Why SCRUM must not be dogma

SCRUM, unlike e.g. KANBAN, is not implemented on top of existing structures and processes but requires organizational changes. It's revolutionary. And implementing revolutionary approaches always creates friction. It’s a tough task, and it requires discussions, explanations and arguments about "why” and “how”. It’s sometimes tedious …
… and that is when some get tempted to cut short uncomfortable discussions and ‘simplify’ their answers by saying something like
“that’s not possible in SCRUM" even if e.g. asking for a reliable delivery date is a justified business question.

You might think that’s o.k. but actually it’s not.

So why is that? Because it builds barriers. Because it sidelines substantive discussions about “why” and “how” and rather points to some sacred definition. It converts SCRUM into a dogma. Thereby it promotes a frontline about being “for” and “against” SCRUM.
The tragic is, that the question “for” and “against” SCRUM is not the goal, but the business is.
And the substantive question about "why" is important in understanding how SCRUM works and how it could be best applied to serve the business and ultimately for building consensus.
Dogma however does not promote consensus. It polarizes and ultimately wastes company resources on completely unnecessary questions.
Openness, respect and transparency as well as striving to adapt the work mode for optimal results are cornerstones of SCRUM. Dogma is not.

Here are three pragmatic tips to prevent dogma in SCRUM
1. Be patient
Rome wasn’t built in one day. Take the time and effort to get everyone on board. If that isn't achieved some colleagues might ‘tolerate’ SCRUM on the sunny days but will fall back into their old habbits when the going gets tough.

2. Resist the idea of ‘SCRUM being superior’
Because this suggests an identification with SCRUM which leads to the feeling of ‘me being for SCRUM’ and quickly to the idea of ‘us against them’.
Rather think of it as one tool among others.

3. Fully comprehend the core ideas behind SCRUM
Only this will enable you to successfully customize and adapt the framework ultimately achieving the best productivity and thus business results for your company.

#productivity #scrum #agile #productmanagement #changemanagement