8 Agile Lessons I Learned from watching M*A*S*H

I've been watching reruns of my parent's favorite show M*A*S*H and each time I watch an episode I'm reminded of the Agile Manifesto and then ideas encapsulated in the Scrum Guide.

Here are 10 lessons you can learn about Agile and Scrum by watching M*A*S*H reruns.

1. You need a sense of humor.

M*A*S*H teaches us that humor can be a powerful coping mechanism, even in the most challenging and stressful situations.

Product development is hard. Having a sense of humor makes can make life a bit easier.

2. Camaraderie is important

M*A*S*H emphasizes the importance of working together as a team and forming strong bonds with colleagues.

And that includes forming strong working relationships with people you may have problematic personal relationships with.

3. You have to adapt to your environment

The characters in M*A*S*H are thrown into a foreign war zone, something none of the doctors are used to.

But they adapt and build an environment where they can make progress and create a somewhat normal existence given the circumstances.

4. Let your ethics guide you

M*A*S*H often explores complex moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in wartime. The dilemmas are approached with honesty, courage and respect for others.

When in doubt, look to the Scrum values and think about what is ethical and moral. Let that lead your decision making.

5. Sometimes you have to break the rules

M*A*S*H underscores the importance of providing medical care and assistance to those in need, regardless of nationality or affiliation. In fact, many of the decisions the characters make go against army rules and policies.

When humanitarianism, compassion and even pragmatism conflict with policy, then maybe it's time to rethink the policy?

6. Leaders serve others

Through characters like Hawkeye and Colonel Potter, the show demonstrates different styles of leadership and decision-making. Yet one trait the most successful leaders in the show portray is their desire to server others as they lead.

Selfish leaders with ego-driven motivations are never respected. Reluctant leaders who serve other s are followed.

7. Challenge your biases

M*A*S*H challenges traditional gender roles, portraying strong, capable female characters like the lead nurse Margaret Houlihan.

I don't like promoting myself as a female in tech because I want to succeed on my own merits. But that's only possible for me today because of the word done by others in the past to challenge biases and reward competence.

Challenge your biases. It's important.

8. Prioritize your personal growth

Characters in M*A*S*H constantly undergo personal growth and transformation, reminding us that even in difficult circumstances, people can change and evolve.

And yes, I know the photo on this Agile article is of the A-Team. I just like trolling my 50-year old Agile Coache and Scrum Master friends. :)

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