What is the SCRUM Method and How Does it Work?

Ever wonder what the SCRUM method is? Wondering how you can use it to better help your team? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

1. What is Scrum?

Scrum is a method that encourages a team to come together, examine and learn from experiences, work on problems while implementing organization, while looking back on wins and losses in order to see where improvement can be found.

Scrum helps set meetings, roles, and tools that help a team find structure and manage their work more effectively. 

2. How does it Work?

Scrum is a framework, a system designed to help get your team to a similar mindset all centered around the idea of getting the work done. Scrum understands that not everyone is going to need to know everything or be involved in every aspect or conversation of the project.. 

Scrum is a way to help your team learn how to adapt to change and new conditions. It provides the understanding of how to change what needs priority and working within smaller release windows in order to allow for the greatest use and the largest improvement. 

3. Scrum Values

Scrum often works best when these five values are lived by: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage. 

This is a team method after all. Every step taken to complete the set goal should encourage and lift up these values. If these values are put aside or actions are taken to undermine these values, the scrum method is no longer effective. 

The purpose of this method is to grow your team’s abilities. The best way to do that is to follow these values and encourage one another through each stage of the project. 

4. How do I use it?

There are three steps most often used when implementing Scrum (often known as the Scrum Articles) Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment. For a more detailed look at each article, check out the Scrum Guide.

Product Backlog

This is the immediate work that needs to be done for the project. This is essentially the “To Do” list. The market is ever changing, products and services can fade into the background and newer and better options can be on the top. Keeping track of the market trends, is the focus of the person placed in charge of the Product Backlog. While the backlog is often revisited to ensure the project is heading in the right direction, this time also allows for growth opportunities and problem solving skill growth. 

Sprint Backlog 

Using a web development project as an example. This comprises user stories for feedback, things that need to be fixed such as bugs or coding, as well as items that are currently featured on websites. This list is often given to the development team during the current sprint cycle. This is often provided in meetings that are conducted before the new sprint starts. The sprint backlog is adaptable and will evolve. However, the goal, what is to be accomplished, will remain the same. 

Increment

Often represented as the Sprint Goal is the definition that will be used to signify that the Sprint is finished. The definition of “done” or “completed” that has been established will be the marker for the finish line. This will depend on how your team has defined what counts as finished before moving on to the next sprint. 

Implementing these ideas helps you release a product faster and we all know in the world of tech time cost money.

5. Scrum Meetings

While meetings can seem long and cumbersome, the purpose of these meetings will be for planning out the Sprints, Organizing Backlogs, and whatever else needs to be addressed. Daily Scrum is a technique used to check in with team members as well as the project. It is in these meetings that team members should be able to exercise openness and a willingness to listen. 

If there are issues or concerns this is the time to address them, such as supplying additional aid or ideas as needed. 

The Scrum method works for all companies in all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for ways to get your Team working as one cohesive unit, nailing down your time management, and growing stronger as a company, this method is a surefire way to get you there. 

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