles.
But how does it all tie up together and why do you need this?
“Because the Scrum Guide says so…”?
Nope, that’s not the answer.
Do you think that would ever fly with Ironman?
Not a chance!
But think about it.
Have you ever wondered why you need daily Scrum meetings?
Or why there must only be one Scrum product owner in a team?
The answers to all these questions lie in the values of Scrum.
What are the Scrum values?
Based on the Agile Manifesto, Scrum defines a set of core values that form the code of ethics for Scrum teams.
The scrum values are:
Sounds simple, right?
While these values seem like common sense, they’re critical to implement any Scrum process — whether it’s in software development, marketing or any other project.
Whether you’re a professional Scrum master or one of the first-time team members, you must follow these five Scrum values.
Let’s take a closer look at these five core values:
For each value, we’ll see what the Scrum Guide says and how it helps Scrum teams:
A. Commitment
“People personally commit to achieving the goals of the Scrum team.” – Scrum Guide
What does it mean?
Scrum team members must create realistic goals and stick to them. However, they must also swear to be completely transparent about the project’s progress.
Think about it.
Without each member’s commitment, teams will struggle to learn, collaborate and, ultimately, deliver increments on time.
Do you really think the Avengers would be as successful as they were if they all weren’t fully committed?
It’s an “all-in” situation — the product owner, Scrum master and developers must commit to working together.
How can Scrum teams be committed?
To help teams out, each Scrum role, event and artifact has a specific commitment.
For example, the Scrum master role commits to upholding the Scrum framework. Similarly, the product backlog helps commit to transparency, where all information on the backlog items must be clear to every member.
Team members must commit to:
- collaborate and work together
- follow the Scrum practice
- maintain professionalism and transparency
- continuous improvement of any project process
- meet deadlines and inspect increments
As teams function as a single unit, members should trust and work with each other. This is possible only when everyone is committed to the Scrum framework and the team’s success.
B. Courage
“The Scrum team members have the courage to do the right thing and work on tough problems.” – Scrum Guide
What does it mean?
Scrum and Agile are all about adapting to changes.
There are no procedures set in stone.
There are no “we always do it this way” justifications.
Instead, Scrum’s self-organizing and cross-functional teams must try out new approaches to see what works best for them. This involves admitting mistakes and engaging in productive conflict.
And for that, you need courage.
Think about it.
You can’t be a superhero without the courage to do what’s right even if it might not work out, right?
How can Scrum teams be courageous?
Scrum teams must be open to trying out new things, saying no, and asking for help.
Team members must show courage to:
- Admit that requirements can quickly change
- Ensure transparency in any project data
- Deliver a complete product
- Acknowledge that nobody is perfect
- Share the risks and benefits
- Promote Scrum principles and other values
Additionally, they should be able to question the status quo if it limits their ability to work and succeed in the project.
C. Focus
“Everyone focuses on the work of the Sprint and the goals of the Scrum team.” – Scrum Guide
What does it mean?
Scrum teams should only focus on a few things at once. This way, they can get things done quickly and efficiently.
Identify the most important task or process at the moment and focus on completing that first. You shouldn’t be bothered about what could be important at a later point in time.
If a Scrum team like the Avengers couldn’t focus or prioritize, they could be doing this before fighting supervillains:
How can Scrum teams be focused?
The different Scrum elements help promote focus in Scrum teams.
For example, the product backlog helps teams focus on which backlog item must be tackled next. Similarly, a sprint goal helps them focus on what must be delivered at the end of a sprint.
As all team members have clear roles and responsibilities, they need to focus only on their role to perform it successfully.
You’ve made your commitments earlier, now focus on them and nothing else!
D. Openness
“The Scrum team and its stakeholders agree to be open about all the work and the challenges with performing the work.” – Scrum Guide
What does it mean?
Scrum team members must be transparent and honest about what they do in the project. This includes anything from managing the product backlog items to updating the stakeholders on the project progress.
Everything must be open for inspection and modification.
How can Scrum teams be open?
For Scrum to work, teams must be open.
For teams to be open, Scrum artifacts and events come to the rescue.
For example, the product backlog must be clear to everyone working on the project. Similarly, the daily Scrum and Scrum of Scrums meeting keeps everyone on the same page on the project progress.
Scrum teams must be open to:
- Share their work progress
- Ask for help and offer it
- Discuss new ideas
- Admit mistakes and learn from one another
- Unexpected changes in project needs
E. Respect
“Scrum team members respect each other to be capable, independent people.” – Scrum Guide
What does it mean?
Scrum teams are self-organizing and cross-functional teams. They decide how to work and should have all the skills required to do the project by themselves.
However, teams can’t work together without respecting each other. You need to respect other members’ views, skills, and personal backgrounds.
When each team member feels respected and valued, they’re able to put their best foot forward to work efficiently. They’ll also accept feedback and constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve.
Remember, Iron Man and Cap never really agreed, but they always respected each other – which is why they were such a great duo!
