Scrum Values
I have gotten to see the Scrum training first-hand now six times and I now it really has started to sink in, so much so that I even have had thoughts on how I would change the fundamentals of Scrum. In the Scrum guide there are 5 fundamental values that are essential to Scrum. The last of which is “Respect”. This may be the Rhetoric Major in me speaking but I think there is a better word for this fifth value. So I propose that Respect be replaced with the word “Trust”.
As it is meant in the teaching of Scrum, Respect is actually used as a mutual agreement between two people that if you say you will do something you will do it, or that you don’t have to constantly check on someone to make sure their doing the right thing. This aligns more with the word trust than respect to me. The words are alike in this way: you have to give it to also receive it. This mutuality is what makes this a critical part of every tea. You eliminate worry when you know that the people you work with trust in you like you trust in them.
I discussed this thought with Chris during a break in training, and I mentioned that if I were to rename it I might change the word to trust. He used the example that rendered both the words to mean the same thing. Suppose you have a boss that checks in on you and micro-manages your progress every 10 minutes to make sure you are getting work done, you would not be very happy with your job. Whereas you work with somebody who trusts that you have enough respect for the work that you do and also respects the fact that someone trusts in you to get your work done, I can guarantee that you will be happier with your work.
Without Trust, there is no need to make sure you get the best and the brightest people to work for you. You make an investment into everyone that works for your business, so why not give them the freedom to do their best work. From an employee standpoint you will see that if your higher-ups or even your equals trust you to get the job done you then will also be inclined to do your best work. Then you will trust in your coworkers as well.
Overall If no change to the Scrum Values is made which it is unlikely so, I would at least like for people to think about trust going hand in hand with respect. Trust is foundational way of showing that respect that is necessary in Scrum. It only makes sense that trust become apart of the Scrum Values as it is synonymous with respect.
Andrew
Andrew Tandy is a Junior Trainer plying his wares at beLithe. Andrew will start his senior year at Wabash College this fall.
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