Myth 1 – Scrum is a Methodology
To bust this first myth, I would prefer to differentiate between the concepts of methodology and framework.
Methodology vs. Framework
A specific methodology is a well-defined set of principles, concepts, tools, and associated practices that guide processes to meet a focused goal. The methodology is fundamentally more prescriptive. On the other hand, a framework is a flexible yet incomplete structure that leaves space for different practices and related tools requisite for the overall process. Thus, a framework is, practically, less prescriptive.
Source: wiki
People often refer to Scrum as Methodology.
From a practical point of view, Scrum is not a methodology, neither by definition. Instead, Scrum focuses on the scientific implementation of empiricism. As a result, it strikes the chord between well-defined principles and associated practices in a balanced manner.
Self-Managing teams and their dedicated, collective intelligence form the basis of Scrum. The teams solve varieties of complex problems through a series of adaptive solutions.
Myth 2 – Agile is equivalent to Scrum
50% of people I interact with use Agile and Scrum interchangeably. When they say something like 'We are performing or doing Agile', they mean they are doing Scrum. On a practical note, these two things are not the same.
Scrum is invariably a technical, lightweight framework. It strategically helps teams and organisations generate value via adaptive solutions suitable for solving complex problems.
Agile covers a larger arena with a well-defined set of values, concepts and principles. Scrum does fall under the expansive umbrella of Agile, but there are many other concepts like it.
In addition, implementing Scrum doesn't mean you are Agile. To become agile, developing an agile mindset is extremely important. Implementing Scrum doesn't guarantee that you would become Agile but certainly helps build habits that can enhance Agility.
Myth 3 – Cross Functionality means each team member should perform every task
A cross-functional team is an efficient group of people who have a clear goal, representing various disciplines under the concerned organisation.
The team's combined efforts are meant to add value to the process. Scrum Teams are, by nature, cross-functional. This does not mean every team member would display every kind of skill. It means the cross-functional attribute of the Scrum Team would benefit the group and organisation from an overall perspective. Read More >>
About Author
Venkatesh Rajamani has more than 15 years of experience delivering working software in short, feedback-driven cycles. He has helped a wide variety of organizations adopt agile software delivery practices, including large banking, payments, telecom, and product organizations. He started his career as a Software Engineer and spent almost 8 years as a hard-core Programmer. He has worked for or with large software delivery organizations including HP, IBM, Logica, Paypal, Ericsson, RBS and HID. He founded tryScrum.com in 2018 in order to execute his mission of Humanizing Organizations. Venkatesh is fluent in 4 languages. He is based in Chennai, India and sets the overall direction for tryScrum. He is the world’s first person to hold PKT, CAL-Educator, PST, CEC & CTC together. He loves reading books, travelling and public speaking.