The Essential Missing Practices in Scrum

In this post, I will outline my list of essential missing practices in the Scrum framework. I contend that each of these practices should be integrated into your Scrum process. Failing to include these practices not only ignores an important recommendation in the Scrum Guide but also significantly increases the risk of project failure.

From the Scrum Guide: The Scrum framework is Incomplete!

The Scrum Guide states clearly:

The Scrum framework is purposefully incomplete, only defining the parts required to implement Scrum theory. … Various processes, techniques and methods can be employed within the framework.

— The 2020 Scrum Guide

It is up to you to decide which “processes, techniques, and methods” that are not part of the Scrum framework should be integrated into your product development life cycle. This decision is important because tailoring these elements to your project's needs can enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, increase quality and predictability, and maximize the value delivered to stakeholders while ensuring alignment with Scrum principles.

My List of Essential Missing Practices in the Scrum Framework.

In the following section, I will list my essential missing practices in the Scrum framework. I contend that each item on this list is essential, and overlooking, misunderstanding, or ignoring any of them poses a risk of significant project failure.

I keep this list short (covering only the essentials) but note that each of the items below should be integrated into your product development life cycle.

Basics

• Manage Task Switching
• Manage Variability
• Manage Capacity Utilization
• Manage WIP (Work in Progress) and WIP Limit

KPIs

• Customer Value Delivery Effort
• Defect accumulation
• Flow Efficiency (Cycle Time vs Lead Time)

System Thinking

• Model Your Product Flow
• Balance Your System Flow (identify and remove Capacity Mismatch)
• Use Definition of Done (DoD)
• Identify and Remove Waste
• Conduct Capacity Planning and Follow-up
• Identify and manage Hidden Queues and Starvation

Conclusion & Next Step

In conclusion, integrating essential missing practices into your Scrum framework can significantly enhance your team's effectiveness and project outcomes. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and tailoring your approach to meet specific needs, you can improve collaboration and increase customer value delivery.

As the next step, I suggest that you use the follow-up table below. Fill in your current Scrum practices status and plan a continuous improvement process to achieve excellence in your Scrum implementation.

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Assessment of Missing Essential Scrum Practices