Are you cheating on Agile…..??...

Recently, I was in an Agile meetup [by ‘Agile Cockpit’] where one of the topics raised and discussed was “Are you cheating on Scrum?”. This has raised my interest when I heard the word ‘YOU’ CHEATING. Who is this ‘YOU’?

After listening to the audiences, I realized this ‘YOU’ is nothing but the Scrum team and more focus was on Scrum Master as they advocate Agile Principles. They are supposed to ensure proper Scrum Framework [Roles, Events & Artefacts], Pillars [Transparency, Inspection, and Adaption] and Values being followed.

My curiosity was, if the delivery goes unexpected, metrics do not show improvement or Scrum events are not being followed properly, is that ONLY Scrum Master [or Scrum Team] to be blamed?

The general response was ‘NO’ to the question. If it is NO, then who is this ‘YOU’?

At the ground level Scrum implementation [or call it as REAL SCRUM], it is generally customized per business and management inclination. If this customized version follows proper Agile Principles, Scrum Framework guidelines, and values, I feel no doubt about the success of it. But, how many places it happens?

Few Scrum implementations are just for namesake and breach all guidelines. Is this Scrum team fault? Most important decisions come from TOP to BOTTOM and Scrum team being at the bottom, how much success does Scrum Master get to influence decisions from TOP? Most of the places, they adjust with the culture and violate true Agility.

So,

Isn't this ‘YOU’ particularly ‘Portfolio/Program management office’ also, than Scrum team only?

Isn’t it a CULTURE issue, than the Scrum team issue?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please comment……….

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the author's own. The author welcomes and respects any difference of opinion.