Agile or Scrum? What's the difference?

Hungarian version here

Today again, I got a question:

- Hi John, can you please briefly tell me the difference between Agile and Scrum?

-Hi there, I am glad to share my thoughts about this topic :)

Axiom: Agile does not equal Scrum

Agile has its 4 values and 12 principles laid out in a so called Agile Manifesto

It has been published on the Internet since 2001, and can be found here: https://agilemanifesto.org/

This is the original & authentic source for anyone who is - or aspires to be(come) - agile.

Under the great umbrella of above expressed agile principles and values, you will see multiple different methodologies, frameworks and isms that came to existence following its publication.

Among these frameworks there is one called Scrum

Agile does not equal Scrum

The Scrum framework defines and suggests a certain structure, roles and events, via this provides more tangible concepts and pieces than one can derive just by reading through manifesto’s enlisted set of values and principles.

Important note: Agile itself does not define or suggest any particular structure, nor it is a framework, rather a way of thinking, looking at things, a set of values, if you like: a mindset.

Here’s a secret: You can use pen & paper only and still be Agile. In fact, your mindset does have a greater impact on your agility than the actual tools / framework you use.

It is interesting to see how commitment towards Respect & Continuous Improvement being part of Agile has also been an integral part of a value-set predating Agile: we call it LEAN or Toyota Production System, in short TPS

Observers with deepened attention may come to see how certain elements of agility overlap with lean concepts, and this is not a coincidence!

Here’s a secret: You can use pen & paper only and still be Agile!

So then, why so many choose to implement Scrum?

My guess is that it provides some really good handrails in its concepts that are easy to hold onto.

Often when scrum framework gets implemented in a team / organization, many will automatically think something like this: Finally we are agile!

I believe agility will emerge from the right mindset, values and principles in any given place. Agility can be caught in act & reflected in everyday decisions, company culture, groupwork, customer centered thinking, iterative delivery, and vision-guided team actions

elements of agility overlap with lean concepts

Once you deice to acquire the right mindset – also decide to work towards it – all the pieces will fall in place – I promise.

When asked about the efforts required to implement one of the two, I have to admit:

It is a lot easier to enter into the Scrum Framework and change the way we work rather than challenging deeper layers about the way we think.

For those who claim agility based solely on their frameworks & tools in place, I recommend the following quote from a standup comedian:

“We have the latest notebook computer, and we use it as a chopping board!”

If you have any questions, thoughts, please leave a comment or reach out,

regards

John Szvara

Author is a Team Member, Creative Thinker, Trainer, Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Servant Leader, whatever these above expressions mean.