How can you distinguish Scrum metrics from indicators?

1 What are Scrum metrics?

Scrum metrics are quantifiable measures that help you track and evaluate the output and outcome of your Scrum team. They can be related to various aspects of Scrum, such as sprint velocity, backlog size, defect rate, customer satisfaction, and business value. Scrum metrics are usually based on data that is collected and analyzed regularly, such as the number of completed tasks, the hours spent on each task, the feedback from stakeholders, and the revenue generated by the product. Scrum metrics are useful for setting goals, monitoring progress, identifying problems, and making decisions.

2 What are Scrum indicators?

Scrum indicators are qualitative or subjective signals that help you understand and improve the process and culture of your Scrum team. They can be related to various aspects of Scrum, such as team collaboration, communication, transparency, trust, alignment, and engagement. Scrum indicators are usually based on observations, feedback, surveys, or self-assessments that are conducted periodically, such as the team mood, the sprint retrospective, the team health check, or the happiness index. Scrum indicators are useful for building awareness, fostering learning, enhancing motivation, and creating change.

3 How to distinguish Scrum metrics from indicators?

One way to distinguish Scrum metrics from indicators is to use the SMART criteria. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Scrum metrics are usually SMART, meaning that they have a clear definition, a numerical value, a realistic target, a direct connection to the goal, and a specific timeframe. Scrum indicators are usually not SMART, meaning that they are more vague, qualitative, aspirational, contextual, and continuous. For example, sprint velocity is a SMART metric, while team collaboration is a non-SMART indicator.

4 How to choose the right Scrum metrics and indicators?

When selecting Scrum metrics and indicators, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on various factors such as team size, maturity, domain, product, customer, and stakeholder expectations. However, some general guidelines are to choose metrics that align with your team's vision, mission, and values; support your team's goals, objectives, and outcomes; are meaningful, actionable, and transparent; are balanced, complementary, and diverse; and are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing needs of your team.

5 How to use Scrum metrics and indicators effectively?

Using Scrum metrics and indicators effectively requires more than just collecting and displaying data; it requires a mindset and culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and feedback. It's important to use Scrum metrics and indicators as tools for learning and improvement, not as weapons for blame and punishment. They should also be viewed as indicators of trends and patterns, not as absolute truths or guarantees. Additionally, they should be used as inputs for conversations and discussions, not as outputs for judgments and decisions. Finally, use Scrum metrics and indicators as opportunities for celebration and recognition, not as sources of pressure and stress.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?