In "Scrum is Hard and Disruptive #4—Look in the Mirror" Todd and Ryan explore how Scrum exposes every deficiency in an organization. Based on Ken Schwaber's 2006 white paper, this conversation unpacks crucial Scrum aspects that resonate even in today's dynamic business landscape.
Ken's 4th Statement: "An enterprise can use Scrum as a tool to become the best product development and management organization in its market. Scrum will highlight every deficiency and impediment that the enterprise has so the enterprise can fix them and change into such an organization."
Scrum as a Competitive Advantage
The episode emphasizes that Scrum’s primary purpose isn’t to serve as your next project management framework; it’s meant to be a transformative tool. It’s designed to expose weaknesses, highlight inefficiencies, and push organizations to address these pain points, ultimately driving continuous improvement. Todd and Ryan remind us that Scrum is one tool in a well-equipped toolbox, and using it effectively can set your organization apart.
Scrum’s Uncomfortable Truth: Adapt or Fail
One of the most powerful takeaways from this discussion is the idea that Scrum is a mirror reflecting all the deficiencies within an organization. From siloed teams to executive roadblocks, Scrum exposes it all. But here’s the catch: recognizing these problems is not enough—you have to act on them. Too often, companies implement Scrum but resist the changes it highlights, missing out on the full benefits.
Adaptation Isn’t Optional
Todd and Ryan argue that the inability to adapt is the single biggest failure they see in organizations attempting Scrum. They stress that if your team merely waves at problems as they pass by, you're missing the point. True success with Scrum comes from being willing to reorganize, refocus, and sometimes make tough decisions.
Facing the Hard Truths
The episode ends on a poignant note: “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you angry.” Scrum’s job is to shine a light on the truth within your organization. It will frustrate you and, at times, feel like a disruptive force. But that’s the whole point. To be the best, you have to confront these truths, make the necessary changes, and fully embrace the adaptation process.
Final Thoughts
Scrum is hard and disruptive because it demands that you do more than just manage projects—it forces you to confront and correct your organization’s deepest flaws. As Todd and Ryan aptly put it, why use Scrum in the first place if you’re not willing to adapt? The message is clear: embrace change, or risk being left behind.
⏩ Join Ryan and Todd for a Scrum.org course: https://buytickets.at/agileforhumansllc
Check out their books:
📖 "Unlocking Business Agility with Evidence-Based Management: Satisfy Customers and Improve Organizational Effectiveness" on Amazon -- https://amzn.to/4690qJy
📖 "Fixing Your Scrum: Practical Solutions to Common Scrum Problems" on Amazon -- https://amzn.to/46dAQTC