Is it a process? A methodology? A …?
It’s a Guide! That’s what is says “The Scrum Guide”.
From Cambridge Dictionary: “Guide: a book that gives you the most important information about a particular subject“.
This reflects the Scrum Guide’s role: it provides foundational concepts, not prescriptive practices! Example: don’t go looking in the Scrum Guide for better refinement practices. Use it to find out what refinement really means.
Another one: “Guide: something that helps you form an opinion or make a decision about something else.”
Again, the guide does not exactly tell you what to do. It helps you. Example: a lot of people I meet indicate to me that Jira is a pain for them. Scrum is not saying you have to use Jira (even though the tool is pushed on teams a lot!). So form your opinion: does the tool help or not? Where does it help? What would be other options? What are you looking for in a tool? Then decide.
Why it matters?
The Scrum Guide isn’t about dictating how to execute specific practices. Instead, it lays out the key principles and values that form the backbone of successful Scrum implementations. Whether you’re new to Scrum or finetuning your approach, the Guide helps you understand the ‘why’ behind Scrum, which empowers you to adapt and apply the framework effectively in your unique context.
Imagine a Scrum Team struggling with their Daily Scrum meetings—they’re turning into lengthy status updates. By revisiting the Scrum Guide, the team can be reminded that the purpose of the Daily Scrum is to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adjust the plan accordingly, not to report to the Scrum Master or any manager. With this improved understanding, the team can now modify their approach to stay aligned with Scrum principles.
So, if you find yourself stuck or if your team’s practices seem to be missing the mark, take a step back and re-read the Scrum Guide; ask the guide. It’s a powerful tool for recalibrating your understanding and ensuring that your practices are aligned with the core concepts of Scrum. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to identify areas for improvement and select practices that truly serve your team’s goals.
Whether you’re a seasoned Scrum practitioner or just starting out, let the Scrum Guide be your trusted companion on the journey to success. And remember, it’s not about following it to the letter but using it as a guide to find what works best for you and your team.
I hope you find value in these short articles and if you are looking for more clarifications, feel free to take contact.
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Wishing you an inspiring read and a wonderful journey.
Scrum on!