How can Scrum teams be respectful?
Scrum teams must treat each member as equals and include them in the meeting and planning processes. They must also respect the stakeholders by valuing their views and feedback.
For example, the Scrum product owner takes input from the stakeholders to create realistic expectations. This shows that the product owner respects the view of the stakeholders to ensure that the final product exceeds their expectations.
How do I transition to Scrum easily?
While you need to follow Scrum values, assign team roles and hold meetings, you also need a platform to manage your project activities. An excellent project management tool is going to help your team seamlessly transition to Scrum in no time!
Luckily, you have project management tools like ClickUp to help you out.
Whether it’s for software development or any other project, these tools will give your Scrum team all that they need, like:
- a place to manage the backlog
- a way to track project progress over time
- a platform to communicate with members and stakeholders
The best Agile and Scrum Software: ClickUp
ClickUp is the world’s highest-rated Scrum project management software.
It even has features designed to help teams follow the Scrum values!
Whether you want to plan upcoming sprints or use a scrum board to track your project progress, ClickUp can handle it all!
Here’s a glance at some of ClickUp’s features:
1. Goals to help conquer your sprints
During sprint planning, a sprint goal is created to help you focus and commit to the sprint.
But how do you know if you’re on the right path?
With ClickUp’s Goals!
In ClickUp, Goals are high-level containers which are broken down into smaller, measurable targets. Once you finish these targets, you’ll complete your goal! You can also create backlog lists and move them into a Goal to start a sprint quickly.
It’s that simple!
I mean, how do you think Thanos planned on eliminating half of the world?
He used Goals to keep track of everything!
2. Sprint Lists to track sprint progress
ClickUp’s Sprint Lists help any team member track the progress of each sprint. This way, you can achieve focus, commitment and openness in your sprint processes.
But what’s a sprint list?
A sprint list is a checklist that breaks down the increments for each sprint.
You can add them across tasks and quickly check things off as you advance. You can also add Scrum points to it to know how long it’ll take to finish your product backlog or sprint backlog.
What’s more?
You can use it to review sprint progress in the daily Scrum, sprint review or sprint retrospective meetings.
This way, the Avengers could use it to check off all the villains on their list!
3. Agile Dashboards for visual overviews of projects
ClickUp’s powerful Dashboards give you quick visual summaries of your projects and sprints.
You can also use the tool’s sprint widgets to customize what data is shown in these dashboards.
These include:
- Velocity charts: highlights the completion rate of your tasks
- Burndown charts: shows you the amount of work remaining in a project
- Burnup charts: shows you the amount of work already completed in a project
- Cumulative flow charts: displays the task progress over time
4. Custom Statuses for managing varying project stages
ClickUp lets you customize your task statuses according to your requirements!
Instead of being stuck with a set of statuses that aren’t related to your project, you can create ones that reflect your needs accurately.
For example, you can create a status like “issue found” for your Agile software development project.
This way, you can quickly look at a task’s status to know what stage it’s in. This will help keep everyone on the same page about any task or project.
Openness? Achieved!
5. Assigned Comments to keep your project communication rolling
When there is tons of stuff happening, comments often slip through the cracks. You might need something urgently, but your team never saw it and are chilling like this:
This can cause unnecessary delays that slow down your project’s progress.
But with ClickUp’s Assigned Comments, that’s not an issue!
You can easily create tasks out of comments and assign them to any member. They’ll be notified immediately, and it’ll even show up in their task tray. Once they’re done with the task, they can resolve it to avoid unnecessary follow-ups!
6. Time Tracking to focus on tasks
ClickUp lets you track project time with it’s Google Chrome extension.
It shows you the exact time your team is spending on any task. As each task is tracked separately, you can see who worked on which task and for how long.
While this helps you monitor your team’s productivity, you can also use these records to bill clients accurately.
Additionally, ClickUp has tons of integrations with time tracking software like Time Doctor, Toggl and more to adapt to what your team’s already using.
However, these aren’t all of ClickUp’s features.
What’s more?
This Agile and Scrum software also gives you features like:
- Multiple Views: choose from a wide variety of project views to suit your team’s needs
- Priorities: always know what tasks or subtasks are most important and attempt them first
- Gantt Charts: chart your project’s progress easily
- Dependencies: tackle your tasks in the right order
- Custom Access Rights: allow stakeholders into your project space without compromising on privacy
Conclusion
There’s a lot more to Scrum than just building the right team.
Sorry Avengers!
You need to understand Scrum principles, host its events and utilize its artifacts.
And for all this to work together, you need to follow the five values of Scrum.
While this can seem like a lot to take in, with the right project management tool, Scrum becomes a piece of cake!
That’s why ClickUp offers tons of powerful features to help project teams quickly adapt to the Scrum framework. It’s the best Agile and Scrum software for any project!
So why not sign up for ClickUp today and transform into a team of superheroes?
Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.