Scrums and Sprints: A Different Approach To Work

They gained popularity first in the technology field. Scrums brought small teams together to work on software development over a relatively short period. The term ‘scrum’ is borrowed from rugby, where players meet before play begins.

Most recently, other fields like sales, marketing, and research have employed the same principles and believe they have enjoyed great success.

Perhaps you can employ the same technique in your workplace.

Teams of about ten people come together around a single goal. They usually consist of a “scrum master” who helps the team as a coach, teacher, and facilitator. There is also a “product owner” who is charged with m, inch sure the group ends with the best possible outcome. Developers are scrum members that work together to create the product.

The scrum team keeps to a work schedule. “Sprint Planning” is when the group outlines what needs to be accomplished. During “sprints,” workers spend a month or less on concentrated work. These are followed by “sprint reviews” to discuss progress and establish what needs to be done during the next sprint. Every day a “daily scrum” is where everyone comes together for a short update on progress and to solve any issues that arise. 

Scrums work because there is a commitment to finding solutions focusing on successful outcomes. They also work because they focus on specific tasks with accountability from peers. Plus, the process provides transparency between all members, management, and clients.

Despite their success for many companies, scrums can also fail. Without training and a taming of egos, the process can fail. Scrums also seem to work best with small projects. As projects increase in size and complexity, additional knowledge and coordination will be critical to a successful outcome.

Much has been written about scrums, and many case studies have been compiled which can be of help to anyone interested in trying to launch a scrum. Jeff Sutherland, the co-creator of Scrums, is the author of “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work In Half The Time.” And the website www.scrum.org has lots of resources and training.

I’ve seen scrums work and breath new energy into a workplace. It might be worth investigating.