Embracing the Immutable Nature of Scrum: Insights from the Scrum Guide

In the ever-evolving landscape of agile methodologies, one framework stands out for its simplicity and efficacy: Scrum. According to the Scrum Guide, Scrum is immutable, meaning its core principles and practices are fixed and must be adhered to for the framework to be effective. Despite being adapted over time in response to market and industry changes, the fundamental essence of the Scrum Guide remains immutable. Let’s delve into what this immutability means and why adhering to it is crucial for achieving true agility.

Scrum is Immutable and What That Means

Scrum’s immutability means its framework is designed to be followed precisely as outlined in the Scrum Guide. The guide serves as the industry standard, providing clear rules and roles without influence from the myriad of competing agile frameworks. This immutability ensures consistency and predictability, making Scrum a reliable method for managing complex projects.

Origins of the Scrum Guide

Scrum is inspired by the work of Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka in “The New New Product Development Game” from 1986 and was later adapted 25 years ago via a presentation at the OOPSLA ‘95 conference. A paper written by Schwaber and Sutherland titled, The Scrum Development Process was then released based on this presentation. Scrum has been updated over the years starting with the first Scrum Guide release in 2009, but its foundation on empirical process and Lean principles has remained the same. 

“Over the years, the Scrum Guide started getting a bit more prescriptive, yet our goal has always been to retain it as a framework and not a methodology. The 2020 version aims to bring Scrum back to its roots, being a minimally sufficient framework,” said Ken Schwaber, co-author.  “We have also placed an emphasis on eliminating redundant and complex language and focusing on the Team which is required to build trust and uphold the Scrum Values.”

“While this version [Scrum Guide 2020] has significant changes, it’s important to remember that Scrum is still Scrum and there is only one Scrum,” said Jeff Sutherland, co-author. “It is exciting to have witnessed the evolution of how Scrum has been used over the past 25 years. Although the usage of Scrum has grown well beyond software, the key pillars of Transparency, Inspection and Adaptation remain.”

The Role of the Scrum Guide

The Scrum Guide is not just a set of suggestions but the definitive rulebook for implementing Scrum. By following it without deviation, teams can leverage Scrum’s full potential. This is not about framework wars or favoring one methodology over another; it’s about adhering to a proven set of practices that have been refined and validated over time.

Simplicity as a Strength

One of the reasons Scrum is widely adopted is its simplicity. The framework is straightforward, with clearly defined roles/accountabilities, events, and artifacts. This simplicity allows teams to focus on delivering value rather than getting bogged down in complex processes. However, simplicity does not mean easy, and many teams tend to mess up Scrum by trying to change it before achieving mastery.

Achieving Mastery of Scrum

Before attempting to tweak or combine Scrum with other methodologies, it’s essential first to achieve a level of mastery. Mastery involves not just understanding the roles and events but also living the values and principles of Scrum and Agile. Only when a team has fully embraced and excelled in the framework can they make informed adjustments.

Kanban vs. Scrum

While Kanban is another powerful agile methodology, it requires more mastery and discipline than Scrum. Kanban’s flexibility can be a double-edged sword, making it harder for teams to maintain consistency and control. On the other hand, Scrum’s inherent constraints and guardrails provide a structured environment that supports continuous improvement and agility.

Debunking the "Purist" Myth

The term "purist" in the context of Scrum often carries a negative connotation, implying rigidity or inflexibility. However, adhering to Scrum’s immutability is not about being a purist but about respecting a framework that works. Deviating from Scrum before mastering it undermines the very principles that make it effective. As Jeff Sutherland, co-author of the Scrum Guide, states: “Self organization means multiple cross-functional agents collaborating to achieve a common goal more quickly. This concept has been weaponized by so-called Agile developers who say it means they can do anything they want. This is one of the major causes of the 58% of Agile teams that are late, over budget, with unhappy customers.”

Widespread Adoption of Scrum

The proof of Scrum’s efficacy lies in its widespread adoption. Approximately 90% of the industry, including leading tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, have embraced Scrum. These companies rely on Scrum not because it is trendy but because it consistently delivers results in managing complex products and fostering innovation.

Addressing Systemic Organizational Barriers

When Scrum fails to achieve intended results, it is highly likely that the failure has nothing to do with Scrum or Agile itself but rather systemic organizational barriers preventing Scrum from sticking and thriving. These barriers can include outdated management practices, lack of support for cross-functional teams, or resistance to change. Identifying and addressing these barriers is crucial for Scrum to be effective.

Conclusion

In summary, Scrum’s immutability is its strength. By adhering to the Scrum Guide, achieving mastery, and respecting the framework’s constraints, teams can unlock the full potential of Scrum. As evidenced by its widespread adoption among industry leaders, Scrum remains a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of modern software development. Embrace Scrum as it is, master it, and only then consider how it might be adapted to fit your unique context.